Seasonal Allergies range in their effects from mild to debilitating for some people. However, with an Integrative approach combining the best of modern medical research and complementary therapies, allergies can become a thing of the past for many people. For the best and most long lasting effects, seasonal allergies need to be looked at and treated on a year round basis. This means preventative practices, acute treatment during the allergy season and long-term care. When viewed and treated in this manner, allergies can be managed and brought back under control.

Prevention

Preventative treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine should begin a minimum of 1-2 months prior to the time of year that allergies normally affect you. Chinese herbs have the ability to stimulate the immune system to make the body better prepared to stay healthy and fight off allergies. The herbs can also modulate the inflammatory response in the body. This inflammatory response is normal in most people, however in people with allergies the body overreacts to common allergens creating the allergies. It is this overreaction by the body that creates the symptoms of sneezing, stuffiness and itchy eyes common to allergy sufferers. Chinese herbs can help to alleviate this overreaction thereby limiting the allergic symptoms.

Another useful tool in allergy prevention is the neti pot. The neti pot is a nasal irrigation device that works very well to keep nasal passages and sinuses functioning properly. Many people believe that the neti pot is best used during acute episodes of allergies and sinus issues in order to clean out and open the nasal passages. While the neti pot is great during these acute times it is best used as a preventative tool for sinus health. The neti pot works to not only keep the nasal passages open and free of allergens, but it also keeps the tissues healthy. When the tissue in the nose becomes dry, cracked and inflamed it is much more susceptible to becoming irritated by an allergen. Also, when this tissue is dry the body naturally sends moisture to the area in the form of mucous thereby complicating the allergic symptoms. Daily use of the neti pot prior to allergy season can help to heal the nasal passages and often brings great relief during allergy season.

Preventative treatment for allergies can provide significant relief for many sufferers. However, depending on the severity of your allergies it may or may not completely eliminate your symptoms totally during the first season. What you should expect would be less intense symptoms and a shorter duration of effects. With long-term care we would look to see significant if not complete remission of symptoms.

Acute Symptom Management

When acute symptoms arise, Chinese Herbal Medicine and acupuncture can be employed to help quickly and efficiently deal with the issues. With proper preventative care your body will be stronger and more prepared to deal with the allergic symptoms and will respond even quicker to the therapy.

During this time the herbal treatment plan will change. During an acute attack, herbs to strengthen the immune system and modulate the inflammatory response will be combined with herbs that have decongestant, mucolytic and anihistamine effects. This will continue to strengthen the body while also eliminating the allergic symptoms.

Acupuncture can also provide immediate relief for allergy symptoms. Acupuncture has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and can work to quickly minimize nasal inflammation and irritation. Acupuncture can also produce increased circulation. This increased circulation will help to eliminate any pressure or pain on the sinuses and to soften some of the inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Continued use of the neti pot during the acute stage will also be helpful in minimizing symptoms and shortening the duration of the attack. During this time the neti pot should be used at least twice per day, before bed and first thing upon rising. It can be used much more often if necessary though, as often as once every couple of hours.

As you allergy symptoms ease and the season comes to an end it is time to begin thinking about long-term care. This is when you will have time to continue building up your system and creating the permanent changes that can make allergies a thing of the past.

Long-Term Care

Long-term allergy management includes possible dietary changes and the addition of some nutritional supplements to your routine. These gentle changes can be used long-term without the worry of side effects.

Dietary recommendations include hydration and proper nutrition. Proper hydration means getting a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water per day. If you are drinking coffee, tea or soda then you will want to drink an extra glass of water for each beverage and if you are exercising heavily then you may want to boost that even more. Nutrition recommendations include 6-9 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Onions, garlic, cayenne and apples are specifically helpful for people with allergies. Also, an Omega-3 supplement has been shown to be beneficial. Fish or Cod Liver oil, high in Omega-3 content, has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help to modulate the allergic reaction.

While the above recommendations may prove helpful for many people, a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor would be highly recommended at this time. A Naturopathic Doctor will be able to take a detailed look at your particular presentation and can prescribe many more specific supplements, botanicals and remedies for your individual case. A Naturopathic Doctor can also order specific lab tests that are necessary in some more recalcitrant cases. For people with very severe allergies that are not responding completely to other complementary care, diagnostic testing may provide the key to the case. Some people may have intestinal infections such as parasites, yeast and fungus or food allergies that can severely complicate complete recovery from allergies. A Naturopathic Doctor will be able to find and treat these issues when necessary.

Round-Up

Seasonal Allergies can be complicated and difficult to manage, and conventional approaches often only minimize symptoms without dealing with the underlying causes. Integrative care for allergies has proven helpful to many people in overcoming their allergies and becoming healthier at the same time. Proper care will also not only eliminate symptoms but create a shift in an individual’s health so that allergies do not continue to return year after year. This path may be slower and require more patience than a conventional approach, yet working closely with your healthcare provider to create an appropriate treatment plan will bring improved health and long lasting satisfactory results.