Tis the season for allergy (relief!)
It seems like everyone around me is suffering from seasonal allergies. In Chinese medicine allergies are a result of defensive or Wei qi deficiency coupled with wind invasion. Pathogens tend to enter into the body in the neck and upper back (hence the achey muscles associated with cold, flu, and allergies). The following tactics can help reduce symptoms of wind invasion and inflammation including runny nose, itchy eyes, and sinus headaches.
1. Avoid sugar and use local honey instead. Sugar weakens the immune system and makes the body susceptible to all kinds of disharmony.
2. Up your greens! Allergies are an immune response, with ties to the liver and spleen systems in Chinese medicine. Keep these pathways flushed by getting proper nutrition in the form of steamed or sauteed leafy greens. (Raw greens are fine if there is no digestive compromise. With gas and bloating it is best to avoid raw vegetables). Try sauteing de-stemmed kale in a TBS of coconut oil with dried currants or raisins, salt/pepper, and pine nuts or walnuts.
2. Administer self-acupressure on the following acupoints. Press and massage gently for 1 to 2 minutes each, daily.
GB20 - locate by feeling for mastoid bone (behind ear) and following groove to where neck muscles attach to base of skull
LI4 - on top of hand, on web between thumb and pointer finger
ST36 - on lateral side of shin, 4 finger-breadth down from lower/external border of patella
LV2 - in-between 1st and 2nd toes, about half and inch from web
LU7 - about 1.5 inches from wrist crease (radial/thumb side), proximal to the styloid process of radius; run your finger from the top of your thumb toward your body and you'll cross a bump just after the wrist crease. The point lies where your finger falls into the groove.
3. Get lots of rest and adequate fluids! It is HOT outside. Our body fluids are compromised with excessive sweating. Drinking water through the day helps balance this. Night is when our bodies have a chance to repair and recover from the day. Aim for at least 8 hours, starting from a decent hour. (Falling asleep at 10 pm is far superior to falling asleep at 2 am). Try steeping water with anti-inflammatory mint, cucumber, and lemon to help reduce sinus swelling.
4. Reduce stress! Decompress! Find a release that works for you, whether it is stretching, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. These activities let the nervous system know that it is safe and help to calm the allergic response.
5. Get acupuncture regularly. Numerous studies show benefit of acupuncture for allergy relief.
Feel better, everybody!