Natural Ways to Combat Allergies

This time of year in the Portland is filled with the colors and smells of spring! Flowers are blooming and the sky can be filled with rain or rainbows. While the blooms are beautiful, they can also bring on allergies. Itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion are common symptoms that put a damper on the floral display. Here are some natural suggestions for handling the histamine reactions:

• Acupuncture: there are a number of points to help relieve symptoms. I like using acupoints next to the nostrils to help open up the sinuses. There are also points to help with headaches, itchy skin, even tired eyes!

• Herbal formulas can be an alternative to medications that can dry you out. There are several formulas that can reduce histamine reactions in the body. There are also single herbs brewed as a tea that can help. Chrysanthemum, for those not allergic to asters, is used in Chinese Medicine to calm redness and swelling, especially in the eyes. You can sip the tea or even put the flowers on the eyes like a poultice.

• Local raw honey or bee pollen: if you aren't allergic to bee products, this is a fantastic way to acclimate the body to surrounding flora. Buying raw honey from your local farmer's market will ensure you're getting pollen from what the bees are gathering in the neighborhood.

• Massage: gently moving the lymph and muscles around the nose and eyes can help bring down irritation and soothe any tension in the face. Start by using a warm towel on the face to relax the area. Then use the thumb pads to massage along the nose to loosen any congestion. Finally press along the brow line to smooth out tension from the upper sinuses.

• Neti rinse: use a neti pot to rinse the sinuses and prevent continued contact with allergens. Make sure to use distilled water for the rinse. Adding a pinch of salt or baking soda can also bring down inflammation. Do this after being exposed to allergens or before going to bed.  

 

Tanya Zhu, LAc - To Tanya, health is about the intersection of mind, body and spirit. She strives to provide the best Traditional Chinese Medicine to patients, incorporating acupuncture, herbs, Asian massage and qigong as a means to balance both the physical and emotional aspects of health. When not working, Tanya enjoys the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, whether it's bathing in the sounds of nature, sampling the gastronomic abundance of the city, or connecting with family and friends.