Autumn is here and the Santa Ana winds are blowing pollen, dust, and mold through the air causing peoples allergies to act up. An allergy attack can feel like a cold or flu leaving you feeling miserable.
Headaches from sinus pressure are common as well as runny nose, itching, sneezing, and coughing. Before you go to the drug store and purchase antihistamines here are 5 natural things you can do to keep your allergies in check this season:
1. Get a netti pot.
When suffering from nasal allergies a netti pot can save your life. Use it twice daily to irrigate your nasal system and clear out unwanted allergens from your nose. A netti pot can wash away allergens, lessen mucus, and and relieve sinus pressure. They cost about $10 at your local drugstore.
2. Increase your intake of horseradish, chili peppers, and hot mustard.
These foods are natural decongestants. They cause your nose to run and therefore expel allergens. Add them to your diet by cooking them in your favorite dishes.
3. Replace your air filters with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment.
HEPA filters can trap dust and mold spores and stop them from circulating in your home. Use them with your vacuum and air conditioner system.
4. Get a weekly acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture works by balancing the body and strengthening the immune system. A weekly acupuncture treatment will not only help keep allergy symptoms away but it can also help other symptoms not related to allergies. You may notice that after your treatment you can sleep better, you are less stressed, and the back pain that has been bothering you for weeks has practically disappeared!
5. Use herbal and natural supplements instead of over the counter antihistamines or prescription steroids.
When it comes to allergies and herbal medicine you have plenty of options. Here are just a few natural supplements you can take:
- Astragalus otherwise known as huang qi, is an amazing Chinese herb that can strengthen your immune system. You can buy it in single herb form or in a formula with other immune boosting Chinese herbs.
- Ginseng aka ren shen is probably the most famous Chinese herb. It too strengthens the immune system and can be taken alone or in a formula with other Chinese herbs. Ginseng will also give you a natural boost of energy and help combat stress.
- Quercetin a bioflavanoid, can block the release of histamine and prevent inflammation.
- A daily multivitamin is a good start but if you want added defense against allergies then especially increase your intake of vitamin A, vitamin C & vitamin B complex.
- CoQ10 is also an immune booster that counters histamine.
As always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.
Book online to schedule the next available appointment with Dawna Ara, L.Ac.
If you are a new patient, please download and fill out the New Patient Form
Tags: Tags: Acupuncture, allergies, allergy, Alternative Medicine, Astragalus, Chinese Medicine, CoQ10, Health care, Herbs, mold, Natural Cures, Netti Pot, Nutrition,
There has been quite a bit of debate going on regarding the new H1N1 aka swine flu vaccine. Some are saying its a necessity, that every man, woman, and child need to get the shot in order to survive. But why then if it is so important are some of our top doctors and nurses willing to lose their jobs over their right to NOT get the flu shot?
As usual, the answer is complicated. With all the hype and attention the swine flu has gotten you would think we would have enough information to all be experts by now. The reality is that there has been so much false information tangled up with the truth that it has been nearly impossible to make an educated decision. So in a better effort to help you decide if the flu shot is right for you, I have added some links from reliable sources for you to view.
Read what the experts at flu.gov and what the Center for Disease Control are saying about the issue, or what the World Health Organization is saying about the vaccine.
A little note on the healing benefits of Chinese Medicine. Whether you decide to get the flu shot or not, Chinese Medicine can help your body protect itself from getting sick. Chinese Medicine works by strengthening what is weak, and sedating what is excess. This means that if you get sick often because your immune system is low (weakness), it can help you build up your body’s natural defense mechanisms so you have the strength to fight off the flu (excess) with or without help from the flu vaccine.
If you decide not to get the flu shot Chinese Medicine can help you keep your immune system up and your body strong. If you do get the flu shot, it can help make sure you and the flu shot are working together in harmony to keep invaders out. Of course always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.
As always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.
Book online to schedule the next available appointment with Dawna Ara, L.Ac.
If you are a new patient, please download and fill out the New Patient Form
Tags: Tags: Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Flu Shot, Flu Vaccine, Health care, Herbs, Natural Cures, Nutrition, Swine Flu,
Chinese Medicine is an ancient health system aimed at bringing the entire body into balance. It is an intricate system that includes the use of acupuncture, herbs, and dietary therapies. Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles into specific points on the body.
Disease in Chinese Medicine is said to take place as soon as Qi or Life force gets “stuck” or “stagnates” in the body. A skilled acupuncturist carefully chooses points that will help move the qi in its proper direction and allow it flow freely.
Here are some of diseases that the World Health Organization says acupuncture is suitable for:
Digestive Problems
IBS, ulcerative colitis, crohns disease, constipation, diarrhea, bacillary dysentery, hiccups, ulcers, colic
Women’s Health
menstrual irregularities, painful cramps, menopause, infertility, morning sickness, induction of childbirth & correction of the malposition of fetus
Pain Management
migraine headache, chronic fatigue, injury, back and neck pain, arthritis, sciatica, nerve pain, facial neuralgia, knee pain, shoulder pain
Mental Health
depression, emotional problems, stress management, anxiety
Addiction
cigarette smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse
Respiratory Problems
allergies, colds, flu, asthma
Endocrine Disorders
hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, weight changes
Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Radiation
nausea, vomiting
Others
hypertension, hypotension, stroke
Book online to schedule the next available appointment with Dawna Ara, L.Ac.
If you are a new patient, please download and fill out the New Patient Form
About the author: Dawna Ara is a Licensed Practitioner of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in the state of California. She has over 10 years experience in the health field and practices Acupuncture in Pasadena and Los Angeles.
