Healing Journeys with Suzie Daggett
Suzie interviewed healing arts practitioners, asking them about the effects of their modality on seasonal allergies. There are many ways to treat allergies including over the counter pills, prescription medicines, herbs and alternative treatments. Acupuncture has been very effective for many people, myself included. A client of Jerre Lynn’s has this to say about essential oils: “We used four different oils for my husband's severe allergies. These oils were peppermint, eucalyptus, myrtle and RC. I layered these on his feet and over his sinuses. He experienced 99% relief from his allergies this spring! That is truly amazing because he has suffered with them for over 7 years and used every medication from over-the-counter to prescription.”
I asked the following practitioners this question: What is an effective alternative treatment to deal with seasonal allergies?
China Roberson, L.Ac, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Traditional Oriental Medicine, commonly known as Acupuncture and Oriental Herbology, is an excellent remedy for the treatment of seasonal allergies. By using classical Chinese methods, the diagnosis is made, and treatments begin immediately. Seasonal allergies may be treated with Acupuncture once a week, as well as recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Oriental herbal formulas are prescribed and taken each day, to continue results. Some of the recommended dietary changes are: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, hot or spicy foods, shellfish, fried foods, dairy products, and all processed foods. These foods are eliminated or reduced because they create heat, wind and phlegm in the body. Acupuncture can disperse heat and wind symptoms from the head, face, eyes, and nose, as well as address sinus drip, nasal congestion, and cough. These points may be selected from the head, face, trunk, arms or legs of the body. Local organic honey, eaten through the year, is an excellent way to boost the immune system and prepare your body to be adaptive to Spring and blossoming pollens. 265-3763
Jane Presley, Practitioner of Classical Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a safe, effective system of medicine, used by people worldwide for over 200 years. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural sources, are non-toxic and, when properly administered, can be safely used with infants, children, and adults. Homeopathy is based on the principle that “like cures like”. That is, if a substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person, then it can stimulate self-healing of similar symptoms in a sick person. Suppose a person has hay fever, with watery eyes and a burning nasal discharge. A Homeopath might prescribe Allium Cepa – a tiny dose of onion specially prepared by a Homeopathic Pharmacy, because onion is known to cause watery eyes and a burning nasal discharge. Most Homeopathic medicines are available over-the-counter. Consumers can learn to treat simple, self-limiting conditions safely at home, quickly and effectively, but chronic or serious allergies should be treated by a professional Homeopath. Under homeopathic care, the allergies will lessen over time, and general health will improve greatly. 271-1350
Jerre Lynn, CMT, Bodies In Balance-Massage and Bowen Therapy
A liver cleanse and/or a colon cleanse is the most direct approach to putting an end to allergies. When the body is clean and healthy; i.e. free of toxins and stagnant energies, the immune system is then strong enough to keep the body in balance. Bowen Muscle Therapy is a gentle, non-aggressive therapy that helps bring the body back into balance, effecting the sinuses and the endocrine system, imperative for strong immunity. Massage also can be effective for allergies, especially when adding essential oils. The next best approach is to catch the allergy symptom before it gets too aggressive by using essential oil of Lavender. Use Lavender around the eyes, around the ears and on the throat. Also, Eucalyptus oil, or RC - Respiratory Congestion, and Peppermint are effective in a steam inhalation. For those itchy eyes, some have used oil of Frankincense. Just a drop rubbed carefully around the eyes with immediate results. Drink lots of clean fresh water; keeping yourself hydrated, and your elimination process flowing. 477-7848
Victoria Rasch - Serendipity
Histamine is produced by the thymus gland, which is a part of the body's primary defense and healing system. The histamine system signals the mind and body about what resources it needs to fight off the invasion or allergy. Generally, allergy sufferers take anti-histamines, which inhibit our natural defenses and give the user a sense of drowsiness and sedation. Instead of killing the system, the reasonable approach would be to identify why the system malfunctioned and give the body the needed nutrients to build up and correct this malfunctioning. There are natural alternatives on the market designed to work with your body, therefore stabilizing the histamine in our body. One alternative is Histamine Blend. It is a food/herbal formula that specifically strengthens the histamine system of the body with an array of over 20 herbs in a specialized clay base. 274-0777
Healing Journeys is a column written by Suzie Daggett for the Grass Valley Union newspaper. Suzie interviews a variety of health practitioners most Fridays in the Wellness section. Click here to read past articles prior to 2005. Enter "Suzie Daggett" in the search box to get listing of all articles. |
