Allergies are so common that we expect and dread seasonal shifts because we know our immune system will start to go haywire. The remedy is to go to the doctor, get a prescription or buy antihistamines over-the-counter because these solutions are cheap and easy. Survival is all that matters.
Food allergies are even worse because there is no seasonal alleviation period, some people are simply allergic to certain foods all of the time. The answer is to pop a pill to digest certain foods or to avoid them altogether. Environmental toxins also are even more disturbing because there is little we can do to avoid the severe reactions that the inhalation or contact with certain chemicals can cause. Pets, dust, dander, mold, medications, bee stings…the list could go on.
In the mildest of cases, you may just deal with a runny nose, itchy eyes or cough. In the worst of cases, you may break out in hives or go into anaphylaxis, which can cause death if not treated immediately.
In this article, we will provide a holistic healing perspective on common allergies that cause mild-moderate (and perhaps sometimes severe) discomfort. If you are experiencing a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction, please visit a licensed medical care provider immediately.
Compromised Immunity
Ayurveda views almost all allergies as symptoms of compromised immunity or “low ojas” – a deep-level imbalance that prevents the body from adequately producing an immune response that would effectively neutralize the pathogen or substance causing the allergic reaction. That’s right, when your immune system is compromised, or simply not kept in optimal functioning condition, you are far more likely to experience an inflammatory immune response, or allergies.
How do you know if your immune system is struggling? Allergies, infections, viruses, fatigue, burnout, skin conditions, inflammatory conditions and digestive disorders are among the common signs. From an Ayurvedic perspective, any condition of depletion – in mind, body or spirit – is considered a condition of “low ojas”.
Genetics can certainly play a role but epigenetic studies have shown us that our genes don’t necessarily determine our health outcome. Like most imbalances in Ayurveda, allergies are also a symptom of poor physical and subtle body digestion. When we can’t digest our food, experiences or emotions properly, we create an accumulation of toxins, or ama, that can lead to allergies.
How well you digest your food determines the quality of your bodily tissues and functions. From an Ayurvedic perspective, when lymph and blood – the quality of which are determined by what and how you eat – are compromised, allergies are far more common because they are the first line of defense against the allergen. Furthermore, all immune cells have receptors on them that respond to neuropeptides in the brain (or chemicals that respond to emotions). Therefore, the emotional state and thoughts of a person clearly affect their immune system.
Popping a Pill
It’s important to note that allergy medications do not make your immune system stronger. You may feel better after taking them, but that doesn’t mean you’re addressing the root cause or potentially eliminating allergies for life.
Among the side effects of most allergy medications are drowsiness, dry mouth and dry eyes, blurred or double vision, cough, dizziness or headache, low blood pressure, excess mucus in the airways, joint or muscle pain, nausea or vomiting, rapid heart rate, sore throat, difficulty urinating, constipation and others.
Holistic Healing Solutions
What if we told you that you could live a life completely – or mostly – allergy-free, without prescription medications and without dreading the next seasonal shift or accidental addition of an allergy-provoking food on your plate?
Unfortunately, the answer doesn’t come wrapped up in an over-the-counter box or pill – although, there are excellent herbal remedies that can help you to manage your symptoms (without all the nasty side effects) while you are rejuvenating the immune system. Building ojas, or re-establishing the strength, vitality and immunity of your body so that it can naturally fight back against environmental and food allergens takes time and intention.
Time
If you have suffered for a long time from allergies or imbalances such as digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety or depression, you know these imbalances will now just go away overnight all on their own. When a person has been in a state of depletion for an extended period of time, leading to low or insufficient immunity, it takes time to build it back stronger. Shifting your perspective and setting feasible expectations for your healing path are key and best done in conjunction with a holistic health coach.
Those with minor symptoms will boost their overall immune profile faster while those with more severe, complex or pervasive symptoms may take more time. Some may have suffered permanent damage and will only be able to work on symptom management. Work with a practitioner to understand what your recovery profile looks like. One thing we do know for sure is that the more intention you put into the process, the better your results.
Intention
It’s very easy in modern society to simply pop a pill and keep charging forward with life. The miracle(?) of modern science has allowed us to live our lives without thinking intentionally about what true self-care means. In the process of building ojas, or strengthening our immunity profile, nutritional, lifestyle and subtle body changes are essential.
Ayurvedic practitioners are also health coaches, meaning that they help you to uncover meaning and purpose on your healing journey in a way that works for you and your unique constitution. Building immunity is not a matter of willpower vs. weakness. Sometimes our weaknesses or challenges are actually our greatest strengths. Working with an experienced practitioner and coach can help you to create intention, habits and patterns that stick.
Getting Started
The best way to heal from your allergies is to work with a practitioner. But, if you’re looking for a few ideas to help you get started, try the following recommendations:
- Seasonal and local nutrition – enjoy foods, especially organic fresh fruits and vegetables, that are native to your area and aligned with the seasons. Exposure to these foods in their growing season and local environments may provide you with a low-level of natural histamines, which can help build a tolerance in the body. Eliminating processed foods and pesticides will definitely help to enhance the ojas-building properties in food.
- Reduce Inflammation – read our latest article, Taming the Flames of Inflammation for nutrition and lifestyle tips to help you reduce inflammation.
- Chyawanprash – an Ayurvedic favorite! Packed with an immune-boosting and adaptogenic herbal blend that includes a high dose of alamaki, a fruit and herb that helps to enhance immunity with more Vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable. Use code IMMUNEBOOST to receive 20% off!
- Raw local honey – may be anti-allergenic when consumed regularly prior to seasonally allergy onset.
- Ojas Balls – enjoy this recipe anytime you feel depleted, overwhelmed or in need of nourishment. With a balanced combination of healthy fats, fiber and protein, ojas balls provide you with all the nourishment you need to feel energetic and stable. A wonderful substitute for sweet cravings. Skip the processed sugars and enjoy these instead!
- Fix your digestion – learn which foods are right for your constitution, how to adapt other foods to meet your needs, and when you need to cleanse.
- Seasonal cleansing! – root out the deep layers of toxins in your body and reset your digestion. This is one of the best ways to quickly realign the entire system and build ojas.
- Nasal Rinsing – one of the most effective ways to keep the sinuses clean, clear and well-functioning.
- Nasya – protect the sinuses from outside allergens and help clear the passageways!
- Rest – real rest. Not just zoning out or numbing out with television or social media. Meditation, restorative yoga, walk in nature, stargazing, mani/pedi, massage, cuddling. Anything that aligns you with the natural world and your natural rhythms.
- Sleep – much like rest, sleep cannot be underestimated. 7-9 hours of restful sleep are absolutely essential to maintaining proper functioning of the immune system and the entire body. Proper sleep habits are the foundation but if it feels like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working for you, contact a holistic practitioner to help you determine and remedy the root cause.
Stay tuned to this month’s Path Wellbeing articles for more information on inflammation, inflammaging and preparing for the Ayurvedic “fire season” (pitta time of year).
The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace the direct advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a medical or other professional healthcare provider when considering a new health regime.
