Ayurveda for Allergies

Western medicine looks at allergies as an adverse reaction to food, environment, cosmetics and so on, recommending that the best way to remedy the problem is to provide immediate relief with antihistamines and avoid the allergens that cause the reaction. Ayurveda however has a bit of a different view.

Allergies are definitely an adverse reaction to something external, however the fact that they occur originates from an imbalance of the doshas or bio-energetic principles that govern the functioning of our mind-body. As with all Ayurvedic treatment, treating the origin as opposed to the result is the key to achieving long term benefits and relief.

Allergies can result from an imbalance of any or all three of the doshas though typically one of the doshas will characterize the reaction. The Vata Dosha or bio-energetic principle of movement, is always involved as an imbalanced vata lowers immunity making one susceptible in the first instance. An incessantly runny nose, fatigue, continuous sneezing and throbbing headaches further indicate Vata type allergies. Heated, red eyes, sharp sinus headaches, fevers and itching skin indicate Pitta type allergies. A build-up of stuck, congested mucus indicates Kapha type allergies.

If you suffer from allergies, then following some basic Ayurvedic Dinacharya or daily self care can help provide relief in the short term and also in the long term if you keep with the routine. Ideally then you would follow these routines everyday of the year until the symptoms totally clear, but if this is not possible then make sure you follow it prior to and during allergy season. Begin at least two months before allergy season to maximize the strength of your system.

Start your day with jalneti, the Ayurvedic tradition of clearing the nasal passages with herbinfused water. Although it may seem hard or uncomfortable, with a little practice it's easy to do, and highly effective. Allergy sufferers will particularly benefit from this practice, as cleansing the nasal passages with water and herbal oils purifies the system and helps regulate pressure in the head. It is best practiced in the morning prior to breathing exercises such as pranayama, Jalneti is traditionally performed with a small pot called a Neti pot that looks like a miniature teapot with a particularly long spout.

Fill the Neti pot with about 1 cup of lukewarm water. Add 5 to 7 drops of an herbal essential oil or other concentrate that brings out toxins and relieves congestion (if these are not available, a teaspoon of table salt will help break down the upper levels of congestion). Place the spout at the right nostril (but do not insert into the nostril), keeping your mouth open to allow for free breathing, and tip the pot to send the water into your right nostril.

Tilt your head slightly forwards and to the left so that the water flushes through the nasal passages and emerges from your left nostril by the force of gravity. This is going to feel strange at first! Should any nasal congestion prevent the free flow of water, allow some time to elapse before trying again. When the pot is empty, refill and repeat with the other nostril. Work up to 2 potfuls per day on each side. Nasal cleansing is good for all three Doshas.

Then follow with some pranayama techniques for about 15-20 minutes. Choose Kapalbhati breathing to release congestion and help the mucus flow from the nasal passages. Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position, hands resting loosely on your abdomen, and slowly become aware of your breathing cycle. Take a few natural breaths. Inhale expanding the abdomen and then quickly exhale contracting the abdomen as much as possible. Take several breaths in quick succession - focus on the out-breath and contracting the abdomen with each, the in-breath will come naturally. Rest and repeat. Round out with Shitali breathing - this pranayama has a cooling effect on internal inflammation.

Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position, and slowly become aware of your breathing cycle. Take a few natural breaths. Partially protrude your tongue and then fold up the sides to form a long narrow tube resembling a bird's beak. Narrow the passage by further pressing the lips around the tongue. Inhale and preceive the cold air passing through the tongue pipe. Close your mouth and retain for as long as you comfortably can. Exhale though both nostrils. This completes one round. Build up retention time with subsequent practice but only to a level of comfort, and never rush your out-breath.

Finally, follow with Nasya: Ayurvedic nasal therapy. Insert a few drops of oil into each nostril after washing your face with lukewarm water. Choose an Ayurvedic oil that that has been prepared to help alleviate allergies. Or to keep it simple, choose mustard oil for Kapha, neem oil for Pitta or a mixture of the two for Vata. Rub a little bit of the oil into your face and over your sinuses to support the Nasya procedure. Then comes traditional nasal cleansing or Jalneti.

And for overall balance, introduce soothing cool energy foods into your lifestyle as these help to build your body's production of its own natural antihistaimes. Aloe vera juice, Amla and neem (dried or as a herb tea) are ideal.