Archive for April, 2010

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system maintains that although allergens such as pollen, dust, and dander trigger symptoms in susceptible people, they are not the primary cause of allergies instead it is the accumulation of ama (toxic) and low immunity.
Ayurveda emphasis that the improperly digested foods (ama), and impurities, such as chemical additives, are absorbed into the body, travel through the circulation and lodge in the respiratory tissues, skin and other tissues prone to allergy. These accumulated wastes and toxins block the channels, trapping the toxins inside the tissues, and activating the immune system.
When this toxics material interact with the Skin, they can cause rashes, itching,burning sensations and discoloration. If the respiratory tract is involved, sneezing, inflammation and mucous drainage will occur. If the tissue involved is the digestive tract, diarrhea can result.
The qualities that predominate and the season or conditions that bring on or worsen the allergy reveal the doshas that are involved. Determining the dominant aggravated dosha helps in the creation of an individual
specific treatment plan.
Vata type allergies may present with symptoms of dry cough with dry phlegm, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and irregular digestion and elimination, and will likely worsen in dry or windy environments and in the fall season.
Pitta type allergies will show up as heated symptoms such as burning eyes, rashes, loose stool, and irritation and may get worse in hot environments and the summer time.
Kapha, being moist, dull, and heavy, will have the most abundant clear or cloudy mucous production and sluggish digestion, and will worsen in the spring time as the weather warms up and the accumulated kapha from the winter begins to “melt. ”
From an Ayurvedic perspective, allergies, as with any condition, reflect a unique situation in each person’s array of symptoms and underlying imbalances and its allergy treatment will emphasize on the four steps: boost the digestive fire, adjust the diet to support a “clean burn,” detoxify, and restore the strength of the immune system.
According to Ayurveda, an ancient healing system, one develops allergies when ojas (life force) is depleted & when the immune system is weakened. High quality ojas is primarily built from proper digestion of wholesome foods, and is depleted through stress, lack of rest, toxic foods, irregular eating habits and routines & turbulent emotions. Ayurvedic management of allergies includes:
a) Diet, Nutrition and Digestion – Allergies can be aggravated through improper diet. Foods that can be easily digested, creating nutrients that are then assimilated into the tissues to rebuild their strength is advised. Prepare foods in ways that create maximum nourishment for the body.
b) Stress Management and Improved Emotional Function – Allergies are worsened by heightened stress and mental fatigue. Sleep disturbance that is often created by symptoms of allergies increases fatigue, which in turn increases one’s susceptibility to stress, which in turn aggravates the allergy condition. Meditation relieves the stress component of allergies.
c) Lifestyle and Daily Routine – Regularity in our daily routine is highly effective as one of the most important factors for balancing Vata and keeping the natural cleansing processes strong is to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural bodily rhythms
d) Ayurvedic Herbs – Appropriate herbal formulas is advised for aiding the healing process, strengthening digestion and helping the body purify itself.
e) Herbal Oil Massage – Daily oil massage creates heat and friction which enhance circulation and help cleanse the areas of chemical impurities that could be causing symptoms of allergies.
f) Cleansing therapies – Treatment program of massage, application of herbal preparations and mild internal cleansing therapies like panchakarma is the cornerstone of ayurvedic treatment.
g) Exercise – Ayurveda considers proper stretching and flexibility exercises to have a very positive effect on the body’s healing response and the treatment of allergies. Yoga breathing practices that create a state of restful alertness in mind and body.
Thus, Ayurveda is an integrated approach to allergy as it eliminates toxin buildup, stabilize the nervous system, enliven the healing ability of the body and manage stress and thereby strikes the allergy at its root.