Tips to Minimize Spring Allergies
Lately, I have been seeing a lot of people in my office with seasonal allergies going crazy. After an especially wet winter and now very windy late spring, conditions are perfect for a flare up of sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and runny noses!
Spring flowers can mean allergies flare up!
- Prioritize good sleep: Quality sleep is vital for a well-functioning immune system and optimal overall health. When we are run-down, we can’t mount as effective a defense against allergies.
- Avoid inflammatory foods: Inflammatory foods, especially red wine, dairy, coffee, and gluten create a burden on the body, and can lower the energy available to counter seasonal allergies.
- Be mindful of the wind: Allergies in Chinese medicine are related to wind invading the body. By protecting yourself from the wind when you go outside, or just avoiding it altogether, you’ll keep your Qi strong to fend off common allergens.
- Neti/Nasal irrigation: Performing nasal irrigation, aka neti, can be helpful to clear out nasal and sinus passages of inhaled allergens and thereby reducing the burden on the body they create.
- Acupuncture and herbal medicine: If the first four together aren’t enough, come in for acupuncture treatment and take home a custom herbal formula to counter your specific flavor of seasonal allergies.
If you are having intense spring allergies, reach out for some support!
