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Spring is in the Air…Achoo!
Spring has sprung and I feel it. I can tell because I'm sneezing, my eyes are itching and I get a feeling of fatigue. Spring fever!
I am among the 40 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies and chronic rhinitis.
In fact the Center for Health Statistics has called allergic rhinitis the number one chronic health condition in America. So at least I'm not alone.
Fortunately there are number of therapies that are safe, inexpensive and quite effective that help deal with this condition. Respiratory allergies are just the first step for many in what can turn into more serious conditions such as upper respiratory infections or asthma. Allergies at their root are our immune systems overreacting to a stimulus—such as pollen, dust and dander—that it perceives as a threat.
In response, the body kicks into action with its defenses and the result is the runny nose, itchy eyes and other unpleasant symptoms associated with allergies.
When the immune system is distracted by these allergens, it becomes easier for the real disease agents, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi to take hold in our body.
When you think abut it, what better place for germs to fester than in our sinus cavities where it's warm, moist and dark. Normally our bodies secrete enough mucous to rinse away these pathogens but they can get overwhelmed and when that happens, little bugs begin to grow. What's a sinus sufferer to do?
Over the last 21 years that I've been in practice I have come across a number of highly effective remedies and techniques that can help even the most stubborn conditions. For starters, there's acupuncture—but don't just take my word for it.
A recent research study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that acupuncture was effective for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This study looked at 5,000 patients over a three-month period. They were all receiving routine care but half were randomly assigned to receive acupuncture as well. They were assessed at three and six months; the acupuncture group was found to have "clinically relevant and persistent benefits" compared to those who used routine care alone.
In addition to acupuncture there area number of Chinese herbal formulas that work quite well at alleviating the symptoms of rhinitis. I often recommend rinsing the sinuses with a "neti pot" as well to remove irritants from the nasal passages.
There are also different salves that can be applied topically just inside the nostrils to reduce irritation and sensitivity.
If you are interested in learning more about some of these naturally effective ways to tame your allergies, I'd be happy to tell you more and help customize a plan that works for you.
It's a shame that when the weather gets so nice that so many people feel so bad. But there is help. Don't let allergic rhinitis spoil your springtime.
© 2009 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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