Some 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, making it the fifth leading chronic disease among all ages and the third in those 18 and under. Allergies are caused when the immune system overreacts to substances it misidentifies as harmful. Symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose are the body’s way of getting rid of these foreign objects.
Specific foods, pollen, insect stings, fragrances, pet dander, and prescription drugs are among the many things that can set off allergic reactions. Most medical advice focuses on eliminating allergy triggers. People are told to stay inside during high-allergen periods, super-clean their homes to remove dust and mites, eat no foods that cause reactions, and get rid of indoor pets.
These steps simply avoid the triggers. They don’t explain why the body isn’t functioning as it was designed to, with an immune system that doesn’t over-react to harmless substances. One answer is diet. In a 2009 study, researchers concluded: “Obese or overweight children… were about 26% more likely to have allergies than children of normal weight.”
Reducing stress also helps prevent allergies. A 2008 experiment found that even low levels of stress could cause allergic reactions. “Stress hormones can stimulate the production of IgE, blood proteins that cause allergic reactions,” explained study author Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD.
Since physical and psychological stress is closely linked, it’s important to relieve both types. One effective procedure is the Bioenergy Technique, designed to relax muscles, fascia, nerve and blood vessels in the sub-occipital area of the upper neck. I developed the technique specifically to allow the body to function more efficiently, decrease stress, and increase total well-being, including the immune system.
The most important factor in allergies is stress. Stress causes a cascade of internal reactions including muscle tension, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Occasional short-term periods of stress are normal and our bodies have the amazing power to manage the effects without damage. But, long-term or too frequent activation of the stress-response system can, in the words of the Mayo Clinic, “disrupt almost all your body’s processes.”
The scientific evidence clearly indicates that many (if not most) allergies can be prevented, or their symptoms greatly reduced, without drugs, or other medical procedures. You can help protect yourself and your loved ones from allergies by choosing to follow a wellness lifestyle and incorporating wellness modalities into your health routine.
The fact is, without drugs, there are proactive steps you can take to shield yourself from allergies. For more information on wellness techniques that have been proven effective in preventing allergies, visit http://temeculawellnesscenter.com or call Temecula Wellness Center at 951-699-5000.