Spring Allergies – An Ayurvedic Approach
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? In Ayurveda, spring marks the beginning of allergy season. With new pollen in the air, colds and excess mucus are common as the warmer temperature melts the accumulated kapha dosha. For many, this can mean a time of headaches, sneezing, stuffy nose, scratchy throat and fatigue. These symptoms are often only abated temporarily by powerful antihistamines and decongestants that may have side effects more uncomfortable than the original symptoms. Whether you have seasonal or chronic allergies to airborne irritants, foods, chemicals, plants, or animals – it’s important to not only learn how to deal with your symptoms, but most importantly, how to eliminate the root cause.
During spring, your body has to work to shed the excess of winter and balance the amount of fire and water in your system. Too much water combined with excess earth can leave you feeling heavy, muggy and full of toxins (ama). Too much fire and you may experience feeling angry, overheated, overworked, full of allergies and without enough time. And too much fire and water combined may leave you feeling taxed, inflamed and pressurized (think sinus headache). Since spring is ruled by the organs of liver and gallbladder, our main organs for cleansing and processing toxins, it’s important to take extra care during this time. Your liver processes allergens that come from pollen and pollution, but if the liver is taxed, it has a hard time working as smoothly.
Ayurvedic Herbal Formulas
Here are a few Herbal Formulations designed specifically to help you feel your best during spring:
Detox Tea
A unique blend of Ayurvedic herbs and spices to promote healthy lymphatic and respiratory systems. Shop Now
2. Trikatu
Supports a healthy digestive fire, and optimal circulation. Shop Now
3. Vital Lungs
Supports a healthy digestive fire, and optimal circulation. Shop Now
4. Anu Thailam Nasya
Lubricates the nasal passages, preventing allergies and clearing excess kapha. Show Now
Detoxification & Panchakarma
In Ayurveda, any sort of detoxification process starts with strengthening your agni, or digestive fire. Winter going into Spring is considered kapha time of year – when the snow is starting to melt and it is more damp and
wet in our external enviroment. Because we also experience this internally, this is the perfect time to “reset” your digestion.
There are a few ways to perform this cleansing. One of the best and most effective is Panchakarma. Some of the most common treatments include:
Abhyanga: warm oil massage
Shirodhara: a hot oil massage to the head
Pinda Swedana: herbalized boluses are used to massage the joints and problem areas
Swedana: is sweating (herbal decoction may be added to the steam)
Nasya: nasal administration of specialized herbs or aromas
Basti: or enema, is an herbal decoction introduced into the rectum in a liquid form
All of these in conjunction with a healthy diet and daily routine are the ideal way to keep yourself healthy and happy during the transition period. Join us this spring for your personalized Panchakarma! Learn more
