Spring Allergies
by Joan Frank
We all look forward to spring and to the opportunity to open our doors and widows, to be outside for work and play. Yet, many of us have a hard time handling this season. Why? We all breathe the same air, but while some people feel exhilaration, others have great difficulty with allergies. The key question I have found to ask is: "What in my system is breaking down, allowing this condition to occur?"
I asked myself this question many years ago, while suffering from the effects of pine pollen. Through the use of kinesiology (a muscle testing technique), I discovered that my problem was caused by my adrenal glands, which regulate and aid in the production of cortisone. When our adrenals are put under stress for months, or even years, eventually they lose their ability to protect us. An analogy I find useful is that of a cup of water under a dripping faucet: for a fairly long time the cup can absorb the drips of water as they slowly accumulate, but eventually the water reaches the top, and it has no choice but to overflow. Similarly, our adrenal glands can handle stress for long periods of time. but they too will eventually give out, and this is when our bodies begin to react.
My allergies came, not surprisingly, during a very stressful period in my life. By using a few very simple techniques, however, I have been able to bring them under control. I would like to briefly describe four techniques that have been most valuable in improving my condition.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the art of pushing with the thumbs and fingers on specific points of the foot in order to stimulate nerve endings and reflexes. These points correspond to every part and organ of the body, the body's energy field is energized and any areas not functioning in a healthy way will normalize. Foot reflexology relaxes the body so that the blood can circulate properly. For my condition, a foot chart was used to determine the location of the adrenal reflexes, which were then stimulated daily, or several times daily, until the adrenals began to function normally.
Kinesiology
Our bodies are often lacking in certain essential nutrients and the simple method of Kinesiology (or muscle testing) can be used to determine which ones are needed to address a specific condition. This technique is used to test different substances in which the body could be deficient, by actually placing the substance on the body and pushing on a strong muscle. Should that muscle weaken, this is an indication that the body does not need that particular nutrient, or that it could be allergic to it.
Another method is to simply tune into our body's "internal file clerk" and offer it questions, such as: "Does my body need Vitamin C for this allergic condition?" Though this may sound strange or esoteric, we can usually tell ourselves all we need to know, and for many people, this technique is very easy to learn.
Relaxation
Techniques such as deep breathing and meditation help rest the body. If deep breathing is a problem, just resting quietly, easing the mind, helps the body restore itself. Guided mental imagery can be very effective.
Tissue Salts
Our bodies, like Mother Earth, are composed of twelve key minerals. When these minerals are out of balance, our bodies begin to produce symptoms. Tissue salts are tiny, homeopathically prepared tablets that are placed under the tongue, where they are immediately absorbed into the body. In an acute condition, such as inhaled spring allergies, symptoms can be controlled if the correct mineral is ingested.
These four techniques were extremely beneficial to me, but there are many other options available to those searching for holistic treatment for allergies. For example, vibrational medicines, such as Bach Flower essences and gem elixirs, help keep us mentally and emotionally balanced. Emotions such as fear, doubt and anger all take a tremendous toll on the adrenals and the other glands and organs of our bodies. These remedies help change emotional behavior patterns that cause the body to become uptight and stressed.
Experimenting with these essences can bring about a remarkable change in your life.
Remember, we all have the opportunity and power o be perfectly health. By monitoring our mental and emotional condition, and with the support of some of the healing techniques I've described, we can all avoid illnesses, including allergies.
Joan Frank is a certified nutritional consultant, certified foot reflexologist, and certified hypnotherapist in Akron, New York. She also has studied kinesiology, medial astrology and homeopathy.
This article was re-printed with permission of Holistic Health Journal.
by Joan Frank
We all look forward to spring and to the opportunity to open our doors and widows, to be outside for work and play. Yet, many of us have a hard time handling this season. Why? We all breathe the same air, but while some people feel exhilaration, others have great difficulty with allergies. The key question I have found to ask is: "What in my system is breaking down, allowing this condition to occur?"
I asked myself this question many years ago, while suffering from the effects of pine pollen. Through the use of kinesiology (a muscle testing technique), I discovered that my problem was caused by my adrenal glands, which regulate and aid in the production of cortisone. When our adrenals are put under stress for months, or even years, eventually they lose their ability to protect us. An analogy I find useful is that of a cup of water under a dripping faucet: for a fairly long time the cup can absorb the drips of water as they slowly accumulate, but eventually the water reaches the top, and it has no choice but to overflow. Similarly, our adrenal glands can handle stress for long periods of time. but they too will eventually give out, and this is when our bodies begin to react.
My allergies came, not surprisingly, during a very stressful period in my life. By using a few very simple techniques, however, I have been able to bring them under control. I would like to briefly describe four techniques that have been most valuable in improving my condition.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the art of pushing with the thumbs and fingers on specific points of the foot in order to stimulate nerve endings and reflexes. These points correspond to every part and organ of the body, the body's energy field is energized and any areas not functioning in a healthy way will normalize. Foot reflexology relaxes the body so that the blood can circulate properly. For my condition, a foot chart was used to determine the location of the adrenal reflexes, which were then stimulated daily, or several times daily, until the adrenals began to function normally.
Kinesiology
Our bodies are often lacking in certain essential nutrients and the simple method of Kinesiology (or muscle testing) can be used to determine which ones are needed to address a specific condition. This technique is used to test different substances in which the body could be deficient, by actually placing the substance on the body and pushing on a strong muscle. Should that muscle weaken, this is an indication that the body does not need that particular nutrient, or that it could be allergic to it.
Another method is to simply tune into our body's "internal file clerk" and offer it questions, such as: "Does my body need Vitamin C for this allergic condition?" Though this may sound strange or esoteric, we can usually tell ourselves all we need to know, and for many people, this technique is very easy to learn.
Relaxation
Techniques such as deep breathing and meditation help rest the body. If deep breathing is a problem, just resting quietly, easing the mind, helps the body restore itself. Guided mental imagery can be very effective.
Tissue Salts
Our bodies, like Mother Earth, are composed of twelve key minerals. When these minerals are out of balance, our bodies begin to produce symptoms. Tissue salts are tiny, homeopathically prepared tablets that are placed under the tongue, where they are immediately absorbed into the body. In an acute condition, such as inhaled spring allergies, symptoms can be controlled if the correct mineral is ingested.
These four techniques were extremely beneficial to me, but there are many other options available to those searching for holistic treatment for allergies. For example, vibrational medicines, such as Bach Flower essences and gem elixirs, help keep us mentally and emotionally balanced. Emotions such as fear, doubt and anger all take a tremendous toll on the adrenals and the other glands and organs of our bodies. These remedies help change emotional behavior patterns that cause the body to become uptight and stressed.
Experimenting with these essences can bring about a remarkable change in your life.
Remember, we all have the opportunity and power o be perfectly health. By monitoring our mental and emotional condition, and with the support of some of the healing techniques I've described, we can all avoid illnesses, including allergies.
Joan Frank is a certified nutritional consultant, certified foot reflexologist, and certified hypnotherapist in Akron, New York. She also has studied kinesiology, medial astrology and homeopathy.
This article was re-printed with permission of Holistic Health Journal.
