If you find that traditional allergy medications cause too many bothersome side effects, perhaps these natural allergy remedies can give you effective relief without any negative effects.
Growing Interest in Natural Allergy Remedies
Today, an increasing number of people are incorporating natural allergy remedies into their daily routine. The options are plentiful, ranging from massage to yoga to acupuncture among many others. The scientific evidence is still limited on such alternative approaches, but some researchers believe they can be effective, especially when used in conjunction with more traditional treatment options (rather than instead of them).
Natural Allergy Remedies to Consider
It's important to first talk to your doctor about incorporating alternative methods into your treatment strategy. And if you get the okay, use these three natural allergy relief treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
- Massage. Not only is massage a form of relaxation, but it's also an effective technique to help relieve allergies. When your symptoms cause sinus pressure and headaches, a head massage can be a strategic approach to relieve the pressure and congestion. Adding a steam bath to the massage can help open up your nasal passages. In addition, when you get a massage, your body releases natural endorphins that will help you to feel better and will improve your mood, too, so the benefits could go beyond your expectations.
- Acupuncture. The concept of being stuck with needles is probably not your idea of an appealing allergy treatment, but the fact is that some people do experience real relief when acupuncture is performed on areas where energy blockages are causing symptoms. In addition, acupuncture also helps you achieve a more balanced state and this can enable your body to prevent the initial allergic reaction from occurring in the first place.
- Yoga. The key is to select poses that prevent you from having to drop your head too low, since this can backfire and increase your nasal pressure instead of relieving it. In addition, the breathing exercises practiced through yoga can also work well with your traditional medications to provide the biggest impact. Other exercises can also bring similar benefits, since many types of physical activities can help drain your sinuses and relieve allergy-related pain and other symptoms.
Sources:
"Acupuncture Can Improve Symptoms in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis." Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 16 Oct. 2008. Web. 21 Dec. 2010.
"Elements of Allergy and Asthma: Questions and Answers about Complementary and Alternative Medicine." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. ACAAI, 2009. Web. 2- Dec. 2010.
Passalacqua et al - Aria update: I. "JACI Highlights: Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Rhinitis and Asthma." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. ACAAI, May 2006. Web. 2- Dec. 2010.
