Reflexology and Allergy Relief

Reflexology can help with allergy relief.  Here are some helpful tips to keep your sinuses clear and also help with postnasal drip.

When looking to control allergy symptoms there are many steps you should take to limit your exposure to pollen. We have included a hand reflexology tip to encourage sinus drainage, interesting information on how allergies can be controlled through food and also nutritional supplements to help build up the immune system.

When your immune system overreacts to a foreign stimulant it is called an allergic reaction. An immune reaction to a foreign invader, such as a fever to kill a virus, is an indication of a healthy immune system. When you have a strong reaction to flower pollen your immune system may overreact. Close to one fourth of the population have allergies to things like pollen, mold and other stimulants, especially during spring and fall. Symptoms vary from itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion, asthma, post-nasal drip, headaches and diarrhea. Some of these symptoms are known as allergic rhinitis (hay fever). In the case of allergies many take an antihistamine, a decongestant or some other drug to get rid of allergy symptoms but you may want to take a healthier route by going for the cause, not just to relieve the symptoms such as a Reflexology treatment.

Reflexology tip

To get the sinuses to move, there are reflexes on both hands that encourage sinus drainage. These reflexes are located at the base of each finger and thumb. With your thumb and first finger, hold each side of the finger at the base and gently squeeze for 5 seconds. If there is tenderness, instead of holding for 5, hold for 8, or until the tenderness subsides. Repeat this step for every finger and thumb. Watch our Healing Place’s Youtube channel. For a hand reflexology technique to clear sinuses, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VY93vnyAGo

Tips to help keep your sinuses healthy

• Wear a mask while doing yard work or gardening
• Drink plenty of hydrating fluids such as water
• If your pets have been out all day, they may carry pollens. Brush to eliminate pollen
• Change air conditioner filters
• Wash your hair at the end of the day to not transfer pollens to your pillow
• Wear sunglasses to help reduce the pollen from coming into your eyes; vacation where there is less pollen, such as the beach
• Exercise at the beginning or at the end of the day when the pollen count is lower

Eat a diet rich in anti-oxidants, like green vegetables, fruits, berries. Drink beverages such as tea, red wine and fruit juices (rich sources of beneficial antioxidants known as Flavonoids).  These can protect against damage in blood vessels, thus decreasing risk of cardiovascular diseases.

As always, talk to your doctor about the different ways to relieve allergy symptoms naturally.

Helen Chin Lui is a certified Reflexologist, certified Energy Medicine and Reiki practitioner. She is the founder and owner of the Healing Place in Medfield. She specializes in helping clients with  chronic digestive disorders. If you would like to schedule a free 60 minute consultation or make an appointment, please call 508 359 6463 or visit her website at www.healingplacemedfield.com