Combatting Spring Allergies with Ayurveda
It’s been a long, cold winter and while most of us are relieved to finally see spring show up, we can’t deny that the allergies that show up with it are a huge bummer! Ayurveda explains why allergies show up this time of year and, although it makes a lot of sense, knowing is only half the battle. Fighting allergies is a different story and requires some persistence in order to be effective. That said, if you can implement some lifestyle practices to reduce the allergy-symptoms, you can dive into Spring with the same enthusiasm as your non-allergy-suffering friends and family.
What Causes Allergies?
From a western perspective, allergies are explained as the body having an exaggerated reaction to something it sees as a threat but that usually is not. As a response, the body FIGHTS and the result is often discomfort in the form of itchy or watery eyes, congestions, sneezing, runny nose and even, in more severe cases, asthma, hives or eczema. It doesn’t seem fair that some people are susceptible to this discomfort while the rest of us scoot by free and clear. I have been blessed with a body that doesn’t respond negatively to pollen but while pregnant with my second child, that was not the case. I suffered severely for the first, and last, time. Interestingly enough, my second son does suffer from seasonal allergies. As a young kid, he actually had other allergies as well. Through some temporary diet and lifestyle changes, he was able to overcome some of the allergies and now, as long as he keeps his gluten intake in check, for example, things don’t ramp up too much.
Ayurveda explains the difference between the allergy sufferers and the non-sufferers quite well. And, explains why I had allergies while carrying this little guy. Our doshic constitution is determined at the time of conception. Therefore, he was probably susceptible from the time he was in the womb and, most likely, because his dad had seasonal allergies. 30-60% of allergies are genetic and, therefore, are explained constitutionally. What’s more, people with low or vulnerable agni (digestive fire) can suffer from allergies, along with people with an imbalance of elements in the body. Lastly, people who have low immunity, sometimes describes as “low ojas,” are more susceptible to allergies and other illness.
The more severe the imbalance and the longer it has gone on, the more significant the allergies might be. This explains why people who work all year round to manage allergies that only present seasonally might have better luck treating them than those who don’t.
What’s Dosha Got To Do With It?
Different doshas bring on different symptoms AND can show up at different times of year. Most of the time when we see spring allergies, it means kapha is aggravated. Spring is known as the kapha time of year, and therefore, kapha is most easily aggravated. There is a so-called “melt-off” happening in the body and when not given support, can result in congestion, runny nose and eyes, sneezing and feelings of being tired more than usual. These are all linked to the elements of earth and water. Essentially, the body is attempting to “melt-off” and when there is not enough movement, things get gnarly.
Pitta type allergies, on the other hand, show up as rashes, headaches, burning or red eyes, and inflammation of the sinus cavity. Most often, this happens when people have more of a pitta type constitution of when things start to heat up a bit more and the heat in the body ramps up.
Vata type allergies are more common in vata type people and in the fall season and look like dry cough, dry eyes and sometimes restlessness.
What Should I Do About It?
Despite all the information about symptoms and doshas, we can all agree that allergies can be miserable. While Ayurveda recommends treating each individual based on their very unique prakruti and vikruti, there are some things that can benefit most of the Spring-Sufferers.
Use a neti-pot to clear the nasal passages daily or every other day. If you aren’t of the more dry nature, consider adding about ⅛ tsp salt to your neti. Neti helps keep the nasal passages clear, drives out unwanted allergens, and can free the breath in the most relieving way.
Practice nasya. Nasya is the application of a medicated or non-medicated oil to the nasal passages. Nasya provides a protective barrier along the nasal membranes, making it so allergens cannot attach themselves. It is beneficial for protecting the mind against stress, as well, which is crucial in overall health and stabilization of the body. Nasya = strong ojas = less illness.
Build healthy digestive practices. Vulnerability in the body begins in the digestive system. Eating with the seasons, healthy gut microbiome, and a strong (but not too strong) agni (digestive fire) help support the body in its “inner knowing,” and help the body not feel the need to attack those pesky allergens that are, in actuality, harmless to the body. Think movement foods; greens, light foods, warm foods, and citrus. Avoid dairy as it is aggravating to kapha. Cold, earthy foods on top of cold, earthy body = too much earth and water element and the freezing effect. Dairy creates the mucus effect and we want to mobilize during spring, not bulk.
Spice your foods. Ayurveda views spices as nature's best medicine. No need to send unnecessary medicines into the body which can be sent with foods into the digestive tract to do the powerful job of improving digestion and balancing the elements. Ginger, cumin, cayenne, pepper, basil, sage, turmeric, and cinnamon are powerful for kapha types and for kapha allergies (as suggested above, the culprit for “most” spring allergies).
Drink warm water with lemon and local honey each morning. Ginger tea is a great option, too.
Exercise daily. Keep things moving with a 30 minute walk, an energetic yoga practice, or even a bike ride.
A hot sauna session is one of the best ways to move the mucus and allergens in the body and eliminate toxins that cause reactions.
Trikatu is an Ayurvedic herb that can benefit a lot of people - but if you are susceptible to heat, be careful with this one. Ashwaganda is a nice warming herb that supports the mind and is recommended for (most) people. Take herbs with warm water to increase digestibility.
Practice pranayama. Breathing exercises are incredibly beneficial for keeping the respiratory system clear, keeping the digestion healthy, and keeping the body in ideal health for fighting off allergens. Bhastrika and Ujjayi breathing, in particular, have a strong impact on the cardiorespiratory system and impact the mind in all the best ways!
Consider a spring cleanse. Winter time leaves us more stagnant than other times of year and the cold, dry weather is a perfect breeding ground for undigested metabolic waste to build up in the body. A cleanse allows the body to purge the unwanted toxins and prepares it for the more energetic season. A 3-5 day kitchari cleanse, using green juice as a supplement, is one of the best ways to keep digestive fire healthy while also giving the body the much needed tools to stave off seasonal allergies and illness.
The above remedies are somewhat general but, like all things Ayurveda, the best approach to health is a completely individualized and uniquely developed plan with each person in mind. If you don’t find these remedies helpful or if something feels “off,” do trust your deepest intuition and consider a personalized plan.
If you are interested in exploring your dosha more in depth and really hitting the allergies, or any other symptoms, from a more intensive and individualized perspective, please contact me directly to schedule a free 15 minute Discovery Call or your Initial Consultation.
