Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/644745
MARCH / APRIL 2016 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 27 To allow the body to focus its resources on properly handling IgE reactions, naturopaths often first test for food allergies. Because food sensitivities can take 72 hours to appear after ingestion, they can be very hard to detect. e difficulty in detecting food allergies—combined with the wide variety of symptoms they cause, including headaches, migraines, joint pain, acne, and chronic postnasal drip—puts a huge strain on the body. After food allergies are accurately detected, however, their root causes can be eliminated from a patient's diet, leaving the body better equipped to handle seasonal reactions to environmental stimuli. In other words, don't be surprised if you see a naturopath for seasonal allergies but end up getting a food allergy test first. By working on your adrenal health, stress-management habits, and hormone balance, we can often improve your allergies without antihistamines or other medications. ACUPUNCTURE AND IMMUNITY Acupuncture treats seasonal allergies by strengthening the body's immune mechanism, allowing it to process allergens more efficiently. During an acupuncture session, an acupuncturist will evaluate which of your meridians need to be balanced, strengthened, or subdued. Qi (pronounced "chee") is the traditional term for our bioelectric field. By stimulating different meridians, qi can flow throughout the body more freely. is free flow of qi encourages balance and overall wellness. ose suffering from allergy symptoms typically present with weakened lung and large intestine meridians. In Eastern medicine, we take in qi through our breath, food and thoughts. A weakened meridian affects the movement and balance of qi throughout the body, affecting our overall health. is makes patients more susceptible to environmental irritants because the body can't expel allergens as quickly as someone with stronger qi. Accumulative acupuncture sessions can strengthen qi and immunity. Many patients say they can breathe more freely after just one treatment. Acupuncture doesn't mask symptoms or have side effects like allergy medication. Although medication can be appropriate at times, it can also suppress the body's ability to expel allergens. At its best, acupuncture can reduce or stop a patient's need for allergy medication. DEALING WITH ALLERGIES Beyond naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, you can take some simple steps in your daily life to survive allergy season. See recommendations at right. Whether your allergies keep you from work or just bug you enough to be a hassle, a holistic approach to strengthening your immune system and your overall health will often produce better results. —For more about naturopathic medicine and acupuncture at the WAC, visit wac.net/wellness or call the Wellness Center at 206.839.4780. " Given that allergies rank fifth among chronic diseases affecting our population, it's critical to find proactive ways to improve your health and lessen—if not eliminate—your seasonal allergies." Sierra Storm is a naturopathic doctor. She specializes in functional medicine and uses natural health care and modern diagnostics to achieve lasting wellness. Desiree Merulli is a licensed acupuncturist and massage practitioner. She provides gentle treatments in a soothing environment with a focus on patient comfort. Allergy season survival tips • Rinse your hands and face often when pollen or dust is present. • Wipe down your pet when they come in from the yard. • Wash bedding frequently and change your pillowcases daily. • Eliminate artificial fragrances from your home (cleaning products, personal care items, candles, etc.). • Wash all new clothes, towels and sheets before use. • Give yourself a gentle, all-over scalp massage with special attention to tender areas. • Change your air system's heating and cooling filters often. • Stay hydrated.