In This Issue:
** Allergen Heaven
*Simple Tips to keep Seasonal Allergies under control
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
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Allergen Heaven
Isn't that what the Northwest should be called this time of year? The beautiful Spring weather FINALLY seems to have arrived, and with it everything in sight is starting to bloom... And every car on the street on my block has a thick dusting of pollen on top. Ah yes... Allergen Heaven...
The difficult thing about the oddity of the seasons these past few years, is that it seems very difficult to predict exactly when those of us with Hay Fever are going to suffer - it comes early, it comes late, it comes overwhelmingly strong, while for some it comes not at all. Unfortunately, this means the best defense is a constantly ready offense.
In Chinese Medicine, seasonal allergies are caused by a combination of an internal energetic weakness and an external wind assault. If you know you have allergies and you can predict a general timeframe (of Spring or Summer, say), the best energetic defense is to tonify and strengthen your body during the off months, and then treat what presents as symptoms in the on months.
Since the on months are beginning to be "on" for many about now, here are some of my favorite tipes for surviving the allergy season:
Simple Tips to keep Seasonal Allergies Under Control:
Netti Pot - A Netti Pot is a simple device that looks like of a like a genie's lamp made of ceramic or metal. You fill it with warm water (preferrably distilled) and a pinch of salt, pour it through yoru sinuses and clean out the pollen and mucous it is sticking to. You can add other things for sinus infections such as Goldenseal or specific Ayervedic oils, but a simple saline solution will usually do. Not only does this flush out the pollen, but over time it can strengthen and thicken your mucous membranes so you have less exposure to the pollens as well. These can be picked up Whole Foods, New Seasons or online and are best used 2x/day during allergy season, morning and night.
Chuan Xiong Wan - this is a chinese herbal remedy for headaches combined with congestion. Often used for the common cold, it is also highly effective for allergies!
Green Tea - green tea is actually an ingredient in the formula above and not only is it full of free radical eliminating antioxidants, it is also enters the nasal passages energetically and can help clear your head when you are feeling congested! Loose leaf tea is the best.
Honey - Honey is actually a lung tonic in Chinese Medicine, so a little honey in your tea can actually boost the strength of your lungs energecially to fight off the wind and decrease the effect of the allergens on your system.
HEPA Filters - If you suffer from allergy symptoms at night that keep you awake in particular, do not underestimate the power of a good compact HEPA filter for your bedroom. It doesn't take a large or expensive one to get the job done - a small $50 filter from Costco, Target or Amazon.com will do the trick. Run it for 20 minutes before you go to bed, and through the night on a low quiet setting. You'll be surprised by the difference.
Acupuncture - Acupuncture treatment through the allergy season can also make a big difference in your symptoms. If you haven't been in for a while and you're worried about the looming pollen count, please come in sooner rather than later to get a jump start on allergy season. Starting treatment one month before you expect your worst allergies to hit is ideal.
Rebecca's Maternity Leave 8/25-10/13
Yep, there's a baby on the way so don't be surprised by Rebecca's swelling belly. I'm due September 1st and my calendar is open up until August 25th at this time. I will return October 13th - don't hesitate to book ahead!
Referral of the Month:
KNEE PAIN
Did you know I have a referral program? I do! For every 5 new patients that come and name YOU as the referring party, you get a FREE 60 MINUTE TREATMENT! This month, a great referral for me would be someone who has KNEE PAIN. Acupuncture is quickly effective for knee pain of many varieties from osteoarthritis, to injury and surgery recovery. Help someone you love feel better, get active and prevent long term injury.
As usual, the referral of a friend or family member is the highest compliment that I can receive.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
