Chiropractic Approach to


Seasonal Allergies by Dr. Nimira Alibhoy


C


hiropractic philosophy is based on the premise that our bodies are self-healing, self-regulating, and self- maintaining organisms. We were born with that magnificent ability to adapt to changes in our internal and exter- nal environment; however, sometimes our body’s innate ability to adapt is constricted.


Our brain and nervous system are responsible for controlling and coordinating the function of all tissues, organs, and systems in the body and adapting our bodies to the environ- ment. In many cases, the top bone in the neck, the atlas, can become slightly misaligned, which puts pressure on the brain stem. This pressure limits the messages from the brain to the body and the body back to the brain. In up- per cervical chiropractic, this is called an atlas subluxation.


Limited transmission to our body systems, including those of the im- mune and respiratory system, can have a huge impact on our ability to adapt to allergens in the environment and keeps our bodies from having an appropriate immune response. Getting checked for an atlas subluxation and correcting it will clear up the cause of the problem.


Improving our health by looking for the root cause puts our body back in control of the healing process. Remov- ing interference and restoring proper flow of information between the brain, nervous system, and the rest of the body can help clear allergies in addi- tion to improving overall body health.


Nimira Alibhoy, D.C. is founder of Up- per Cervical Specific Chiropractic, located at 1227 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 20, Santa Moni- ca. For more info, call


323-362-2346 or visit UCSCCare.com. See ad, back cover.


26 Los Angeles NaturallyLA.com


healingways


Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies


by Dr. Lauri Grossman F


or many, spring brings joy via outdoor activities amid blossom- ing flowers and blooming trees, as they visit parks, hike through meadows and jog along roads in the warming air. For millions of allergy sufferers, however, the attendant airborne pollen brings bedeviling sneezes, congestion, teary eyes and runny noses. Hay fever alone, which affects 35 million Ameri- cans, shuts many of us indoors. Before resorting to such an extreme measure, try controlling allergic reactions using some of these simple suggestions. The Mayo Clinic recommends that we begin by reducing exposure to al- lergy triggers: n Stay indoors on dry, windy days and early mornings, when pollen counts are high. The best time to be outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.


n Remove clothes previously worn out- side. Immediately after coming inside, shower thoroughly to rinse off pollen.


n Don’t hang laundry outside, because pollen may stick to it, especially sheets and towels.


n Keep indoor air as clean as possible by turning on the air conditioner in both the house and car, and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, especially in the bedroom; most cost less than $100. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, too. Keep indoor air comfortably dry with a dehumidifier.


For those that love being out- doors, several natural remedies can


help. Dr. Roger Morrison, a holistic physician in Point Richmond, California, likes targeted, widely available, over- the-counter homeopathic medicines. Carefully read labels to match specific symptoms with those noted on indi- vidual remedies.


For example, for a badly dripping


nose, Allium cepa may be the most helpful remedy. It helps lessen nasal discharge, plus reduce sneezing and congestive headaches that can accom- pany allergies.


If allergy symptoms center around


the eyes, causing itching, burning, redness and tears, then homeopathic Euphrasia is a better choice. If night- time post-nasal drainage leads to coughing upon waking, Euphrasia can help, as well. Pulsatilla helps people whose allergies are worse when they enter a warm room or feel congested when they lie down at night.


Homeopathic remedies generally are available for less than $10. If symp- toms don’t improve in three days, stop and try a different homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic practitioner Dr. Greg Meyer, in Phoenix, Arizona, says that many of his patients benefit from taking herbs and other natural supplements, and one of the most effective for hay fever is Urtica dioica (stinging nettles). Stud- ies reported in Planta Medica: Journal of Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, showed that after one week, nearly two-thirds of the participants taking two 300 milligram (mg) capsules


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