of freeze-dried nettles experienced decreased sneezing and itching. Dr. Andrew Weil, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, in Tucson, recom- mends taking 250 mg of freeze-dried nettles extract every two to four hours until symptoms subside.


Quercitin is another useful herb. By preventing release of histamine, it also works to lessen the sneezing and itching that accompany allergies. Take 400 mg twice a day before meals. Diana Danna, an integrative nurse practitioner in Staten Island, New York, suggests the age-old remedy of a neti pot to relieve congested nasal passage- ways. It may take a bit of practice, but she’s seen how rinsing the sinuses with a warm saltwater solution can reduce congestion and make breathing easier. An over-the-counter squeeze bottle can substitute for a neti pot, as can NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Danna suggests rinsing twice a day for best results. Simple dietary modifications often yield promising results, as well. Stick to non-mucous-producing foods and eat more foods that give a boost to the body’s natural immune system. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables and raw nuts and seeds fit both categories, as do lean proteins like fresh fish and organic meats. Drinking plenty of clean water flushes the system and thins secretions. Foods that tend to cause the most prob- lems for allergy sufferers include dairy products, fried and processed foods and refined sugars and flours. Adding essential fatty acids to a diet has benefits beyond allergy relief. In my own practice, I’ve seen how pa- tients that take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or three grams of fish oil during the spring months breathe more easily when outdoors. They also delight in healthier looking skin, shinier hair and harder nails.


Trying these approaches may well turn spring into a favorite time of year for everyone.


Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiroprac- tic and certified classical homeopath, practices in Manhattan, NY. She also chairs the American Medical College of Homeopathy’s department of human- ism, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe.com.


Acupuncture Relief for Seasonal Allergies by Elaina Greenberg


C


hinese medicine is unique in that a single Western diagnosis, such as seasonal allergies or hay fever, can have a variety of symptom presentations and therefore different Chinese diagnosis patterns. Using a multi-system approach to the treatment of seasonal allergies and integrating a variety of modalities will support symptom relief. It’s also important to address a patient’s underlying constitution. This indi- vidualized approach allows each patient to have a customized treatment not only to effectively eliminate symptoms but to also determine the root of the problem. A foundational tenant of health in Chinese medicine is the unification of one’s external and internal environment. We are at our best when our bodies adapt to seasonal changes. The manifestation of allergies is the incongruence between one’s internal and external landscapes.


During acute symptomatic episodes, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine support patients in symptomatic relief and constitutional support. Working within a patient’s comfort zone will allow a doctor to come up with the most effective and eas- ily integrated treatment plan. Acupuncture alone can be highly effective for seasonal allergy relief. Including herbs into the treatment plan adds further support. During the “off season” when patients are not experiencing such acute respira- tory distress, a patient and doctor should work together to support the proper func- tioning of the patient’s immune system to prevent seasonal allergies from recurring.


Elaina Greenberg M.S., L.Ac. practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at 1227 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 20, Santa Monica. You can reach her at 310-740-7700 or elainagreenberg@yahoo.com.


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