pet-free schools and hospitals, making the proteins difficult to avoid, so for those that deal with symptoms that range from wa- tering eyes to difficulty breathing, allergies can flare up in unlikely places.
Traditional Medical Response “Allergies are one the most complex, unre- searched topics,” says Meconis. Because of the general lack of knowledge in the field of immunology, people with allergies may have difficulty finding relief, especially when multiple or severe allergies are pres- ent. Pet owners aren’t given many choices. “In the last five years, there is a work-
ing theory regarding being desensitized with incremental exposures, but there is no proof,” says Meconis. “Elimination has always been the answer from mainstream allopathic medicine, so if you are allergic to pets, they say, ‘don’t have a pet.’” Parrish suggests that making lifestyle
changes may enable some people to keep a furry friend in their lives. Effectively pre- venting allergic reactions requires limiting
I personally would rather not recommend that a patient not be around animals because there are so many health benefits that animals can bring.
~Rosia Parrish
exposure to the offending animal proteins. Tis can mean vacuuming oſten, using HEPA-grade air filters, removing carpet- ing, leaving coats and shoes at the door and washing sheets, mattress covers—and the pet—on a regular basis.
Alternative Treatments At Holistic Care Approach, Meconis is trained in Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimi- nation Terapy (NAET), a combination of allopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, kinesiology and nutrition. Treatments are typically effective in as little as one session per allergy. “We reprogram the immune system so that it no longer ‘sees’ that particular
allergen as an invader,” Meconis says. “By removing disharmony at the intercellular level, the body stops being so reactive.” Founded in 1983 by Devi Nambu-
dripad, a California chiropractor and acupuncturist, today there are more than 12,000 NAET practitioners and they can be found at
naet.com/practitioner-locator. Parrish recommends natural treat-
ments for affected people such as steam showers and baths with thyme, eucalyptus and menthol to help clear passageways, along with anti-inflammatory supplements like boswellia, quercetin, nettle leaf, fish oil and magnesium. “Unless an allergy is severe, I think
that living around cats, dogs and other furry animals is a really good thing and brings so much love and sloppy kisses into our lives,” she says. However, for a serious allergic reaction such as asthma, a pet lizard may be in order.
Julie Peterson has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at
JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
September 2019
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