The weather has changed from cool to warm, spring has sprung and unfortunately, so have your allergies. Besides over the counter products, is there anything else that can be done to help you cope with or even combat symptoms of seasonal allergies? Actually, yes!
Sore throat, congestion, hives, and overall itchiness are all ways that allergy symptoms can manifest. And while there are great over the counter medications you can take, there are natural alternatives that can help lessen the frequency of medication use, or replace them all together depending on the severity of the symptoms. Massage helps circulation and lymphatic drainage all throughout the body. Those who suffer from allergies might find relief with massage work that focuses on lymph nodes in the neck and face. Also, certain facial massage techniques can encourage the drainage and de-congestion of sinuses. There are even spots in your feet that, when worked on by your massage therapist, can trigger healing in the parts of your body affected by allergies. For example, an area near the balls of your feet are linked to your lungs, a point near the tip of your big toes are connected to your sinuses, and an area on the undersides of your second and third toes are linked to your eyes. Massages also help lower inflammation in the entire body. It also helps lower the stress hormone known as cortisol, making you feel a lot better physically and emotionally. Did you know stress can be making your allergies worse? Managing stress can also be vital to managing your allergies. When you're stressed your body produces additional histamines making symptoms worse. Massage supported by the use of essential oils can help boost this natural process in coping and/or combating seasonal allergies. Due to allergies over sanitizing the immune system, essential oils serve as a way to give that immune system a good boost, safely and naturally. Essential oils for allergies will help to detoxify the body and fight infections, bacteria, microorganisms and harmful toxins.
Below are some essential oils that we recommend to combat the annoyances of seasonal allergies
Tea Tree: It is powerful enough to kill and destroy airborne pathogens. It can be used as a household cleaner to disinfect the home and eliminate allergens.
Lemon: Can inhibit the growth of bacteria and boost the immune system. Also supports lymphatic system drainage.
Eucalyptus: Helps cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms. Also known to open up lungs and sinuses.
Basil: Helps to detoxify the body of bacteria and viruses, while fighting inflammation, pain and fatigue. Helps your body to react appropriately to a threat by rushing blood to your brain, heart and muscles.
Peppermint: Has the power to discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation — a leading cause of allergic reactions and can oftentimes immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats.
Soothing Allergy Blend: Combine 2–3 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture into the temples, behind the ears and into the bottoms of the feet.
Bare in mind that these methods may not entirely replace your allergy medication, however it can make allergy season not so unbearable overtime.
