Allergy – An insight on causes and relief through Yogic Therapy
Definition:-
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful.
Alternative name:-
Comman causes:-
Allergies are relatively common. Both genetics and environmental factors play a role.
Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It reacts to substances (allergens} that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.
But in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals, such as histamines. This causes itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, rashes, and other symptoms, which vary from person to person.
What part of the body is contacted by the allergen plays a role in the symptoms you develop. For example, allergens that are breathed in often cause a stuffy nose, itchy nose and throat, mucus production, cough, or wheezing. A food allergen can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or a severe, life-threatening reaction. Allergies to plants often cause a skin rash. Drug allergies usually involve the whole body and can lead to a variety of symptoms.
Some medical conditions, such as eczema and asthma, are linked to allergies.
Common allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust. Food and drug allergies are common. Allergic reactions can also be caused by insect bites, jewelry, cosmetics, and other substances.
Some people have allergy-like reactions to hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, or other physical stimuli. Sometimes, friction (rubbing or vigorously stroking the skin) will cause symptoms.
Symptoms:-
Allergy symptoms vary, but may include:
- Breathing problems
- Burning, tearing, or itchy eyes
- Conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes)
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hives
- Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, skin, or any other area
- Runny nose
- Skin rashes
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Yogic cure:-
[1] Shatkarma {purificatory techniques}
{a} Jal neti {Nose washing by water}
{b} Bhramari {Humming bee pranayama}
{c} Kapalbhati {Lungs and brain wash by breathing
{d}Nadi Sodhan { Psychic network purification}
[2] Yogasanas {posture}
{a} Vajrasana { Adamantine}
{b} Padmasana {Lotus posture}
{c} Setubandha {Bridge}
{d} Yogamudra, {Yoga posture}
{e} Ardh-matsyendrasana {Half spinal twist}
{f} Sarvangasana {Shoulder stand}
{g} Shavasana {Corpse}
[3] Pranayama {body-mind energising breathing practices}
{a} Nadisodhan
{b} Bhastrika { Bellow Pranayama}
{c} Sheetli {Beak tongue pranayama}
[4]Bandhas:-
{a} Tribandha {Triple band}
[5] Mudras:_
{a} Vayu mudra
{b} Pran mudra
[6] Dhayan {Meditation}
{7}Yogic diet:
Allergies treatment using Nutrients
Certain nutrients have been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of allergies. Often the intake of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid brings great relief to the sufferer. This vitamin may be taken in a dose of 100 mg daily for a month. In such cases, liberal amounts of pantothenic acid helps even though the recovery takes several weeks. A dose of 400 mg of vitamin E taken daily for four to six weeks is also beneficial as this vitamin possesses effective anti-allergic properties.
Allergies treatment using Castor Oil
It is found that five drops of castor oil in half a cup of any fruit or vegetable juice, or plain water, and taken on an empty stomach in the morning, is beneficial for allergies of the intestinal tract, skin, and nasal passages.
Allergies treatment using Lime
Lime is considered an effective remedy for any kind of allergy. Half a lime may be squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water and sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. It can be taken once daily first thing in the morning for several months. This remedy not only flushes the system of toxins but also acts as an antitoxic and antiallergic agent. However, those who are allergic to citrus fruits should not take recourse to this remedy.
Allergies treatment using Bananas
One or two bananas a day are useful for those who are allergic to certain foods and who consequently suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorders, or asthma, The fruit does, however, cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive persons and they should avoid it.
Allergies treatment using Vegetable Juices
A quantity of 500 ml carrot juice or a combination of carrot juice with beet and cucumber juices, has been found beneficial in the treatment of allergies. In the case of mixed juices, 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of mixed juice. This should be taken once daily.
Precautions:-
A person who is prone to allergy can take certain precautions at home to keep the allergy at bay. These include:
- He can keep his bed clean so that it does not gather dust particles and allergens.
- While using a vacuum cleaner he should wear a face mask to protect the nostril from the dust.
- He can replace his carpets with throw rugs, as these rugs are washable.
- To keep the air in the room free from dust and pollen, he can install an air filter.
Further suggestion:
Some further suggestion for anxiety relief include:
– Drink adequate amounts of water daily.
– Make sure that you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. If necessary, ask your doctor about supplements.
– Cut down on alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
– Eat more complex carbohydrates.
By- Yogi Yoganand