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Holistic Way to Get Rid of Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are the immune system's response to a foreign, harmless substance which releases a chemical into the bloodstream, causing a physical reaction. Allergic symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, and may include congestion, sinus problems, headaches, hives, eczema, itchy skin, watery eyes, rashes and asthma. Holistic treatment options can help reduce allergic symptoms without medication's risk of side effects.

  1. Acupuncture

    • Try acupuncture for relief from allergies. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture treatment consists of the practitioner inserting tiny painless needless into points along the body's meridians to increase blood flow and relieve stagnation. This is thought to balance the Qi, or life force, enabling it to flow more smoothly. Acupuncture can help strengthen your immune system and stimulate its natural capacity to process toxic allergens. According to a study published in Pediatrics in November 2004, children with chronic allergies who received acupuncture were symptom-free for months after their treatments.

    Homeopathy

    • Purchase homeopathic remedies to reduce your allergic symptoms. Homeopathy is based on the theory that "like cures like." Your homeopathic remedy will contain minute amounts of the substances to which you are allergic that would, in overdose, cause the allergic symptoms that you're trying to eliminate. However, the homeopathic preparation is diluted to such a small amount that instead of exacerbating your allergic symptoms, it stimulates your own self-healing ability. Homeopathic remedies are taken as drops in water or as small pills, and are available at most health food stores or from a professional homeopath.

    Herbs

    • Treat your allergies with herbs that are natural antihistamines, such as quercetin, euphrasia officinalis (eyebright) and scultellaria (Chinese skullcap). Herbs are sold at herb and health food stores as standardized dried extracts, teas or liquid extracts. Prepare herbal tea with 2 tbsp. of dried herbs steeped in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

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