The Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic’s curative aspect, based on the ancient science of Ayurveda, provides the most comprehensive and natural approach to treating allergies.

DEFINITION

An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body when it comes into contact with a substance that is harmless. Allergy symptoms are the result of inappropriate activation of the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Your body is designed to react against foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. Inflammation and excess fluid secretion create an easy entry for immune cells, dilute the concentration of outside invaders and wash away toxins. If the immune system has become hypersensitive, however, it can overreact to allergens with results that are often worse than the simple effects the allergen might have had. The hypersensitive response comes from the natural immune system and ranges from a slightly uncomfortable feeling to fatal anaphylaxis.

TYPES

The allergies are broadly classified as food allergy, seasonal allergy, pet allergy, drug allergy, allergic rhinitis or hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria, allergies to poison, allergies to insect or bee sting, mold allergy, pollen allergies, Sun reactions to the skin, cosmetic allergy, dust allergy, chemical allergy and so on.

Some of them are further classified as follows:

Food allergies contain milk, egg, wheat, nut or peanut, fish, soy, and casein allergies seasonal allergies contain spring, summer, and winter allergies

Pet allergy which usually contains dog and cat allergy chemical allergy contains nickel allergy.

Drug allergies contain aspirin and penicillin allergy.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of allergy depend on the type of allergen. The main symptoms seen in allergy are sneezing, itchy, runny or blocked nose, itchy, red, and watering eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised, itchy and red rash, swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face, sickness, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry, red and cracked skin.

In very rare cases the allergy can lead to a very severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock which can be life-threatening and have the symptoms like swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty in breathing, confusion, blue skin or lips, collapsing and losing consciousness.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ALLERGY

According to Ayurveda, the allergy is dependent on the allergen. The allergic substance or the allergen can vitiate a particular dosha or combination of dosha. so the allergic symptoms are purely dependent on what dosha is getting vitiated due to the allergen.

SYMPTOMS OF VATA ALLERGY

Vata type of allergy shows the symptoms like burping, bloating, digestive discomfort, gas, gurgling intestines, abdominal pain, wheezing or headache, sneezing, ringing in the ears, joint pain, sciatica, muscle spasm, and insomnia and is related to the digestive tract.

SYMPTOMS OF PITTA ALLERGY

Pitta type of allergy has the symptoms like rash, headache, burning or red eyes, inflammation in the sinuses (sinusitis), and inflammation in the airway (bronchitis).

SYMPTOMS OF KAPHA ALLERGY

Kapha type of allergy has symptoms like congestion, running nose, watery eyes, sneezing, heaviness and excessive mucus in the head and sinuses, sluggishness and tiredness

ALLERGIC FOODS

According to Ayurvedic principles some particular food, a combination of food, or some method of preparation of food can lead to a negative reaction in the body and long consumption can lead to long-lasting allergies in the body which becomes very difficult to cure. Some foods are very healthy but when they are combined they produce allergies because they contain certain substances which cannot coexist together with some combination of food.

When this is the case very less exposure to an unhealthy diet, lifestyle or allergens is sufficient to provoke a sudden negative reaction and cause an allergic reaction.

HOME REMEDIES

Avoid excessive fasting, excessive food intake, or excessive intake of only one type of food. Intake of fresh food is recommended and avoid food that contains preservatives, dyes, or other chemical additives.

A short walk every day early in the morning in the fresh air along with breathing exercises, yoga, and pranayama is very useful in strengthening the defense system of the individual.

Avoid excessive exposure to cold temperature, excessive outdoor environment, air conditioner along with sudden variation in the temperature.

Consume light and easily digestible meals and avoid heavy meals, especially at dinner.

Avoid late night and fermented foods.

Day sleeping should be avoided as it hampers the metabolic process.

How Allergy treatment is different at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic?

Ayurvedic allergy treatment will emphasize four steps: boost the digestive fire, adjust the diet to support the body, detoxify and restore the strength of the immune system.

Ayurveda recommends various seasonal and daily regimens along with seasonal cleansing like Vamana (induced vomiting), Virechana (induced purgation), and Basti (medicated enemas) to prevent many allergies and diseases and provide us a long, happy, and healthy life span.

According to Ayurveda, each time a person comes in contact with an allergen, the doshas are imbalanced, and toxins are released according to the imbalanced doshas, leading to specific symptoms. For example, if Pitta dosha is imbalanced, it will manifest as red rashes, inflammation, and itching.

Ayurvedic allergy treatment focuses on pacifying the imbalanced dosha, restoring digestion with herbal preparations, and advising supporting diet and lifestyle changes. Ayurvedic tonics are also administered to build up the strength of the lungs. To prevent allergies, it is important to make your environment clean and dust-free but more important is to strengthen your immune system.

To find out more about how Ayurveda can help with the above condition, visit Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic or call 0208 907 7902 to book an appointment with an expert Ayurvedic Practitioner.