Fall allergies
Sep 16, 2024
I've heard rumblings of this the last couple of days from direct family members to overhearing random people on the bus to the state fair complaining of fall allergies... it's here. Although we have covered allergies once or twice, I feel like it's a timely thing to review and discuss, especially since allergies in each season has a different cause. Whether you are experiencing a scratchy throat, headache, runny nose, variable appetite or other digestive disturbances, anxiety or restlessness or more - read on.
Right now in our environment summer in winding down (despite our record temps last week!) The air is starting to turn cool at night (anyone else have on a sweatshirt??) and if you notice the subtle changes you will begin to see dryness creeping in. The dryness that will carry over into fall and winter - this is VATA. This is the time for vata type allergies and it is a perfect storm along with our leftover pitta (causing inflammation) and low agni (as it spreads throughout the body in response to the heat) from the summer. Our ojas (immunity) can also become low.
The number one thing to focus on with allergies is digestion. If you aren't digesting well, your body can't handle the allergens.
So what can we do?
- Start adapting to a vata pacifying diet and lifestyle. Think cooked foods vs raw, double down on your routines (school is starting for those of you with kids - this should help!), and regular mealtimes. There's a reason soups and stews become popular in the fall and squash is coming into season - it's the balancing we need to stay grounded despite the lightness of vata.
- Make sure you are using a neti pot &/or nasya oil. Don't know about those? Just ask me.
- Consider a fall cleanse
- Stay hydrated! Warm water is preferred. No ice!
- Get plenty of rest
- Herbal teas such as ginger, CCF (cumin, coriander & fennel) & tulsi are excellent
- Practice regular breathwork (pranayama) and meditation to stay grounded
- De-stress!
- Add spices such as turmeric, tulsi, black pepper, & cumin to the diet.
- Consider a seasonal cleanse
- Daily pranayam (breath work) such as Ujjayi, bhastrika or alternate nostril breathing
