The dreaded Cedar season is upon us in Central Texas, which makes a good portion of the population miserable for the next 6 weeks. When Zyrtec and Claritin fail you, here are some additional survival tips to make it through the season:
Acupuncture and Herbs
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to immediately clear congestion due to allergies or common cold. There are acupuncture points that work on opening the sinus passages for easing blockages from overaccumulation of phlegm. We also work on boosting your defensive qi, which is in charge of staving off those allergens.
Between acupuncture appointments, I suggest taking the herbal formula Easy Breather by Herbalogic (found at Whole Foods). It’s a Chinese Herbal formula specifically targeting nasal congestion, and it works when taken consistently!
You can also do acupressure by using your index fingers to apply pressure to the acupuncture point Stomach 2. It’s located on the bone just below your eye, in the indentation directly under the pupil when looking forward. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the points for 2-3 minutes or until you feel some movement in the area.
Essential Oils
Keep a bottle of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils on hand and massage a couple of drops around any areas of the face (avoiding the eye area) or chest that feel congested. Steaming a few drops in boiling water and inhaling deeply can work as well. You can find these at Whole Foods or
Central Market. If you have sensitive skin, you can add a little bit of olive or coconut oil to dilute the essential oils.
Neti Pot or Nasal Rinse
Use your net pot daily to keep nasal passages free and clear of excess mucus and of the allergens that are plaguing you. Unfamiliar with the neti pot? Here’s a good explanation.
Wrap Up
It’s important to stay warm during the winter to avoid excess cold entering
the body, but it’s especially important for those who suffer from allergies as they are more sensitive to temperature change. Keep a sweater at your desk and make sure your neck and shoulders are covered, and that your feet stay warm. It sounds like an old wives tale, but in Chinese Medicine, protecting your defensive qi by keeping the body warm allows it to better function at protecting your body from pathogens and allergens.
Drink Tea
Especially strong peppermint tea with local honey. Peppermint (called Bo He in Chinese Medicine) is brilliant at relieving sore throats, clearing the head, and relieving itchiness. Consuming locally sourced honey specifically from the Central Texas area can boost the part of your immune system that reacts to local pollen (aka cedar pollen).
Schedule your appointment to see Melsa today! You can view available appointments and book online using your email address by clicking here. Allergies are one her favorite ailments to treat. Cheers to good health!
