Wellness Center

What are Allergies? 

Image courtesy of Alan L.

Allergies are hypersensitivity disorders of the immune system. At first, the body mistakes a harmless substance — pollen, animal dander, dust, mold, bee venom — for a damaging intruder, and the immune system starts to produce antibodies for our protection. These antibodies release chemicals, such as histamine, causing allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, shortness of breath, skin rashes, and sometimes infections. Before we know it, our body is constantly on the alert working to defend us against specific intruders (allergens) and repeating its onetime mistake.

During the allergy season, the lungs and lymphatic system are working overtime to flush the body of the particles which the body perceives as toxins. These yoga poses focus on joining healthy lung and diaphragm function with the lymphatic flow, aiding the body in having healthy responses to common allergens. The poses also clear the nasal passages, thus relieving the stuffy symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies are often the result of an abnormal reaction by the immune system to harmless pollens and plant particles. Exercises which stimulate the lymphatic system such as tapping and self-massage will help to encourage a proper immune response and minimize seasonal allergic reactions.

Allium Cepa, commonly known as the red onion, is a wonderful homeopathic single remedy for two of the most frequently occurring complaints at the change of seasons — allergies and the common cold. 

The many changes experienced by menopausal and post-menopausal women should be reflected in changes to the exercise routine. It becomes more important to add resistance training to the workout, as well as ensure proper warm up and cool down. The following exercises can be done with minimal equipment and take from 20-30 minutes.

Sciatica is a medical condition which can affect different parts of the spinal region, depending on the patient. All exercises should only be done after consulting a doctor or healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are performing the exercise which is correct for your body type and condition.

Engaging your whole body, beginning with your core--the abdominal muscles--and extending to the other major muscle groups of your legs and arms will help you lose weight when exercising. These exercises focus on full body involvement and can be done with minimal equipment (a kettlebell or weight).

Those suffering from painful leg cramps, caused by muscle stress and nerve deficiencies, can try incorporating this short yoga practice which targets and relaxes the muscles and nerves of the legs.