Ouch!!! It is the season for sneezing!!!! As plants start to bud and flowers to pollinate, and we open our windows for spring cleaning, we find ourselves confronted with seemingly tiny substances floating through the air, spelling discomfort for those of us who suffer from allergies.

What exactly are allergies? Why do we have them at some points in our lives and not at others? Why is it that one person can gleefully play with their dogs for hours , while others can't get within 200 meters of a puppy without developing itchy eyes and a fit of sneezing and coughing?

Three types of allergies can trigger these unpleasant reactions: food allergies, airborne allergies, and contact allergies. In each case, the body recognizes something that's typically non-harmful as harmful. The immune system boosts into overdrive to try to eliminate this faux pathogen.

CAUSES:

Weak Agni (digestive fire)Ama accumulation (toxins)Individuals basic body constitution ,Imbalanced Dosha in the body (Vata, Pitta or Kapha)State of the Dhatu (tissue) Agni (digestive fire): this determines which tissue or organ system will be affected.

Rest:

Weak Agni (digestive fire)Ama accumulation (toxins)Individuals basic body constitution ,Imbalanced Dosha in the body (Vata, Pitta or Kapha)State of the Dhatu (tissue) Agni (digestive fire): this determines which tissue or organ system will be affected.

Folks....What if you won't get to sneeze or get tired of your runny nose and red eyes next season???? What if this is not a mere theoretical fantasy, but scientifically achievable through Ayurveda!! That just incorporating one's lifestyle can transform your life into its optimal potential. Ayurveda, the ancient, wise and holistic science of life, tells us that THE BIGGEST game-changer you can introduce in your life for an absolute paradigm shift is just a change in faulty lifestyle and a few ayurvedic measures!!!

DIET:

Dietary Restrictions:

Dairy products, meats, processed foods, sugar, wheat, stale food, cold beverages and foods that are heavy in nature must be avoided as they hamper your digestive fire. Avoid fasting, excessive food intake or eating only a certain type of food.

Dietary suggestions:

Foods that Ayurveda recommend are those that reduce Kapha. Eat more natural and cooked meals. Choose foods that have a warming property and are easy on the digestive system. Pick fresh and organic fruits and veggies. Use ghee in the preparation of meals, as it naturally subdues the mucous membranes. Eat fresh seasonal fruits for your daily dose of antioxidants against the damaging effects of weather, pollution and to prevent allergies. Always ask yourself before eating the following question: Am I hungry?

Spices to your aid

Spices are known to have warming properties and are especially beneficial for those suffering from allergies. Include warming spices in your meals or add them to tea or the water that you drink. Ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cumin seeds and cinnamon are particularly beneficial.

Gut soothing tea

Ginger is great natural food and a remedy for indigestion. Drink ginger tea to induce Agni, the digestive fire

Mild laxative

Triphala is a mild laxative, made from three herbs, namely Amalaki, Bibitaki and Haritaki. Together they help cleanse the digestive tract and improve bowel movement, thereby helping with the flushing out of toxins from the system. Ayurveda prescribes a tbsp. of Triphala powder or Triphala tablets before retiring to bed, at night.

ACTIVITIES

Breathing exercise

Pranayama is another way of improving health. Practice pranayama every morning.

Physical Exercise

Develop an exercise regimen and follow it. A 45-minute, brisk walk, every day can do wonders to your physical and psychological health. Walking improves blood circulation, boosts metabolism and stimulates Agni while removing Ama. In fact, any kind of physical activity that raises your pulse rate is good for your health. You can choose from a variety of activities, such as dancing, Zumba or aerobic workouts, cross-training, jogging or running, cycling, trekking or even a sport or swimming. Ensure that you make time for physical exercise, in your 24-hour day.

Nasya

Furthermore, a daily Nasya treatment also improves (treatment of the nose with medicinal oils) resistance against respiratory allergies.

Sesame rinse

Take sesame oil in your mouth as a rinse, for 5 to 10 minutes in your mouth (after brushing teeth).

You may throw pharmaceuticals at the problem to reduce symptoms, but to fully unroot allergies nothing short of a re-evaluation of one's way of being according to ayurvedic principles will suffice!! Stay safe and healthy folks!!!