Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air like pollen, dust, pollution, mold, animal dander and by taking immunity reducing drugs for long time. The main symptoms include running nose, sneezing, itching and watering of eyes, swelling of eyes, heaviness of head, irritation and stuffiness of nose, fatigue, drowsiness and earache. Although allergic rhinitis is not a life threatening condition, complication can occur and it may disturb the daily life.
The worst part of allergies? Not being able to take a deep, clear satisfying breath. Although the itchy eyes and unstoppable sneezing come in as close runners-up. Allergies can show up just about anywhere in your body and create an incredible variety of symptoms, affecting nose, eyes, throat, lungs, stomach, skin and nervous system.
According to symptoms classification
It is broadly classified into two types
Allergic rhinitis – It’s due to weak immunity, causative factor is like allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet fur, carpet etc.
Non-Allergic rhinitis- All year around symptoms of nasal blockage and runny nose. In this allergen has no role.
Ayurvedic Perspective
As per Ayurveda, Allergic Rhinitis is compared with Vata-Kapha Pratishaya. The concept of Ama, Asatmya and virudh aahara also predict the allergic conditions. Ama is product of impaired digestion and metabolism. It affects rasa and rakta dhatu leading to manifestation of Pratishaya. Wrong food combination (virudh ahara) are also leads to allergy. Allergic rhinitis is not a life threatening condition, complication can occur, it may disturb the daily life.The main reason of allergic rhinitis is reduced immunity of the body. Ayurveda believes a person with a weak digestive fire has toxins in their body and revolve around this principle.
During winter months, more kapha forms an extra insulator layer which increases body’s core temperature. Towards the end of the winter season, rising ambient temperature melts this extra mucous layer which slowly moves into the bloodstream. In an ideal state, body systems either neutralise or excrete such toxins.
Those individuals whose body is deficient in this nutrients and the secretion capacity are more prone to get allergic reactions and hay fever. This mucous or kapha is in some ways responsible for weakening the digestive fire and responsible for changes and movements in the body. Seasonal changes in nature trigger the Vata humor. Our nervous system is the main seat of Vata dosha. An aggravated or overstimulated Vata dosha triggers continual sneezing and headache. The causes of Allergic rhinitis as per Ayurveda is Madagni (Low digestive fire), Kapha Virdudhi – Increase of kapha in body.
According to symptoms it is classified in six types
- Sneezing – Vataja Pratishaya
- Nasal congestion-Vataja Pratishaya
- Breathlessness-Shwasa kashta-Kaphaja pratishaya
- Nasal discharge- Kaphaja and vatatja Pratishaya
- Headache- Shriogaurava- Vataja and kaphaja Pratishaya
- Itching in nasal and oral region-Nasa and talu kandu- kaphaja and rakataja pratishaya
Ayurveda offer a natural way of beating allergies without harming your body. The main treatment is to improve the immunity power of the body. “Ayurveda is an ancient science of life originated in India which focuses on the importance of living in tune with nature. At its simplest, ‘dosha’ is your individual bio-energy which needs to be maintained in balance for health”. Ayurveda recommends natural measures in preventing and treating hay fever.
Shodhana therapies (cleansing treatments) and Shamana therapies (intake of herbs ) can be used for effective treatment. Ayurvedic treatment if taken as advice not only helps in the problem but also helps to prevent the recurrence. Internal herbs support the upper and lower respiratory tract, increase the immunity of the body, eliminates the toxins and improves the general health.
Shodhana therapies include external cleansing treatments like Nasya (marsha and pratimarsha types), Shirodhara (both taila dhara and takra dhara), Dhoopa (inhalation of medicated smoke), Kavala (gargle) and Bashpa Sweda (steam bath). Nasya (nasal instillation) is the main treatment as it cleanses the upper respiratory tract and eliminates all the nasal and sinus blockages. A prescribed course of nasya will not only help to eradicate the disease but also can prevent its recurrence. Shirodhara with suitable oils or medicated butter milk are also recommended in certain conditions to cure chronic allergic rhinitis. Swedana (steaming) is an inevitable process in the whole treatment as it relieves the congestion and eases breathing by relieving blockage. Daily practice of Dhoopa (medicated smoke inhalation) and Kavala (medicated gargle) also gives much relief to the condition.
Ayurvedic management for Allergic Rhinitis at Ayurveda Bliss (Ayurveda Sydney) Let’s talk to know more ...
Ayurvedic Herbs
Customized Detox Plan
Diet Plan
Lifestyle Management
Ayurvedic Therapeutic Program
All of these in conjunction with a healthy diet and daily routine are the ideal way to keep yourself healthy and happy during the transition period. Ayurveda care at our Ayurvedic Sydney centre offer a natural way of beating allergies without harming your body.