Conventional researchers and doctors are still unclear on exactly
why some people are affected by allergens
Faced with data that the developed nations of the
West have a higher incidence of allergies, scientists have put forward
the "hygiene hypothesis" - that the "clean" surroundings, immunizations
and antibiotics prevalent in these countries may be responsible for many
people's reactions to allergens. Other factors that may be contributing
include diet, exposure to chemicals and carpeted housing.
Doctors have traditionally asked sufferers to avoid the allergens
causing a reaction, but this is often easier said than done. Allergy
shots currently available and antihistamines can create harmful
side-effects and reactions, worsening the situation. Scientists and
researchers appear to be convinced that the ultimate solution will be to
figure out ways of teaching the body to be indifferent to innocuous
allergens. The irony is that the human body is born knowing how to do
just that and the important question is, what can be done to maintain
this ability.
Maharishi Ayurveda advice
Supporting the body's own immune systems to
effectively combat allergens is exactly what Maharishi Ayurveda suggests
as the long-term, effective solution to allergies. According to
Ayurveda in the spring, impurities inside the body are melting due to
the rising temperature in the environment. The liquefied toxins clog the
channels of the body. When the channels are blocked, nutrients are not
delivered properly to the cells, and the body's immune systems for
resisting allergens become overwhelmed.
In the spring, as flowers burst into bloom, they fill the air
with pollen. So the allergens in the environment are increasing at the
same time that the body's defences are being challenged. That's the
reason for the incidence of allergies suddenly shooting up in the
spring. In respiratory allergies, a particular sub-dosha of Kapha,
called Shleshaka Kapha, which is responsible for maintaining moisture in
the upper respiratory tract, is involved.
As the Ama (digestive impurities) in the body starts melting, it
combines with Shleshaka Kapha to form a thick, sticky toxin called
shleshma, which starts to fill the respiratory tract and sinus
cavities. As a result the entire respiratory system can become a
fertile breeding ground for bacteria and infection. This is the reason
many allergies end up as secondary sinus and respiratory infections.
Enlivening the Body’s Defence Systems
So what can one do to help keep the body resistant to allergens?
The long-term solution is to
avoid
the cause of allergies
and help the body's immune system to effectively withstand allergens.
The
Allergard (MA1788)
herbal formulation from Maharishi Ayurveda can help. Taking Allergard
twice daily helps maintain the natural cleansing mechanisms that
remove toxins from the body and enliven the
body's immunity.
Allergard helps avoid toxic reactions, supports digestion, and
decrease sensitivity to allergens by nourishing and purifying the liver.
This herbal formulation is designed for all kinds of allergies, because
it enhances the body's overall capability to resist allergens."
What about diet?
Researchers
have found that a diet that includes regular intake of spices
can help
maintain resistance to plant-induced allergies. The health supporting
values of spices such as turmeric are often attributed to their
component chemicals such as flavonoids and phenols in which turmeric is
rich.
Turmeric
can also help maintain digestion and balance the flow of bile. Sage, red
pepper, cumin and coriander are some other spices that are known to
maintain resistance to allergies. Sautéing a combination of ground
turmeric, cumin and coriander in ghee and using the mixture to season
vegetables is a way of incorporating some of these valuable spices into
your diet.
From the Ayurvedic perspective, a Kapha-Pitta
pacifying diet helps maintain balance at the time of year when allergies
are most common.
Drinking
Cooling Pitta Tea
or using the
Mild & Cooling
Pitta Churna spice blend are convenient ways of keeping
pitta dosha in balance.
It is also important to pacify Kapha to
counteract sluggish digestion and congestion. This is especially true in
the Kapha season (spring).
Maintaining
Resistance to Allergies
The real problem with allergies is not allergens, such as
those from plants, pollen, chemicals or food. After all, many people
don't suffer allergic reactions from these things. The problem lies in
the body's reaction to allergens. Your body has effective natural
defences that protect it from allergens.
But these defences weaken when digestive impurities (Ama)
accumulate in the body. Then, an allergen will interact with the Ama,
causing an allergic reaction where the impurities are found. For
example, when these impurities are in the skin, they can result in
rashes or irritation. Impurities in the lungs cause breathing problems.
Wherever they interact and interfere, these impurities make
it hard for the cells to function properly. To solve the problem, you
need to maintain the body's purification system so it more effectively
eliminates toxins.
Help the Body Build Resistance
This
system of health care helps to support the body's normal functions and
innate resistance to allergens by: supporting the liver—the body's
filtration system and maintaining healthy digestion, which helps avoid
the production of Ama.
Allergy System Guidelines
 Take
Allergard (MA1788) food supplement. This
herbal formula supports the body's natural resistance to allergens,
helps the body avoid toxic
reactions, reduces the impurities that lead to reactions, supports
digestion, helps decrease sensitivity and increase comfort and nourishes
liver function.
Cooling Pitta Tea, and
Pitta churna spice mix help you to keep
your natural temperature balance and
Spicy Kapha Tea and
Kapha churna
spice mix help maintain moisture balance in
lungs and eyes.
Take the
Amrit Nectar and
Ambrosia herbal supplements for
total health and longevity. Scientific studies have shown that Amrit
supports the function of
the immune system, detoxification, the
nervous system and free radical scavenging.
Dietary Recommendations
-
Avoid eating leftovers. This produces digestive impurities (Ama).
-
Avoid carbonated or iced drinks, which can slow digestion.
-
For balanced nutrition, include the six Ayurvedic tastes—sweet,
sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. Our Ayurvedic seasoning
mixes are an easy way to include all six tastes at every meal.
-
Drink plenty of warm liquids. They help clear impurities from the
microcirculatory channels (Shrotas).
Lifestyle Recommendations
-
Respect your body's sensitivity and avoid known irritants.
-
For better assimilation of vital nutrients, don't watch TV or
read while eating. Focus on enjoying and savouring your meal.
-
Go to bed by 10 p.m., so the body is at rest during the natural
purification period from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
 Further information
about and to
order the products mentioned above see
How to Order or call 01695
51015 and for information about the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre see
www.MaharishiAyurveda.co.uk or call 01695
51008.
DISCLAIMER: The
information in this document is presented for the sole purpose of imparting
education on Maharishi Ayurveda and neither the information nor the products
are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If
you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a
health professional and it is recommended that you speak with your physician
before making significant changes to your diet or routine.
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