What Is An Allergy?

An allergy is sensitivity to a substance which usually does not cause any harm.  The immune system views the allergen as if it was a dangerous infection releasing a surge of histamine.  This can cause an array of symptoms some mild while others can be severe and last for periods of time. Eg. inflammation, irritation, fluid retention, itching, fatigue, digestive upset, pain, flu like symptoms, weight loss/gain , mood swings, Premenstrual Syndrome, hormonal imbalance,  Candida, nutritional deficiencies, toxic overload, organ imbalances, disruption in ph balance and insomnia.  Allergies can affect almost any part of the body and be caused by an ever increasing range of natural or artificial substances eg chemicals, airborne substances like dust mite, food and drink, animals, environmental, preservatives and additives.  Allergies can be the sole cause of illness or act as a trigger to existing conditions.

Types of Allergies.

Skin allergies

The most common are dermatitis, eczema, urticaria (nettle rash/hives) and psoriasis.  Symptoms can include itching, redness, pain, swelling, sores, pustules, rashes, and acne.  Causes can include allergies to certain foods, drugs, perfumes, chemicals and animals, poor diet, stress, nutritional deficiencies and organ imbalances.

Eye and ear allergies

Allergies can cause the eyes to water swell become sore red and irritated.  The ears can also be affected causing itching internally and externally, fluid can also build up inside the ear causing pressure a ringing sensation and temporary deafness.

Respiratory allergies

Some common nasal conditions which are caused or triggered by allergies include rhinitis, sinusitis and hay fever.  Symptoms can include sneezing, nasal discharge, headache, stuffiness, flu like symptoms and congestion.  Chest conditions can manifest with symptoms such as coughing with or without phlegm, susceptibility to colds and flu, sensitivity to drafts or chills

Asthma attacks can be brought on by an allergic reaction to foods and airborne substances. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, coughing and chest tightness.

Food allergies and food intolerances

The list of symptoms of food allergies is endless they include digestive upset, skin rash, organ imbalances, delayed immune response, mouth sores, mood swings, toxin build up, weight gain or loss, stress, headache, poor absorption of nutrients and irritable bowel syndrome.  Food allergies can upset the natural balance between good and bad bacteria leading to fungal infection.  They can also interfere with the bodies’ natural ph levels.

Candida and allergies

Candida is one of the most frequent conditions seen in the western world.  It often manifests itself as vaginal infection in women.  Causes can include allergies, poor diet, stress, nutritional deficiencies, poor immune system and antibiotic use.  Symptoms are wide and varied.  For example, thrush, nail infections, gas, bloating, constant hunger, bad breath, anal itching, severe dandruff, itchy flakey scalp, toxic overload, digestive and bowel upset, weight gain / loss and poor concentration.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS affects many people.  It manifests with severe pain, bloating, belching, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, indigestion, spasm, anal itching, frequent and urgent bowel motions.  This condition can be very stressful, which in itself makes the condition worse.  Causes can include food allergies and food intolerances, stress, nutritional deficiencies and organ imbalances.

PH Balance

PH balance / acid balance can be altered by food allergies and equally allergies can be caused by over acidity resulting in disorders such as gout, aches and pains, indigestion, psoriasis, red itchy skin, cellulite, heartburn, constant fatigue and illness.

Organ Imbalances

In Chinese medicine, allergies can cause disruption in the natural balance between yin and yang, smooth flow of Qi/energy and harmony amongst the organs.  For example, disharmony of earth and wood (spleen and liver).  Clinical indications of this may include indigestion with gas, cramping, nausea, constipation / diarrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome with sore breasts, bloated abdomen, irritability and fatigue, headaches, mood swings, erratic appetite, irregular / painful periods, craving foods, cold hands and feet, unstable blood sugar and poor concentration.  Other causes include stress low immune system infections poor diet and lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies.  It is important to identify and treat these imbalances as soon as possible to avoid illness.

Stress and allergies

Allergies can put huge stress on almost any part of the system.  Equally stress, can interfere with the immune response, resulting in allergies.  It is important to keep stress at manageable levels so that the system can function properly.  A well balanced diet, regular aerobic exercise and continual water intake are essential to reduce stress.  Just as there are certain foods and drinks which raise stress levels there are also an array of supper foods that help to de-stress.  It is important to decrease stress inducing foods and increase de-stress foods.

Nutrition and allergies

Over time if allergies are left untreated nutritional deficiencies will occur.  To maintain good health it is important that we are getting adequate nutrition on a daily basis to support our lifestyle.  Nutrition is required for all of the bodies systems and functions.  It is important that we are eating the right foods, that these foods are being broken down properly, and that the nutrition from these foods is properly absorbed.  Symptoms of deficiency or mal-absorption of nutrition are numerous and need to be identified and treated ASAP.

Toxins

Our systems are bombarded with toxins every day.  For example, air pollution, drugs, heavy metals, excess salt and sugar, preservatives and additives, chemicals and fumes.  Allergies can cause toxin levels to rise within the body.  Many toxins are fat soluble and are stored in the fatty parts of the body.  Symptoms can include allergy reactions, Premenstrual Syndrome, weight gain, joint pain, bad breath, headaches, constipation, digestive upset, premature ageing, poor concentration, fluid retention, Candida, gallstones, acne, bad breath, body odor, erratic blood sugar levels and M.E.  Toxins can be stored in many parts of the body.  It is therefore important to do a complete systems detox, to avoid toxic overload.

Allergy testing and treatment

The initial consultation takes about an hour.  We do a comprehensive pain free allergy and food intolerance test.  We test for over 100 foods, chemicals and air borne substances.  We also check for nutritional deficiencies, organ imbalances, toxins, ph/acid balance, intestinal flora and the immune system.  Depending on what shows up in the consultation a treatment plan will be advised.  Treatment can be varied depending on severity of the condition and can include exclusion diet, breathing techniques, nutrition, diet and lifestyle changes, stress management, Chinese medicine such as, acupuncture, herbs, auricular (needle free ) acupuncture.  Where a food sensitivity has been found, an exclusion diet will be fully explained.  In many cases this diet will only have to be adhered to for a period of time.  In these cases reintroduction of foods will be fully explained.  Follow up treatments may be needed and all progress will be monitored.

Breathing

Many people are unaware of how they breathe.  Breathing is life we cannot survive for longer than a few minutes without air.  Correct breathing filters and warms air which helps to reduce invasion of wind, cold, damp, airborne allergies and toxins.  When we breathe incorrectly we can have a tendency to over breathe or hyperventilate causing many symptoms including wheezing, asthma attack, stress, panic attacks, insomnia, snoring, palpitations, light headed feeling, anxiety, stress, low immune system, fatigue, poor concentration and headache.  We need to concentrate on breathing correctly no matter where we are or what we are doing.  Simple breathing techniques which can be done by anyone and incorporated into everyday living can have a dramatic effect on health and energy.

Nutrition

Where deficiencies have been found, diet changes and in some cases nutritional supplements will be recommended.  Specific nutritional supplements can also be used to improve the immune system, treat stress, balance ph and intestinal flora (good bacteria).  All nutrition recommended will be fully licensed.

Diet and lifestyle

Where needed, simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference to your health will be advised.  Particular attention will be given to increasing intake of foods that heal and decreasing intake of foods that harm.  Regular exercise, depending on your health, and adequate water and sleep.  Stress management may also be advised.

Acupuncture can be used to diagnose and treat most conditions.  It is the largest drug free healthcare system in the world, and can be used in conjunction with western medicine.  It can restore balance between yin and yang, smooth flow of Qi/energy, and harmony between the organs.

Auricular acupuncture (needle free) is simple, pain free and safe.  It can be used to treat a variety of conditions.  For example, allergies, insomnia, stress, fears and phobias, fertility issues, stop smoking and weight loss.  It is suitable to use on children and older people.

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