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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

Natural Ways to Relieve Allergy Suffering

Feb 27, 2019 03:17PM ● By Dave Korba

Allergies can reduce our stamina and desire to exercise and engage in daily activities. Allison Zang, owner of Absolute Pilates, Andrew Zang, owner of Zang Physical Therapy, and Melanie McGuire, owner of SaltEFX, suggest that being proactive can help us prepare to combat allergies by using natural modalities that bring relief.

“Exercise may not be the first thing you would think about when you want to feel better from allergies and breathing issues,” says Allison. “But exercise has been known to reduce inflammation. Allergies inflame the blood vessels in your nose, causing you to feel congested. When you work out, your body redirects your blood flow to the hardworking body. This eases congestion, often within minutes, and can last for hours. Exercising outdoors is a lot of fun; however, when suffering from allergies, it might be better to choose an indoor program that offers a clean, allergy-free environment,” she suggests.

Andrew concurs, “For those with allergies, many think that exercising will be a detriment to or worsen their condition, but this is not always the case. Surprisingly, exercise (sometimes in controlled environments) can help reduce the effects of certain allergens.”

According to McGuire, halotherapy (halos in Greek means salt) presents a unique treatment option for allergy sufferers because it is a drug-free, completely natural modality that offers fast relief. Due to a unique aerosol dispersal system, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of sodium chloride particles are carried into the deepest recesses of the bronchial system. The microscopic size of the particles, which stimulate the immune system, increase the body’s innate ability to reduce the current allergic reaction and resist further infection.

“Salt is a well-known decongestant; it reduces widening of the airway passages caused by inflammation, restoring the normal transport of mucous secretion, and frees blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to rapid elimination of the residual tar and foreign allergens,” explains McGuire. “Improved drainage allows for reduction in contaminants that may trigger or prolong allergic episodes. Additionally, salt’s ability to absorb edema from swollen mucosa linings in the sinuses and respiratory tract opens airways to bring about quick relief of symptoms.

Adding a salt lamp or accessories to the indoor environment of a home or office may help to remove allergens and toxins. Creating an allergen-free space may encourage participation in physical activity, which can have ripple effects that lessen allergy suffering.

“Exercise improves organ function, which helps the body remove allergens and toxins. The faster allergens are cleaned from your body, the better you’ll feel,” explains Allison.

“The adrenaline boost achieved with exercise is greatly helpful, as well,” shares Andrew. “In these ways, allergy sufferers can derive good benefits from exercise and are encouraged to be active.”

“Halotherapy also treats skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis by providing pH normalization and inducing reparative and regenerative processes in the skin,” notes McGuire.

Allison Zang, 717-585-2592, AbsolutePilates.com. Andrew Zang, 717-440-6197, ZangPT.com. Melanie McGuire, 717-635-9271, SaltEFX.com.