An allergy is an altered or abnormal tissue reaction to exposure to an antigen or allergen. Allergic reactions are caused by a wide range of substances and conditions. What effects some people may have no effect on someone else. Foods, airborne particles, and things against the skin can cause an adverse reaction - some more severe than others. 

Energy toxins are also present, although we are less aware of these. Signs may not be as obvious as with an allergy, however after being exposed to an energy toxin we may develop anxiety, headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders, panic attacks, food cravings or even a short temper. Long term exposure to these toxins can also inhibit weight loss and healing. 

So what can you do if your immune system registers pollen or shellfish as a threat? Antihistamines provide short term relief of itching and mild swelling, and sometimes a shot of epinephrine can be lifesaving in the case of severe allergies, but what about in the long term?

Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) are given for specific allergies, but don't work for specific allergies.

So besides the obvious, avoiding allergens, keeping a clean house and using hypoallergenic products, what can be done?

There are several Drug Free Alternatives.

Homeopathy - Capable of healing the body to the point of complete relief.

Stinging Nettle Weed - Drinking the tea made from stinging nettle can provide relief from allergy symptoms. There is an oil on the leaves that acts as an antihistamine.

Biofeedback Therapy - Uses electromagnetic signals to scan the body to identify problem areas. When these areas have been identified, the therapy feeds back to the body the frequencies it needs to rectify or neutralize destructive energy patterns. 

Acupuncture - Needles inserted at pressure points to balance the body's Chi and straighten out any imbalances causing the allergy. Endorphins and local anti inflammatories are released. 

Aromatherapy - inhaling steam infused with essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree and rosemary oil opens up the airway providing temporary relief from itching, swelling and watery eyes.

Neti Pots - Neti Pots use a sea salt solution to flush the nasal cavity. While some people find this extremely uncomfortable, the relief it brings is indisputable. It flushes trapped allergens and phlegm. 

Vitamin C with Quercetin - Stabilizes mast cells, the tiny cells that line your nasal passages and go down into your lungs. This reduces their activity so they dont release histamines as easily as they would, preventing swelling, itching and discomfort.

Because vitamin C and quecertin are water soluble, they can be taken several times a day with no adverse reactions.

Honey - they theory is that if you eat local honey, your body becomes resistant to the allergens in the flowers causing you problems

Reflexology -  The endocrine system is balanced and any issues are rectified using reflexology. The thymus, responsible for creating t-cell lymphocytes is balanced, helping in allergy symptoms.  The chronically overworked adrenal glands are also given a boost, allowing them to function properly. Fatigue, hypoglycemia, ALLERGIES and low blood pressure are all symptoms of poor adrenal gland function.

Whether your allergies effect your digestive system, skin or respiratory system changes your reflexology session. In the case of respiratory allergens, the clients respiratory system is treated and balanced. 

1. Have you always suffered from minor health problems... headaches, skin rashes, colds, viruses, pains, bloating, problems sleeping or stomach upsets

2. Have you always had skin problems

3. Have you never succeeded in losing weight

4. Do you suffer from recurring problems such as joint and muscle spasms, restless legs, fatigue, headaches, tics, rashes, depression, anxiety and depression

5. Do you suffer from unexpected and random bouts of uncharacteristic exhaustion

6. Do you still feel tired after a full nights sleep

7. Do you never quite feel yourself

8. Does your life seem to alternate between lethargy and alertness

9. Do changes in your diet affect your health

10. Do you have frequent stomach problems... wind, indigestion, constipation, heartburn

The more YES answers you had, the greater the chance that you are suffering from a food intolerance or allergy.