Last week, we discussed the importance of massage for allergy relief. This week, we’d like to dive deeper with more detailed tips on how to relieve your allergies especially with the spring allergy season upon us! You may find yourself reaching for over-the-counter antihistamines or resorting to prescription medication just to make it through the day. The annoying symptoms of seasonal allergies such as puffy eyes, sinus pressure, and sneezing happen when your body’s immune system overreacts to the presence of pollen. The immune system releases antibodies to attack the allergen, leading to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood.
Antihistamine medication helps to treat the symptoms of allergies by lowering the amount of histamine in the blood. These medications provide relief, but they are not without their troubling side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Healing rituals such as craniosacral therapy can be used as an alternative or a complement to traditional medication. Craniosacral therapy and massage in general reduces feelings of stress and promotes relaxation. If you are experiencing significant stress in your life, your body will respond by releasing additional histamine. The amount of histamine circulating in your blood correlates directly with the severity of your allergy symptoms. A relaxing craniosacral therapy session may significantly reduce the body’s hyperactive response to pollen and lessen the severity of your symptoms.
Craniosacral therapy involves the cranium, spine, and tailbone, or sacrum which are connected by the dura mater, a connective tissue that also encloses the brain and central nervous system. Cerebral spinal fluid moves within the dura mater and this movement of fluid is known as the craniosacral rhythm. A craniosacral therapist can detect the craniosacral rhythm by gently touching the base of your skull and sacrum. Trained therapists check for disturbances in this rhythm which they can then balance with light touches. Your body’s natural healing abilities and self-correcting processes can be restored when cerebral spinal fluid flows freely.
Light, gentle touches on the bones of the face as a part of craniosacral therapy can help reduce sinus pressure and alleviate pain caused by your seasonal allergies. Craniosacral therapy is deeply relaxing; many clients fall asleep during this fully-clothed massage. Extra sleep and restful quiet promotes a healthy immune system and lowered allergic response as well. Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes long.
Contact us today about scheduling a craniosacral therapy session to help restore your body’s natural rhythm and healing!
