Massage for Summer Allergies
More than 2/3 of people suffer from year-round allergies. Summer is here and we’re picnicking in the grass, the beautiful flowers are blooming around us, and we’re spending more time outdoors—it’s all part of fabulous summer! For those who have allergies, though, it can become a challenge.
As the summer months progress, ragweed or hay fever allergies tend to rise. The body’s natural defense is to produce excess mucous which often creates nasal congestion and red, itchy eyes which can all lead to fatigue (and frustration)! Working outdoors with plants and in gardens can expose people to mold spores that are contained on the plants themselves and in the soil. Mold spores can also increase indoors during the hot, humid months of summer in basements, and on floors and walls in bathroom and kitchen areas. Even cats and dogs, our ‘fur friends’, are shedding their coats this time of year which can aggravate those with pet dander allergies as well.
Stress and allergies sometimes go hand in hand. When the body is under stress, it reacts in an exaggerated response to allergens. The body fights the allergens with coughing, sneezing, wheezing which can put greater stress on the body creating a vicious cycle! This is because stress increases the adrenal gland’s production of cortisol triggers the sympathetic nervous system to create extra epinephrine and norepinephrine, decreasing the effectiveness of the immune system.
Massage for allergies is a great way to get soothing relief. Massage can help the body’s reaction to the allergens. Many of the trigger points for the sinuses are located in the upper back and shoulder which are massaged for relief. Headaches and congestion can also be relived through this procedure.
CNY Healing Arts Centers provide relaxing massages that can help alleviate your allergy symptoms, as well as to reduce stress and increase your body’s immune system. For more information, please contact one of our centers nearest you:
Syracuse:
195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205
315.671.5755
Albany:
38A Old Sparrowbush Road, Latham, NY 12110
518.724.5750
Rochester:
2244 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610
585.244.1280 ext. 2