Ayurvedic Treatment for Allergy

Ayurvedic Treatment for Allergy

As per Ayurveda, allergies are not isolated external manifest symptoms but they are the results of poor digestion, accumulated toxins, bad lifestyle, etc. which results in an imbalance of fundamental energies i.e. Vata, pitta, Kapha, etc.

Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy is highly personalized depending upon the body system affected and the predominant Dosha involved. Thus, Allergy treatment in Ayurveda works at the root by restoring balance through a combination of various modes of Ayurvedic treatment. Various Ayurvedic treatments that can be offered to Allergic patients:-

Detoxification Therapy (Panchakarma Therapy) for Allergies

The deep detoxification process that removes root causes of diseases i.e. toxins (Ama) from the body and restores fundamental energy balance (Dosha balance) is known as Panchkarma or purification or detoxification therapy. The detoxification therapy includes:- 

1. Emetic Therapy (Vamana) – The therapy used to eliminate excessive Kapha from the body, which is the culprit behind various respiratory allergies, congestion, etc. is known as emetic therapy. Medicated drinks like Yashtimadhu Kashaya, etc. are used to expel toxins in this therapy.
2. Purgative Therapy (Virechana) – This therapy helps in removing excessive Pitta from the liver and intestines, and results in treating various skin allergies. Herbal laxatives like Triphala, Abhyadi Modaka, or castor oil to cleanse the gut.
3. Medicated Enema Therapy (Basti) – This therapy helps balance aggravated Vata Dosha which is responsible for various autoimmune allergies, respiratory conditions of allergies, etc. Medicated oils like Dashmool Taila or Bala Taila are used to strengthen and nourish the immune system in this therapy which ultimately helps to cure the root cause of allergies.
4. Nasal Therapy / Intra Nasal Instillation (Nasya) – Medicated oil or powder is administered through the nostril. Medicated herbal oil like Anu Taila is used to relieve congestion, allergic rhinitis, sinuses, etc.
5. Bloodletting Therapy (Rakta Mokshana) – With the use of various techniques like leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana), the removal of impure blood is done from the body in bloodletting therapy. It is used in various allergies like eczema to remove toxins from the bloodstream.
6. Topical Applications (Lepana) – Various combinations of herbs are taken, their paste is formed, and are applied over the affected area.
7. Pouring of Medicated Oil Over the Head (Shiro Dhara): In this therapy, continuous medicated oil is poured over the forehead which helps in reducing key anxiety and stress induced by various allergies.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Allergies

The use of herbs comes under palliative therapy, which balances doshas, reduces allergic reactions, strengthens immunity, and is a key aspect of Ayurvedic treatment for allergies.

1. Vata-Pacifying Herbs for Allergies: The most common herbs used are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. They are used for treating dry skin allergies and various autoimmune conditions which lead to allergies.
2. Pitta-Pacifying Herbs for Allergies: The most common herbs used are Neem (Azadirachta indica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Aloe Vera, etc. which help to treat various allergic conditions like inflammatory skin conditions, burning sensations, and rashes, etc.
3. Kapha-Pacifying Herbs for Allergies: The most common herbs used for pacifying Kapha in allergies are Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Trikatu (ginger, black pepper, long pepper), etc which helps in clearing mucus congestion in various respiratory allergies and sinusitis.

Use of Rejuvenators (Rasayana Therapy) for Allergies

Herbs that have rejuvenator activity (i.e. immunomodulator, antioxidant, etc.) as a single drug or as formulation used in various types of allergies to boost immunity, reduce hypersensitivity, etc.

The few most commonly used rejuvenators are Chyawanprash (formulation) which helps to prevent seasonal allergies and strengthen the immune system. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) acts as an anti-allergic herb and immunomodulator. Amla (Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) which detoxify the body and enhances immunity.

Yoga Asanas for Allergies

Yoga Asana and various breathing techniques are considered very useful in regulating the immune system, improving lung function, and reducing stress. Postures (Asana) like Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Fish pose (Matsyasana), etc. can be done for various allergies which opens up the chest, improves respiratory function, relieves sinus congestion, and promotes deep breathing.

Along with this various Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) like Anulom-Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bellows breath (Bhastrika Pranayama) can be done for allergies that remove toxins and enhance lung capacity.

Gem Therapy for Allergies

The body’s energy field is influenced by Gem therapy, and it helps in balancing doshas. Various gemstones can be used as per astrological natal charts like Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) which helps in balancing Pitta Dosha and the conditions associated with it like inflammatory skin allergies, Blue Sapphire (Neelam) for Vata balance that reduces stress-related allergies and supports the nervous system, Emerald (Panna) for balancing Kapha prevents congestion and supports respiratory health.