Raise your hand if you or someone you know has ever had allergies. Close to 100% of you probably just raised your hand, correct? Because they are so common, we assume that means it is normal, something that we are just born with and have no control over. Allergies, much like bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, are not something that just happens to us – we are active participants in the health of our immune systems!
Imagine a pristine, clean, clear pool and a dirty, grimy pool with brown water. Mosquitoes, flies, and bacteria will be attracted to the dirty pool over the clean pool because they are attracted to things that are decaying and are easy to feed off of. Now imagine our bodies as a pool. Take into account what you eat, how stressed you are, how much water you drink, what products you use, and how much you move throughout the day. All of these are factors in the state of your “pool”.
Now picture your immune system as a large bucket. Every stressor, toxin, allergen, and anything we else we are exposed to are filling that bucket little by little. Our immune system, on the other hand, is working to keep the bucket empty so that we don’t consciously feel any of the effects. If the bucket overflows, then we start to feel the manifestation of all of those things physically. This could show up in ways like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rashes, dry eyes, inflammation, headaches, sinus pressure, stomach pain, diarrhea constipation, etc.
The immune system and nervous system are closely connected – the better the nervous system is working, the better the immune system (and every other system) will be working. One way to improve the function of the nervous system is through Chiropractic adjustments. Specific upper cervical adjustments, adjusting the ears for proper drainage and thoracic adjustments for lungs and breathing help the body empty the bucket. It also balances the nervous system so that the body is better at adapting to the stressors it is constantly exposed to that might try to fill our buckets. Craniosacral therapy is another great way to remove imbalances from the nervous system. Using a light touch, it helps release any bogginess or pressure built up in the sinus cavities and throughout the cranial bones. This helps people to breathe better and induces better draining.
For those of you currently dealing with allergies – have hope! A balanced nervous system creates healthy, clean pools/environments. Along with supporting a healthy nervous system through chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy; essential oils, proper nutrition, movement, hydration, and stress relief are great ways to keep your body supported and healing!
-Dr. Sophie
To learn more about Craniosacral Therapy, click here.