Have you ever wondered why one person can play with a dog for hours, while another can’t get within 200 meters of a puppy without itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing and/or rashes on their body? This is due to Allergies. 

Allergies are a result of a hypersensitive immune system that reacts strongly to common substances; it is hypersensitivity to certain stimuli varying from drugs, foods, environmental irritants and substances, or temperature as well. These otherwise harmless substances act as antigens, which give rise to a body reaction which produces a substance called histamine. 

While it can be hereditary, allergies are often developed during the course of life. Any possible allergen depends from person to person – it can vary from certain foods, ingredients, medicines, environmental factors like dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. 

Ayurveda believes that any intolerance (Asatmya) of substances is due to a weak or imbalanced Agni, which in Ayurveda is known as digestive fire. A weakened Agni denotes that there is a formation of toxins aka Ama in the body. Therefore, people who have Ama in their bodies are prone to having allergies.

Allergies can be a result of a weakened Agni, toxins in the body, imbalance of Ayurvedic Doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha), a weakened Ojas (immune system) or with the number of allergens present in the body.

Allergies are common and need to be taken care of consistently. Dharana Wellness Centre’s integrative and holistic approach in all the wellness programmes they offer effectively combines traditional methods like Ayurveda, with Modern Diagnostics that ensure long-term success in attaining wellness goals in a steady, holistic manner rather than quick, unsustainable solutions.

Here are a few Ayurvedic approaches that can resolve allergies.

•  Avoid consumption of foods that reduce the Agni, such as cold drinks, heavy foods, dairy, wheat, meat, sugar, any processed foods, as they can affect the time taken for digestion.
• Neti pots are commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments and can be done easily at home. They help in clearing sinuses, as they irrigate the nostrils. Therefore, Neti pots can also help clear out allergens that are stuck in the mucus membranes of the nose. 
• Trikatu – an Ayurvedic herbal compound with a combination of black pepper, long pepper and ginger, heats up the Agni in our system, aiding in digestion. 
• Reduce “kapha” in your diet; it is advisable to consume easy to digest, warm, cooked foods – such as fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Additionally, cooking them in ghee is known to soothe mucus membranes. 
• Spices like Black Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin etc are warming spices, which aid in heating up the Agni 
• Include a daily pranayama routine 
• Exercise for 30 minutes daily; this eliminates toxins from the body.
• Triphala – an Ayurvedic combination of amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki, cleanses the body and rid the body of toxins that slow down digestion.

Dharana Wellness Centre, a wellness retreat near Mumbai, focuses on holistic health which includes physical, mental and spiritual balance. One of the key ideologies of this eco wellness retreat lies in the holistic approach. As an Ayurvedic healing center in India, Dharana combines the use of an integrative, modern approach for holistic health with Modern diagnostics with traditional practices like Yoga and Ayurveda to ensure a sustainable wellness journey.