What are Allergies
Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in house dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, moulds, foods and some medicines.
Some of the Symptoms of Allergies Include:
Nose, Eyes, Sinuses and Throat
- Runny, itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Sore throat
Lungs & Chest
- Breathing difficulties like asthma
Skin
- Eczema (dry, red, itchy skin)
- Hives (white, itchy bumps like insect bites)
Stomach & Bowel
Most stomach upsets are caused by richness or spiciness in the food itself, rather than an actual allergy. However, foods which are most commonly associated with allergy include peanuts, seafood, dairy products and eggs. Cow’s milk allergy in infants may occur and can cause eczema, asthma, colic and stomach upset. Some people cannot digest lactose (milk sugar). This intolerance to lactose also causes stomach upsets, but must not be confused with allergy.
Cause of Allergies
Allergies tend to run in families. If you have allergies, it’s very likely that at least one of your parents does too.
Exposure to allergens at times when the body’s defenses are weak, such as after an illness or during pregnancy, also may play a role in developing allergies. Although allergies are most common in children, they can occur at any time and any age. Sometimes allergies go away, but they also can come back years later.
How Can Simply Natural Therapies Help?
The naturopathic approach to treating allergies is often centred on supporting immune and digestive functions. The following natural therapies or treatments may be utilised to help alleviate a range of allergy symptoms:
- Herbal Medicine – herbal remedies with an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory effect can be utilised to good effect, and have been known to relieve the symptoms of an allergy.
- Homeopathy – a range of homeopathic remedies may be used to relieve runny noses and congested airways.
- Nutrition – the most common approach here is the use of elimination diets to determine the cause of an allergy, or exclusion diets to ensure a known irritant is not part of your regular diet. A balanced diet is also sensible to maintain overall health and immune function.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Your Naturopathic consultation is a thorough health review. A treatment plan is implemented which may vary from dietary adjustments, prescription herbs, supplements, a healthy diet and lifestyle education you can use for the rest of your life. The treatment plan may be adjusted as your symptoms change between visits.
The amount of treatment can vary from person to person. Depending on the severity of your allergies, follow up appointments may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
What Is Involved In The Sessions?
Sessions are held in a relaxed and comfortable setting where you will be treated with respect and compassion. You will spend time asking and answering questions regarding your symptoms and medical history. Some physical checks may be carried out in the clinic, such as taking blood pressure, tongue, iris and urine analysis.
Secondly; it may be recommended that further laboratory tests are carried out on the function and pathology of your body. I.e. blood tests, allergy testing, stool examination, hair analysis etc. This is only recommended if deemed necessary to gain an overall picture of your health. Furthermore please bring any medical test results you may already have obtained from your GP to your Naturopathic consultation and any medicines and natural remedies that you’re currently taking.
How Much Does It Cost?
Initial Consultation – $125 /60 Minutes
Follow-up Consultations – $70 /30 Minutes
Who offers Allergy treatment?
Anna Talaj
Kimberley Nightingale
