That Dreaded Cedar Fever...

It's the dreaded cedar season in Central Texas. Here are some helpful tips to survive the coming weeks: 

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to immediately clear congestion due to allergies or common cold. There are acupuncture points that work on opening the sinus passages for easing blockages from over-accumulation of phlegm. We also work on boosting your defensive qi, which is in charge of staving off those allergens.

Essential Oils
Keep a bottle of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils on hand and massage a couple of drops around any areas of the face (avoiding the eye area) or chest that feel congested. Steaming a few drops in boiling water and inhaling deeply can work as well. You can find these at Whole Foods or Central Market. If you have sensitive skin, you can add a little bit of olive or coconut oil to dilute the essential oils.

Neti Pot or Nasal Rinse
Use your net pot daily to keep nasal passages free and clear of excess mucus and of the allergens that are plaguing you. Unfamiliar with the neti pot?  Here's a good explanation.

Wrap Up
It’s important to stay warm during the winter to avoid excess cold entering the body, but it’s especially important for those who suffer from allergies as they are more sensitive to temperature change. Keep a sweater at your desk and make sure your neck and shoulders are covered, and that your feet stay warm. It sounds like an old wives tale, but in Chinese Medicine, protecting your defensive qi by keeping the body warm allows it to better function at protecting your body from pathogens and allergens.

Drink Tea
Especially strong peppermint tea with local honey. Peppermint (called Bo He in Chinese Medicine) is brilliant at relieving sore throats, clearing the head, and relieving itchiness. Consuming locally sourced honey specifically from the Central Texas area can boost the part of your immune system that reacts to local pollen (aka cedar pollen).