Ayurveda is a holistic system of health care that has been practiced in India for approximately 5,000 years. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, disease and other health conditions are caused by imbalances in the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda seeks to restore overall balance through proper diet, healthy lifestyle habits and herbal treatments. (Reference 1)
Ama
According to Yoga Journal, Ayurvedic medicine teaches that external irritants such as dust, pollen and other allergy triggers are not the primary cause of allergic symptoms. Rather, allergies are the result of an accumulation of poorly digested foods and other byproducts of poor digestion, known as ama. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that ama is a sticky residue that moves throughout the circulatory system, clogging the body's pathways and contributing to disease. Yoga Journal reports that an overload of ama activates the immune system, causing it to attack foreign particles such as pollen. (Reference 2)
Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines
According to Natural Health Web, improving diet and digestion are the first steps to an Ayurvedic treatment program for allergies. (Reference 3) Ayurveda recommends eating your largest meal for lunch and limiting evening meals to foods that are easy to digest. Avoid fried foods, sweets, dairy and other foods that are hard to digest, as well as cold drinks, cold foods and leftovers. Drink warm water throughout the day. Avoid microwaving foods, as this can destroy its nutritional value and antioxidants, reports Natural Health Web.
Food Combining
Certain food combinations may also contribute to allergies, reports the Ayurvedic Institute. (Reference 4) Ayurveda teaches that every food has a unique energy and post-digestive effect. Combining foods with different effects and energies can overload the digestive system, resulting in a buildup of toxins. Do not combine fruits with other foods, especially milk. The Ayurvedic Institute notes that the combination of milk and bananas confuses the digestive system, resulting in sinus congestion and allergies.
Behavioral Changes
Natural Health Web recommends going to bed by 10 p.m. every evening to take advantage of your body's natural cycle of internal cleansing. (Reference 3) Keep a regular schedule for meals, sleep and exercise, as allergies may be worse when you are feeling imbalanced or scattered. Practice meditation and yoga to help balance the mind and body.
Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that Ayurvedic treatments are generally safe. Consult a medical professional before beginning any new diet or fitness routine. Some herbal treatments may cause interactions with medications. Do not use Ayurvedic remedies as your only form of treatment for a serious illness.
