IT'S SPRING...ACHOO!

"First of all-and this may come as a surprise-most integrative doctors believe that three factors contribute to springtime allergies: a compromised immune system, a weak digestive system and toxic overload." -Carrie Demers, MD- Well, I think I can safely say that the ski season is over for me! I am reshaping my days now that I have some down time and envisioning the beauty and life that spring soon will deliver. Along with that extraordinary beauty, comes lots and lots of pollen! I guess you could say that spring is bittersweet, at least for me. Over the years, I have acquired many tricks to help me get through the season with bright eyes and minimal sneezing. In reading the latest issue of "Yoga International", I am reminded by Dr. Carrie Demers, that in ayurveda, late winter and early spring take on the qualities of kapha, characterised by the elements of earth and water. The snow melts and the earth is wet and heavy. "April showers bring May flowers", as the saying goes. Our bodies tend to take on the same kapha qualities as the earth, with increased mucous production, swollen sinuses, colds and springtime allergies. Now is the time to begin to boost the immune system. In ayurveda, it is believed that stong agni, digestive fire, is key to strengthening the immune system. "When agni is weak, digestion is incomplete, and the residue (or ama) that's left behind becomes toxic waste in the body." (Carrie Demers,MD, YI magazine, Spring 2013) As per Dr. Demers suggestions, it is a good idea to add some asanas(postures) to your daily routine that strengthen and tone the abdominals. Adding abdominal squeeze to your practice is one effective way to tone the abdominals as well as the pelvic floor. She recommends 30 minutes of sweat producing exercise daily. As long as you are not congested,have high blood pressure or coronary heart disease, add kapalabhati to your daily routine, as well. Kapalabhati is a vigorous pranayama practice, characterized by stong, rapid exhalations and passive inhalations. If you are unfamiliar with this practice, it is best to ask an instructor for guidance. It is a great way to clear out the nasal passages. One tried and true practice to keep springtime allergies at bay, is the neti pot. I have found this practice to be a life-saver in the spring. I rinse my nasal passages every morning, all year round, but up it to three times a day in the spring. It helps to clear pollen from the nasal passages and is very soothing. I like to put a bit of nasya(nasal) oil in each nostril when I'm finished to keep the passages moist. You can purchase nasya oil at Wegman's, in Nature's Market, or you can use sesame oil or even olive oil. Of course, there are many other practices to alleviate allergies. Lest you get overwhelmed with suggestions, I will stop here. Incorporating some of these practices into your daily routine may allow you to be outside,enjoying the wonders of spring, instead of inside, looking out!