The best way to deal with an allergy is to avoid what triggers it – no exposure to the allergen, no allergic response – but that can be easier said than done. Spring-time allergy is common in Australia and most people just put up with their condition however a great many are finding immense relief through regular ‘nasal irrigation’ using the Neti Pot.

To find out how to practice neti ask your Yoga in Daily Life teacher. Pots are available at Yoga in Daily Life centres.

Source: Peter Lavelle  http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2008/11/24/2422544.htm

A study at the University of Michigan found that nasal irrigation can reduce symptoms of allergies and other nasal problems. 

One benefit is that irrigation can clear nasal passages without dryness or “rebound” congestion, whichoccurs when overuse of decongestants leads to dependence and irritated tissue. Neti pots are available at all Yoga in Daily Life centres.

In the developed world the incidence of allergic diseases continues to rise and Australia has one of the highest incidences of allergies in the world. Between 1993 and 2002, for example, the number of children diagnosed with hay fever rose from 9.7 per cent to 12.7 per cent, and those with eczema from 11 per cent to 17 per cent.
What symptoms and conditions the allergy causes depend on where the allergic reaction takes place in the body and what tissues are affected.

The most common allergic conditions include:
•    Asthma – a condition in which the airways become inflamed and constricted leading to difficulty breathing and wheezing. Take a look at the asthma fact file for a full run down.

•    Rhinitis (hay fever or perennial allergic rhinitis) – this means inflammation of the nose, the sinus passages, throat, ears, and the conjunctiva (tissues covering the whites of the eyes). Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, red watery eyes and sinus headache. The trigger is not always hay or grass; dust mite protein, moulds and pet dander can trigger allergies that occur all year around.

•    Urticaria (hives) – if the skin reacts to an allergen it may become red, raised and itchy with wheals and blisters of varying size that can last from minutes to weeks. The problem with hives is only some are triggered by allergies. In fact, the most common cause is infection, particularly in young children.

•    Eczema – dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). It's also called atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema or allergic dermatitis. Take a look at the eczema fact file for a full run down.

•    Food allergy – some people can have allergic reactions to certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat and seafood. Food allergies can cause skin rash or hives or in severe cases vomiting, breathing difficulty or even collapse.

•    Insect allergy – bees, wasps and ants are the most common causes of insect allergy in Australia. Insect allergy reactions can be just as serious as those triggered by food allergy and can include hives and breathing difficulty. Fortunately, local swelling is much more common.

•    Anaphylaxis – is a serious, general, sudden, sometimes life-threatening collapse that can be caused by food, insect stings and medicines (most commonly pain killers and antibiotics). The allergic reaction causes the blood vessels to suddenly dilate leading to a catastrophic drop in blood pressure, or it can make the airways contract, making breathing difficult or sometimes both. When someone with anaphylaxis has a serious reaction they need immediate treatment in the form of an injection of adrenaline (as in an EpiPen) and emergency medical treatment. While it's terrifying and potentially dangerous, deaths from anaphylaxis are not common and people generally survive if they get the emergency help they need.