The digestive system is responsible for 70% of our immune system. Dysbiosis is the condition that results when the natural flora of the gut are thrown out of balance, commonly caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics are extremely effective when indicated. However, for generations they have been misused and overused. Causing many people to suffer from “leaky gut” or other gut issues. If your digestive tract is not functioning properly it will cause a decrease in your immune system. Making you not only more likely to get sick, but more likely to have allergies and sensitivities.
There is something to be said about a “clean” lifestyle. Chemicals were developed in order to make our lives easier. To help food to last longer, prevent decomposition of materials like wood, or simply to “make things pretty”. However, an increasing number of people have something called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Simply, explained people with MTHFR have issues breaking down folic acid, B vitamins, and chemicals. Studies suggest that over half the population has some form of this gene mutation. For more information on MTHFR please visit MTHFR.net. The reason this gene mutation becomes so important is because the immunotherapy shots and immunizations that you might receive have a number of agents in them that someone with MTHFR is unable to process properly. This can lead to a decrease in immune system and then more sensitivities.
In Chinese Medicine, for thousands of years, it is believed that allergies are caused by deficiencies of three organ systems. By addressing those deficiencies one is able to strengthen the immune system enough so that allergens, especially outdoor allergens, are no longer an issue. Allergies developed through heredity are looked at as underlying deficiencies, and addressed accordingly through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes.
Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) defines an allergen "as anything that causes an adverse reaction in an individual that does not cause an adverse reaction in a healthy individual." Meaning your body can view anything as a threat including itself. NAET is a non-invasive, drug free, natural solution to alleviate allergies of all types and intensities. It uses a blend of acupressure/acupuncture, kinesiology, and other modalities to "reboot" the body so it no longer views it as a sensitivity. Allergens of all types and intensities can be addressed using this method and is quantifiable through blood work.
One thing almost everybody seems to agree on is that allergens have a direct correlation to the strength of your immune system. Somebody with decreased immunity is more likely to have allergens then someone with a strong immune system. Luckily, almost every treatment option out there takes this into consideration.
Contact a practitioner near you today to find out how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you!
References:
Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. (2006). Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nambudripad, Devi S. (2002). Say Good-bye to Illness. Buena Park, CA: Delta Pub.
Tierney, Lawrence M., Stephen J. McPhee, and Maxine A. Papadakis. (2002) Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, 2002. New York: Lange Medical /McGraw-Hill.(p.687)
http://mthfr.net/
Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 153(Suppl 1), 3–6. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x
About the Author: Teri Calandra L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., LMT, RMT is a Licensed Acupuncturist by the state of Illinois and is board certified through the NCCAOM. She holds a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and herbology. She offers acupuncture and other alternative treatments at her Chicago Acupuncture Clinic.
Teri Calandra is also a published author, and writes regularly. Visit http://calandraacupuncture.com/blog for more writings by Teri.
