By Eri Nakamura, rnr Wellness RMT & Community Coordinator
Do you suffer from allergies?
At present, almost 3 million Canadians are living with asthma or roughly 9.5% of the total population of Canada. – Stats Canada/Canadian Lung Association.
Asthma can be genetic, though not all cases of asthma are inherited. You can develop “Adult-onset asthma” at any age, this also may be the result of commonplace irritants in the workplace (called occupational asthma) or home environments, and the asthma symptoms come on suddenly.
Asthma has a range of other causes and risk factors. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation in the airways.
Asthma triggers are allergens and irritants that can create breathing problems when people with asthma are exposed to them. Common triggers include:
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- Dust and dust mites
- Pollens including tree, grass and ragweed pollens
- Pets and other animals
- Cigarette smoke
- Colds/chest infections
- Weather and air pollution – The recent BC fire crisis is affecting provinces to nationwide. (https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/index_e.html)
- Cold air and high humidity
- Food allergies
Massage therapy has a significantly positive effect for relieving allergies and asthma symptoms according to many medical researchers over the past years.
While massage cannot stop the allergic reaction that you may have to allergens, it can help modify and dissipate the symptoms.
Some health benefits of massage therapy help with stress reduction, improved circulation and improved immunity can improve your tolerance of allergy symptoms.
An immediate relief for migraines, sinus headaches, and rhinitis (a hay fever-induced headache).
So what type of massage is good for you?
If you have sneezing and/or coughing – Consider requesting lymphatic drainage to relieve nasal congestion. Manual Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that promotes the movement of lymph and other fluids in the body. It helps drain the sinus cavity of congestion and improves your body’s overall recovery.
Another great option is a Swedish massage if you also suffer from bad headaches. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. Let your therapist know about your allergy symptoms so they can concentrate on opening your nasal passages – expect to get your face and neck massaged. This will improve your lungs’ oxygenation.
Stress is a common trigger for allergies, and can often worsen allergy symptoms. Massages prompt the release of calming hormones like serotonin and decrease body tension. When combating allergies, it’s best to avoid Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage, which are more appropriate choices for muscle pain relief.
..Ask our amazing therapists (ahem, myself included) for more info and questions you may have!
Lastly not least, consider booking a consultation with our Naturopathic doctor in-house, Dr. Badhan for your FOOD SENSITIVITIES TEST (FST). You may surprise yourself discovering the foods triggering adverse symptoms such as asthma, gas and bloating, prolonged skin irritations and hives.
BE WELL – BE HEALTHY – FEEL GOOD 🙂
References:
https://www.zeel.com/blog/lifestyle/massage-for-allergies/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5457772/
https://www.lungsask.ca/about-us/news-room/backgrounders-and-information-sheets/asthma-fact-sheet
https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/adult-onset-asthma