Has Spring greeted you with sniffling, sneezing, congestion andrunny, itchy eyes, nose and throat? Experts say that this Spring the allergy season is more intense. Everything is blooming! Beautiful but, if you have sensitivities to pollen like me, you have already experienced the effects.

Before you reach for those over-the-counter antihistamines that often leave you feeling drowsy, along with other unpleasant side effects, there’s a powerful, natural way to feel better that will leave you feeling clear and energized with other wonderful side benefits.

Allergies are your immune system’s overreaction to pollens and other substances. While not, in themselves, dangerous—for those with asthma, allergies can trigger more serious reactions. You may have noticed that if you’re experiencing a lot of stress when allergy season arrives, the symptoms are worse. So anything that relieves stress will help reduce allergy symptoms.

Reflexology calms the nervous system and transports you to a state of deep rest and relaxation by stimulating reflex points on your feet, hands, face and ears. There are thousands of nerves in these areas—15,000 in your feet alone! This is why a reflexology session is so very soothing and nurturing. 

While releasing tension and stress, reflexology also affects your organs, glands, and every part of your body, because each body part has its related point on the feet, hands, face and ears. 

Here are some reflex areas on the feet that, when stimulated, help you breathe easier. Using your thumb or index finger, simply press and hold for five seconds on each area: 

• Sinuses - balls of the toes open up clogged sinus cavities 

• Pituitary or “master gland” (center of big toe) stimulates/balances hormone 

secretions of all other glands. 

• Thymus gland strengthens your immune system.

• Chest/lung/bronchials releases congestion.

• Solar plexus/diaphragm reduces stress and relaxes breathing.

• The adrenal glands boosts your energy level, often depleted by allergy symptoms.

Stimulating these points helps to strengthen your immune system, balance the flow of energy, promote wellness and benefit both seasonal allergies and chronic asthma.

During and after a reflexology session are great times to use the power of your mind to feel better. We know now that our thoughts and visualizations do affect the world around us—and especially our bodies. In the deep state of relaxation you experience during a reflexology session you are very receptive to suggestions you give yourself, much as in hypnosis. What a wonderful time to imagine yourself breathing easily and comfortably, your sinuses clear, feeling great. For an even more powerful experience, use an affirmation such as, “The Universe is providing me with ease, grace and an abundance of breath now.” Since allergies are our body’s response to our environ-ment, you could also use, “I am at peace and in harmony with my surroundings.”

Spring is such a beautiful time of renewal and new beginnings! Let’s spend these glorious days feeling great and breathing easily. Reflexology is a great tool to help you make the very best of this sweetest of seasons!