Searching For Allergy Relief
Symptoms like fatigue, congestion, digestive problems and headaches have been linked to food allergies or environmental sensitivities
By Giovanna Capozza R.H.N, R.h.A
It’s the time of year when allergies spring to mind. Coping with symptoms of allergies can be an experimental battle between over-the-counter anti-histamines, folk tales and natural remedies. Using a desensitizing method like Bioenergetic Intolerance Elimination (B.I.E.) can help reduce your symptoms without the use of drugs. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, B.I.E. is a desensitizing technique that blends the use of acupressure points and a homeopathic-like approach to drastically reduce allergy symptoms.
In addition to annoying seasonal symptoms, people can experience other nasty conditions from their allergies/intolerances. The term “allergy” is defined as an abnormal reaction that is usually considered harmless but results in an immune system response. Many unorthodox studies explain intolerance as a reaction (usually harmless) without an immune response; an intolerance is your body’s rejection of a foreign substance resulting in an imbalance or illness. The desensitizing process, B.I.E., is the same for allergies and intolerances.
Marjorie complained of gas, bloating and constipation. She had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by her doctor and was frustrated because she couldn’t find the cause or any relief from her symptoms. I reassured Marjorie that much could be done nutritionally to help ease her symptoms but I also suggested that we investigate possible food intolerances.
When your body is sensitive to or intolerant of something, it will try to eliminate the cause of discomfort through one of four channels; the skin, lungs, kidneys or bowels. Most people think of allergy symptoms as a runny nose, itching and sneezing. But, intolerances can also be the underlying cause of symptoms such as inflammation which can manifest as chronic joint pain and arthritis-like symptoms. Other conditions such as eczema have been linked to food sensitivities such as dairy products, among other things.
To determine whether your symptoms are caused by intolerance to foods or other substances in your environment, you should consider being tested. There are several allergy-testing techniques including the “scratch test” (administered by your doctor’s office), “Vega testing” or “electro-dermal” screening, and lastly “applied kinesiology”, more commonly called muscle testing. The latter is a popular method used by practitioners, including Naturopathic Doctors, and involves isolating a muscle to determine a resonance or a dissonance to a particular substance. If there is a break in the flow of energy, the indicator muscle will weaken and reveal a possible intolerance to that item.
After testing was complete for Marjorie, we began to work on desensitizing her from items found using B.I.E. as well as supporting her digestion and elimination with some dietary and supplement suggestions. Marjorie had a high intolerance to most dairy products and gluten, a protein found in grains, such as wheat. After the desensitizing was complete and changes were made to her diet, Marjorie was pleased with the relief she achieved.
Giovanna Capozza is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Holistic Allergist. For more information about B.I.E. or nutrition, contact her at 416.998.3001 or visit www.nuhealth.ca
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
