Approximately half of all Americans are bothered by occasional allergies. Some suffer so much that allergies seem to control their lives. Most people believe that the only action to take with allergies is reaction - i.e. to treat the symptoms - either with over the counter or prescription medications. Unfortunately, neither alternative eliminates the allergy. It just temporarily reduces the symptoms, and often, there are undesirable side effects to the medication.

Just imagine how life would be without allergies. It is possible to eliminate allergies through a holistic drug free, non-medical process based on the energy balancing principles of ancient Chinese Medicine. For over 5,000 years, the Chinese have believed that the cause of all chronic ailments can be traced to a disruption in the body's energy system. Just as the proper flow of blood throughout the body is essential to our health, so is the proper flow of energy, or "Chi."

Immunologist, Judith Swack, Ph.D. explains that the function of the immune system is to fight pathogens, or disease-causing organisms. An allergic reaction is like a phobic response of the immune system because it mistakenly overreacts to something that is not a pathogen.

This type of response is most likely to occur when the immune system is compromised. Any kind of physical or emotional trauma can create this compromise and disrupt the flow of Chi. Swack explains that when someone undergoes a trauma, they lose approximately 50% of their immune capacity within 24 hours. If this is accompanied by a heavy exposure to something different in the environment (the blossoming of goldenrod, for instance), the immune system can easily overreact.

A client recently came to my office for treatment of a cat allergy. Her experience was a perfect illustration of Swack's theory. She stated that she had always had cats growing up, and loved them dearly. Then, all of a sudden, while in high school, she became allergic to cats. Through the use of applied kinesiology, we muscle tested to learn the details of the story that her body had to tell about this allergy.

At age 16, her first real boyfriend broke up with her and she was distraught. This was the trauma that depleted her immune function. She retreated to her bedroom and cuddled with her cat for comfort, rarely going out of the room for several days, crying, and burying her head in the cat's fur.

This heavier than usual exposure to cat hair and dander, coupled with her depleted immune system, shut down the flow of Chi and caused the mistaken reaction we call an allergy. From that point forward, she was allergic to cats.

The allergy was quickly eliminated by use of a combination of techniques including Acupressure and Neuro-Linguistic Programming/Time Line Therapy.TM The allergy that had plagued her for years was eliminated in less than thirty minutes. I am seeing this kind of result with almost everyone I treated. The results are permanent, (unless the person is retraumatized), and very exciting.

I have also recently been using these methods with people who have multiple chemical sensitivities or environmental illness. No longer does anyone have to suffer from allergies or sensitivities. Through a holistic approach to mind/body integration, we can assist our bodies in the healing process.

Lee A. Bowers, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist with a specialty in Health Psychology. She was recently selected to appear in the 2nd Edition of Who's Who in Healthcare. For more information regarding her work with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or other health care concerns, you can contact her at: (610) 520-0443, by e-mail at: leebowers@comcast.net, or visit her website www.drleebowers.com.

This article was first published on earthmed.com.