Yoga is not a cure for allergies however is can greatly reduce allergy symptoms by reducing stress. Stress reactions worsen allergies by the release of stress hormones and histamine, and triggers inflammation. Jeff Migdow, M.D. a holistic physician says, "Relaxation diminishes fight-or-flight response, and thereby reduces allergic symptoms." Through relaxation, the nervous system basically tells the immune system to hold its fire. Once the immune system backs off, the inflammation and mucus decrease, and symptoms diminish. Allergy shots, nasal steroid sprays and over the-counter antihistamines work for many, but a holistic approach can be helpful as well.

A staggering 36 million Americans annually are plagued by seasonal allergic rhinitis. And the number has doubled in the last 20 years, due to factors such as environmental pollution, poor diet, and increased stress, which compromise our immune, nervous, and respiratory systems.

Allergies affect sleep, concentration, and productivity. They can make you feel exhausted and put you in a bad mood. Some allergy sufferer's only experience these symptoms for a couple of weeks out of the year, others who are allergic to non-seasonal environmental substances such as pet dander, mold and dust may suffer for months or all year long. Growing evidence shows that allergies and asthma may be two sides of the same coin, as asthmatics are more likely to also be allergy sufferers and those with allergies have a greater chance of developing asthma.

Before beginning to understand how we can alleviate allergy symptoms by practicing yoga it is important to understand more about them. An allergic reaction occurs when a person's immune system attacks a substance that is usually harmless-such as pollen, pet dander, or dust-as if the substance were an organism out to cause disease. The immune system kicks into defensive mode, releasing histamine and a host of other powerful chemicals to attack what it sees as the enemy, say Pamela Georgeson, M.D., board certified allergist. "These chemicals cause the allergy symptoms patients experience: stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, teary eyes, postnasal drainage, and sometimes headaches." Allergic reactions can also include hives, itchy welts on the skin, and difficulty breathings.

Yogis have used asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), kriyas (cleansing practices) and meditation for thousands of years to cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system, calm the nervous system and fight disease. These ancient practices are very simple and have proven successful in helping many of my students as well as myself alleviate the debilitating effects of allergies and asthma.

Many of us experience chronic stress on a daily basis. Most of our stress is emotional and keeps us in a habitual fight or flight response. Our bodies are tense and contracted, our breathing is very shallow and overtime our immune systems are weakened. As we have already learned, when the body's immune system is weakened, allergy symptoms increase.