As we move toward the end of the year, the summer begins to fade into autumn. For many people this signals back to school activities, different wardrobe, and the assault of seasonal allergies. Many are familiar with the sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and itchy eyes; these are just some of the symptoms over 35 million people suffer through with each change in the season, as pollen from the local flora is spread through the air. Relief, for many, is frequent visits to the drugstore to pick and choose from a wide array of medications. However, an increasing number of people are turning to more natural ways to attain relief without the troubling side effects attributed to more traditional treatments.

Sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones of the face. They are lined with mucous producing tissues and cilia, tiny hairs that use a swaying motion to move mucous from the sinuses. When we have a cold or allergy, the lymphatic vessels can become blocked and shut down the mucous flushing from the sinuses. Mucous backs up and creates pressure. This could cause an infection, and would cause the body to react by sending more fluid and white blood cells into the sinuses, accelerating the problem, causing headaches, watery eyes, stuffiness, sore throat and even an earache if the mucous backs up into the Eustachian tubes.

Sinus massage with lymph drainage can relieve many of these symptoms and stimulate the unobstructed flow of mucous through the nasal cavities as a restorative measure. It can also be used as a preventative before the height of the seasonal changes by keeping the lymph vessels free of blockage. If you suffer from chronic sinus congestion or allergies, this is best done quarterly, or as the seasons change. (Before trying any remedy, consult your doctor if you have untreated infections in the head, neck or face.)

Russell Fox is a Certified Holistic Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist at Holistic Health Haven in Tampa. Holistic Health Haven believes in educating their clients on how to nurture their body, mind and spirit through a diverse selection of natural options, ranging from nutritional education to massage to lymph drainage to acupuncture.

Holistic Health Haven is located at 400 East Palm Avenue, Tampa. For further information and to schedule an appointment, call 813-223-HEAL (4325). See ad page 13.