In an article published in USA Today by Sharon Jayson, allergies can be made worse by the level of stress in our bodies.

Allergies act up when people are anxious and under stress.  These reactions may be worse the second day, according to a study reported by an Ohio State University researcher known for her work on stress and its affect on health.

The research by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser explains how stress affects the immune system and places people at risk for a host of diseases.

Her research focuses on allergies, the 5th most common chronic disease in the USA.  For example, allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, affects an estimated 20% of adults and 40% of children, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.  It is the No. 1 cause of work absenteeism due to chronic illness and leads to more than 2 million missed school days for children.

People who are anxious have a bigger allergic response during stress.  Even the day after the stress occurs, for more anxious persons, more persistent allergic symptoms are seen.  Allergy medications, such as antihistamines have little or no effect on the late phase response, states Ms. Glaser.

"There is firm proof that the mind can affect the body in a therapeutic way,"  says Herbert Benson, a physician and director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Benson explains that repetitious exercises that clear the mind of everyday thoughts, such as yoga and prayer, evoke what he terms the "relaxation response" and reduces psychological distress.

In our office we have a laser that has been shown to reduce psychological stress by integrating laser therapy, acupoint stimulation, energetic substance induction and homeopathy to eliminate or reduce the symptoms associated with conditions that result in pain, stress and sensitivity. 

The laser system is a therapeutic alternative that requires no needles, no pharmaceuticals and no dietary restrictions. It is quick, easy, and completely non-invasive and safe for all ages - infants through adults.   Patients have experienced dramatic results with the laser therapy.

Call our office at 931-489-5979 to make an appointment.   Consultation is free.