花粉症の原因は花粉じゃないかも？

I have a fondness for questioning existing notions like "this is just how it is," and today's discussion revolves around the idea that "the root cause of hay fever might not be pollen after all."

This year's pollen count is reportedly 2.2 times that of last year. This notion of "X times last year's" seems to be a recurring theme in the news every year. If it truly doubled annually, then over ten years, the pollen count would be 2 to the power of 10, meaning 1024 times the amount from a decade ago. However, reality dictates otherwise; when pollen is scarce, it lacks impact and isn't newsworthy. Furthermore, reporting "this year's pollen count is half of last year's" would apparently hinder the sales of hay fever remedies. Thus, only increases in pollen count make headlines, leaving us with the impression that it's perpetually escalating.

Even within the category of hay fever, symptoms vary widely from person to person; some experience a clear, watery nasal discharge, while others suffer from severe eye itchiness. Even for the same individual, symptoms can shift with the environment—sneezing in cold places, but itchy eyes in warm ones.

If we simply accept hay fever as an abnormal immune response based on medical doctrine, we risk dismissing the nuances of our symptoms, concluding "this is just hay fever" and "it can't be helped." However, by diligently observing our physical state, we can discern tendencies and patterns, leading us to discover how to navigate life while minimizing symptoms.

The following remedies are not universally applicable. For those who do not exhibit the symptoms described below, these suggestions might even be counterproductive, so please first understand your own body's condition.

＜Target Profile＞

・Body feels cold (experiencing runny nose and sneezing when cold)
・Nasal discharge is clear and watery
・Minimal eye itchiness
・Feeling a rise in body temperature after sneezing
・Prone to runny nose and sneezing late at night

For individuals matching this profile, the cause is often a chilled body with stagnant fluids. Picture your body as a "drenched, cold house." A runny nose and sneezing are your body's pleas to prevent further cooling. By warming your body and improving fluid circulation, hay fever symptoms tend to subside. Consider trying the following remedies:

＜Remedies＞

・Keep your neck, ankles, wrists, and abdomen warm (use belly warmers or leg warmers to prevent heat loss from the body)
・Limit coffee, alcohol, flour, and dairy products (reduce items that chill the body or introduce dampness)
・Add ginger powder to drinks and food (warms the body from within. However, discontinue if eye itchiness intensifies)
・Warm your lungs when sleeping at night (inhaling cold night air can chill the lungs and cause a runny nose. To prevent chilling the lungs, warm the "Feishu" acupoints between your shoulder blades → Hot packs can cause burns, so use items like MegRhythm that only reach around 40 degrees Celsius)
・When sleeping, elevate your head slightly relative to your waist (to physically encourage fluids downward)
・Sauna (Always cover your nose and mouth with a wet towel. Excessive nasal dryness can lead to a deluge of nasal discharge. The goal is to warm the body, so sweat only moderately. Cold plunges after sauna are prohibited)

While observing your body's condition, there are various approaches you can take: consume honey if you feel nasal dryness; if your body warms up, reduce ginger powder and switch to nigari (bittern); or add citric acid to your drinks to help suppress nasal discharge. As your body adapts to changes, it expends energy, so avoid strenuous exercise and opt for activities that induce a light sweat. As the coldness dissipates from your body, you may notice a change in the quality of your bowel movements. For items not recommended, such as coffee, you can reintroduce them at your discretion once the hay fever season concludes. By consistently applying the above remedies, you might feel a noticeable change within 3 to 5 days.

For those in the "drenched, cold house" state, it is advisable to avoid nasal decongestants unless absolutely necessary. Since the body needs to expel fluids, blocking this "water faucet" could lead to a massive rebound of nasal discharge once the medication wears off.
※The above recommendations will be counterproductive for individuals whose primary symptom is severe eye itchiness. While not covered here, each symptom has its own appropriate remedies.

Although I have outlined these points, whether you implement them is entirely up to you. If you try them and find they don't suit you, it's perfectly fine to stop. What's truly important is not the label "hay fever," but rather a meticulous observation of "what is currently happening within your own body."

Your body is constantly communicating answers regarding your way of life and environment. By removing the filter of existing concepts and noticing subtle shifts in sensation, symptoms transform from "an enemy to be fought" into "a guide for optimal self-alignment." The greatest expert on your own body is none other than yourself.

However, long-standing habits and thought patterns can sometimes make it difficult to clearly hear your body's voice.

This is where we introduce "Unfolding Bodywork."

This method goes beyond merely applying external pressure; it helps to unravel (Unfold) ingrained patterns of tension in the body, guiding you back to your inherent "wholeness." Through the experience of releasing thought and listening to the body's wisdom, a fundamental transformation of mind and body begins, transcending superficial symptoms like hay fever.

"Why are these symptoms appearing?" Shall we explore the answer together with your body?

For those wishing to deepen their internal dialogue, we warmly invite you to experience a session or workshop. Let us together shed light on the "true story" your body is eager to tell.

Now, for some announcements.