The Hidden Roots of Allergies

Written by Boketto Founder, Jelena Nikolajevic

Allergies are one of the most common concerns I see in my practice—especially during the seasonal shifts of spring and fall. As the environment changes, our bodies work hard to adapt. But when that process gets disrupted, symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itching, or fatigue can flare.

Over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec might bring short-term relief, but they rarely address the deeper imbalances at play. Allergies often go hand-in-hand with histamine intolerance—a condition that can lead to an overactivation of mast cells, the immune cells that release histamine and trigger allergic reactions.

So what’s really driving this hypersensitivity? In many cases, it's about more than just pollen.

Common Root Causes of Allergies

Mold Exposure
Living in the Southeast, where humidity runs high and rain is frequent, mold exposure is a real concern—especially during winter, when windows stay shut and airflow is limited. Mold spores can trigger or intensify allergic responses, often without us realizing it.

Candida or Fungal Overgrowth
Gut health plays a major role in immune regulation. Through functional testing, I often find that systemic inflammation, driven by candida or other fungal overgrowths, is behind persistent allergy symptoms. When the gut is inflamed, the immune system becomes more reactive overall.

Oral Health & Sleep Apnea
Mouth breathing, whether from dental issues or sleep apnea, can dry out the sinuses and reduce your natural defenses against allergens. It’s a subtle contributor, but one I see more often than you'd think, especially in those with chronic congestion or poor sleep.

Food Sensitivities
Certain foods, particularly gluten and dairy, can disrupt gut integrity and fuel systemic inflammation. A leaky gut increases the likelihood of immune overreaction, making seasonal allergies worse and more persistent.

A Root-Cause Approach to Relief

Managing allergies means going deeper than symptom control. Here's where I typically start:

• Test, Don’t Guess: Functional lab work can uncover hidden contributors like mold exposure, food sensitivities, or gut inflammation.
• Remove Triggers: Cutting out refined sugar, processed foods, gluten, and dairy can significantly reduce inflammation and support the gut-immune connection.
• Strengthen Immune Function: Therapies like acupuncture and lymphatic drainage support circulation, detox pathways, and immune resilience.
• Supplement Wisely: Nutrients like quercetin help stabilize mast cells, support gut lining integrity, and reduce histamine-related symptoms.
• Support Sinus Drainage: Use a gua sha tool to gently massage behind the ears, then move along the jawline from chin to ear, followed by downward strokes on the sides of the neck. Finish with light pressure just above the collarbone to support lymphatic drainage and relieve congestion.

 

Acupressure Points for Sinus Relief

Gentle self-massage at key facial acupressure points can offer relief. Here’s a simple rundown of the points I use in my practice, with approximate locations and purpose:

• LI 20 (Large Intestine 20 – “Welcome Fragrance”)
  Location: Either side of the nostrils, in the smile lines.
  Use: Opens nasal passages and helps with sinus congestion.
• DU 24 (Du Mai 24 – “Spirit Court”)
  Location: Center of the forehead, about half an inch behind the hairline.
  Use: Calms the mind and supports sinus and forehead tension.
• ST 3 (Stomach 3 – “Great Crevice”)
  Location: Directly below the center of the eye, at the base of the cheekbone.
  Use: Helps relieve facial swelling and nasal congestion.
• UB 2 (Urinary Bladder 2 – “Gathered Bamboo”)
  Location: Inner end of the eyebrow, right where it meets the bridge of the nose.
  Use: Relieves sinus pressure and headaches.
• Bai Hui (DU 20 – “Hundred Meetings”)
  Location: Crown of the head—draw a line from the tops of the ears and meet in the middle.
  Use: Balances Qi, helps relieve head congestion and tension.