Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a common condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While many people associate these allergies with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, the impact of seasonal allergies extends beyond these immediate discomforts. Recent research has highlighted the significant effects of seasonal allergies on the nervous system and overall well-being. This article explores these effects and discusses holistic treatment options that address the root causes of allergic reactions.
The Neurological Impact of Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne substances such as pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. This overreaction leads to the release of various chemicals, including histamines, which trigger inflammation in the body. Interestingly, this inflammatory response can also affect the nervous system.
1. Neurogenic Inflammation
Research indicates that allergic reactions can lead to neurogenic inflammation, where nerve fibers release substances that promote inflammation. This process can result in symptoms like itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Additionally, neurogenic inflammation can affect the central nervous system, leading to changes in mood and behavior.
2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation
The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, can be influenced by allergic reactions. Studies have shown that individuals with allergies may experience dysregulation of this system, leading to symptoms such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. This dysregulation can contribute to the overall discomfort experienced during allergy flare-ups.
3.Central Nervous System Sensitization
Chronic allergic inflammation can lead to sensitization of the central nervous system. This means that the brain becomes more responsive to stimuli, potentially leading to heightened sensitivity to allergens and an increased perception of symptoms. This sensitization can contribute to the persistence and severity of allergic reactions.
Holistic Treatment Approaches
Addressing seasonal allergies requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond merely alleviating symptoms. Holistic treatments aim to restore balance to the body and support the nervous system’s function. Several modalities have shown promise in managing seasonal allergies:
1. Neurological Rehabilitation
Seasonal allergies do not just cause runny noses and itchy eyes—they can also subtly disrupt the body’s internal sense of balance and orientation. This is because inflammation from allergic rhinitis and sinus congestion can affect the Eustachian tubes and inner ear structures, which are critical for maintaining equilibrium. The result? Symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, motion sensitivity, brain fog, and even visual instability—many of which are mistakenly dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) offers a functional, drug-free solution by directly addressing the balance and coordination issues that often accompany seasonal allergies. This therapy is designed to retrain the brain and vestibular system to work in harmony again, especially when inflammation or pressure changes from allergies compromise its normal function.
Common scenarios where vestibular rehab can help during allergy season include:
- Inner ear congestion caused by histamine-driven inflammation or sinus blockage
- Postural instability due to altered head positioning and neck tension from chronic nasal obstruction
- Visual tracking issues or motion sensitivity triggered by vestibular-ocular reflex imbalances
VRT involves a customized set of exercises such as:
- Gaze stabilization (improving eye focus during head movements disrupted by sinus pressure or inner ear fluid buildup)
- Balance retraining, to restore the nervous system’s sense of spatial awareness in the midst of allergy-related sensory disturbances
- Habituation exercises, which help desensitize the brain to stimuli that provoke dizziness or motion sensitivity during allergy flare-ups
Integrating vestibular rehabilitation into a broader functional neurology approach can dramatically improve quality of life during allergy season. For example, pairing VRT with cranial work (to relieve pressure in the skull and sinus cavities) or fascial therapy (to release tension in the head, neck, and jaw) can enhance outcomes. These therapies help reduce the biomechanical stress that worsens vestibular dysfunction when allergic inflammation is high.
Moreover, vestibular rehab also helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, which often becomes dysregulated during chronic allergy episodes. This means fewer swings in blood pressure, reduced brain fog, and better emotional resilience—especially when paired with nutritional strategies that lower histamine levels and systemic inflammation.
By including vestibular rehabilitation in a holistic seasonal allergy treatment plan, we move beyond symptom suppression and toward genuine neurological restoration. When the brain and body are recalibrated to process sensory input efficiently—even during allergy flare-ups—patients experience more stable energy, clearer thinking, and improved coordination.
2. Fascial Therapy
The fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. Tension in the fascia can contribute to discomfort and pain. Fascial therapy involves gentle manipulation to release tension and improve mobility, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort due to allergies.
3. Cranial Therapy
Cranial therapy, also known as craniosacral therapy, involves gentle manipulation of the skull and spine to relieve pressure and improve the functioning of the central nervous system. This therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as headaches and sinus pressure associated with allergies.
4. Visceral Manipulation
Visceral manipulation is a hands-on technique that addresses restrictions in the internal organs and their connective tissues. By improving the mobility and function of the organs, this therapy can support the body’s overall health and enhance the immune response, potentially reducing allergic reactions.
One of the most powerful yet underappreciated ways to address seasonal allergies from a functional neurology perspective is by working with the gut-brain-immune connection. At the center of this connection lies the gut—not just as a digestive organ, but as a major player in immune regulation and neurological communication.
Up to 70–80% of the immune system resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), making the gastrointestinal tract a central battleground in the body’s allergic responses. When the gut lining becomes inflamed or permeable (as seen in conditions like leaky gut), it can trigger or exacerbate systemic immune reactivity, including heightened sensitivity to environmental allergens like pollen or mold.
Additionally, the gut-brain axis—the bidirectional communication network between the enteric nervous system (the “second brain” in the gut) and the central nervous system—means that gut dysfunction does not stay isolated. It can lead to neurological symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, irritability, and even shifts in autonomic nervous system tone (e.g., heart rate variability, sleep disruption, and vagal nerve dysfunction).
How Visceral Manipulation Helps
Visceral manipulation is a hands-on therapy that gently restores movement and alignment in the internal organs and their connective tissues. When applied to the abdomen and thoracic cavity, this technique:
- Improves motility and mobility of organs, enhancing digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption
- Reduces fascial restrictions around organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines, which can affect blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and immune signaling
- Releases tension that may be impeding vagus nerve function or contributing to sympathetic dominance (i.e., fight-or-flight overactivation)
In the context of seasonal allergies, visceral manipulation can:
- Modulate inflammatory responses by supporting liver detoxification pathways (critical for histamine breakdown and reducing overall allergic load)
- Decrease systemic immune hypersensitivity by improving intestinal permeability and gut barrier integrity
- Enhance neurological resilience by improving vagal tone, which plays a key role in parasympathetic regulation, inflammation control, and mood stabilization
For individuals dealing with chronic allergies, visceral restrictions—especially in the liver, diaphragm, intestines, and mesentery—can create a feedback loop of inflammation and immune overdrive. Addressing these mechanical imbalances can help “reset” the nervous system’s interaction with the immune system and the gut, creating a more stable internal environment less reactive to allergens.
5. Supporting the Gut Through Nutrition and Supplementation
Visceral work becomes even more powerful when paired with nutritional support aimed at calming gut inflammation and restoring microbial balance. Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fiber, polyphenols, and omega-3s can help repair the intestinal lining and reduce histamine sensitivity. In some cases, specific supplements (such as Antronex, known for its support of liver and immune function) may be integrated under practitioner guidance to further assist the body’s histamine clearance pathways.
Moreover, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate—produced by beneficial gut bacteria—play a critical role in regulating T-regulatory cells and maintaining immune tolerance. Functional neurology practitioners may evaluate and optimize the gut microbiome to reduce allergy symptoms from the inside out. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergies are more than just a nuisance; they can have a profound impact on the nervous system and overall health. By understanding the neurological effects of allergies and exploring holistic treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Incorporating therapies that support the nervous system, such as neurological rehabilitation, fascial therapy, cranial therapy, and visceral manipulation, along with proper nutrition and supplementation, can provide a comprehensive approach to managing seasonal allergies.
If you or someone you love is suffering from seasonal allergies and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP
Peer-Reviewed Sources:
- Straube, A., & Eggers, C. (2009).
Neurogenic inflammation—a review with special relevance to the pathophysiology of migraine.
Cephalalgia, 29(11), 1252–1258.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01909.x - Baraniuk, J. N. (1997).
Neural regulation of mucosal function in the upper airway.
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 98(6), 1425–1434.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(97)80049-3 - Goyal, R. K., & Hirano, I. (1996).
The enteric nervous system.
The New England Journal of Medicine, 334(17), 1106–1115.
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199604253341706 - Bischoff, S. C. (2011).
‘Gut health’: a new objective in medicine?
BMC Medicine, 9, 24.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-9-24 - Côté, J. N., & Feldman, D. E. (2007).
Effectiveness of manual therapies: the role of visceral manipulation.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(1), 68–78.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2006.05.005 - Whitney, S. L., Rossi, M. M., & Herdman, S. J. (2001).
Improving balance in people with bilateral vestibular loss.
Physical Therapy, 81(8), 741–752.
https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/81.8.741 - Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015).The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems.
Annals of Gastroenterology, 28(2), 203–209.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/