ALLERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

By
Don Harrison

When the word ‘Allergy’ was first introduced into the language of medicine about a hundred years ago, it is unlikely that anyone envisaged the controversy that it would cause. Originally intended to mean any condition occurring as a result of unusual reaction to substances regarded as non-self, and this included anything swallowed, inhaled or touched, the definition was soon narrowed by scientists who saw in some allergic reactions a clear parallel with the way in which the body deals with infections. Gradually, then, it was seen as a ‘truth’ that unless this physiological response - the Type one or Antigen/Antibody response could be demonstrated, an allergy was not involved. As a result of this thinking, and without an obvious physical link between multiple symptoms, it could be concluded that often, with, for instance, abdominal pain, headache, muscle stiffness and tingling sensations after food all presenting at the same time, the patients’ problems had a psychological basis and were treated as such.

The allergy debate continued until some twenty to twenty five years ago when evidence began to emerge that this ‘truth’ was nowhere near the whole picture.

Whilst a high level of stress can trigger the allergic response, there is likely to be also an inherited malfunction of the immune system - both these factors playing their part in the development of the problem. Indeed the symptoms of allergy can increase or decrease in severity depending on the patient’s stress level at the time.

The allergic response is inflammatory and symptoms appear in ‘target’ organs. Skin, lungs and eyes are obvious targets as they may have been traumatised by injury or infection in the past but allergic symptoms may also appear in muscles, joints, bowel, bladder and brain. The link between symptoms is not psychological but physical inflammation.

The allergy testing methods of mainstream medicine were mainly developed to detect Type 1 reactions and when the allergy is of this type, its symptoms are usually treated with the judicious use of antihistamine, steroid and other drugs. In many cases of allergy, often referred to as intolerance or sensitivity, these drugs are of little use.

It was against this background that The British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy was founded some 20 years ago in order to promote a practical approach to the treatment of allergic conditions rather the costly and time consuming management of symptoms.

This specialist approach to treatment, pioneered by The British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy has proved to be one of the most effective treatments available. The Institute acts as a source of information for members of the public who are actively seeking treatment, and maintains a Register of Therapists. Members of the Institute are drawn from all the healing professions; doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, osteopaths, homeopaths and other complementary therapists, but is restricted those who have satisfactorily completed the Institute’s training course.

The Institute is a respected source of information for the Press and Communications media as in the years since it was founded, Institute members have successfully treated many many thousands of patients.

The Institute is currently actively seeking new Members, and suitable applicants for training are welcomed. A comprehensive Prospectus is available and may be requested from:

The Course Co-ordinator
B.Inst.A.T.
Ffynnonwen
Llangwyryfon
Tel: 01974 241376 Fax:01974 241795

Email: allergy@onetel.net.uk
Web site: www.allergy.org.uk

© Don Harrison 2003

Donald M. Harrison B.A.(Hons.Psych.), B.Sc., M.R.Pharm.S, qualified as Pharmaceutical Chemist in 1959, was M.D. of a Community Pharmacy group with a homoeopathic department in Manchester until the early 1970s when he opened a centre for Complementary Medicine and Homoeopathic Pharmacy in mid-Wales. He has been interested in the treatment of allergy since that time and has had the pleasure of teaching over 500 therapists. He has demonstrated clinical hypnotherapy on TV, discussed allergy therapy on radio phone-in and spoken on the homoeopathic treatment of animals on HTV Wales. He is Founder of The British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy.

 

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