Source: Robert Dilts

Imagine being exposed to the allergen.

Anchor a symptom-free state.

Enhance the anchor.

Anchor several counter-example reference experiences.

Fire the dissociated anchor.

Test.

This pattern has a reputation for reducing or eliminating symptoms of allergies.

Step 1: Imagine being exposed to an allergen. #

Recall being exposed to the allergen. Attempt to elicit some of the symptoms. Find out which sub-modalities change the intensity of the symptoms.

Step 2: Anchor a symptom-free state. #

Achieve a state that is dissociated from the allergic state and anchor it. A good way to do this: a. formalizedRelax a bit, tilting your head and eyes upward. Imagine that now there is glass between you and the thing you are allergic to. Imagine being able to float up so that you can observe yourself from above. b. When you are free of allergic responses and truly relaxed, create a second, different anchor.

Step 3: Enhance the anchor. #

Imagine fully a symptom-free state and the ideal way you would like to respond to the item that typically causes an allergic response when you have no allergic response. Imagine this in some detail, describing it. Imagine this from an associated perspective. Use the sub-modalities that you discovered were key to your reaction in building your new response.

Step 4: Anchor a number of counterexample reference experiences. #

a. Associated Memory: Access an actual memory in which you have been near something that is, as much as possible, like the thing you are allergic to, but that does not produce an allergic response. For example, if you are allergic to cats, you might imagine a clean, processed rabbit pelt or plush toy that causes no response. b. To help disrupt your frame regarding allergies, do something that will show you that your immune system can tolerate substances that seem as though they should be intolerable. You can accomplish this by thinking of one or more substances that you think of as being toxic but which you don’t have an allergic response to. This shows that your immune system can keep your body safe without allergic reactions. For someone allergic to perfumes, the odor of gasoline might be an example. (Not that we recommend actually sniffing gasoline fumes.) Only do it in your imagination. “)  It is also useful to identify some substances that are potentially even more “toxic” than the substances that cause the allergy, but to which the explorer’s body has learned a more appropriate type of immune response. c. Be sure that you observe the appropriate physiology before setting the anchor. It should match the desired state. d. Are there any problems with ecology or secondary gain in connection with the allergic response? e. You can enhance this by using re-imprinting, reframing, changing your personal history or your three anchors to add resources.

Step 5: Fire A1, the dissociated state anchor, and have the person imagine being close to, or in contact with, the allergen. #

Fire anchors A2 and A3 for the desired state and the counter example at the same time. Be sure to hold the anchors long enough to see the person’s physiology shift fully away from the allergic response.

Step 6: Test. #

If there is no risk of a medical problem, expose the person to a small amount of the allergen. Increase the amount bit by bit. Repeat the procedure as needed until a typical exposure produces no allergy symptoms. Before each increase, simultaneously fire A1, the dissociation anchor, and then A2 and A3, the desired state and counterexample anchors. You can make this new response stronger by using the critical sub-modalities from step one. Let the person be in full control of how the allergen is handled. If there is any concern, consult an appropriate physician. Always work within your scope of practice and eliminate risk. This pattern can have durable effects. Sometimes, it may need to be repeated to restore its effect. Exposure to other allergens or sensitigens may restore an allergic response.