Sinusitis, either acute or chronic, can be trying for the sufferer. Inflamed sinuses can cause irritation, pain, swelling, loss of appetite, dizziness and nasal discharge. When we look at an acute infection this is usually in relation to allergies or infection and lasts for a relatively short, albeit unpleasant, period of time. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand is usually recurrent and can last for months- sometimes as a result of a badly managed acute condition, or food or environmental allergens continually triggering inflammation.
In TCM, we have a commonly used point called Bitong, situated on either side of the nostrils. The name of this point translates as “opening up the nose.” Combined with other points to clear heat, improve immune function and address presenting symptoms, acupuncture can be an extremely effective treatment.
Additionally, we often work with herbal formulas to address the root of the problem. As with all cases of inflammation, the first areas to address are stress, lifestyle, and poor diet such as too much processed or mucus producing food and too much sugar. The “cleaner” the food the better. Chinese Medicine helps to strengthen the bodies natural defences, as well as the organ systems that may be deficient and allowing the disease to exist in the body. From my experience, the combination of acupuncture, herbs and moxibustion can be a very good alternative to antibiotics and other commonly recommended medications.
In addition to the above, I often recommend the sufferer to make sure the environment is not too dry. When this may seem like an easy solution in our climate, it’s also important to make sure the environment is also not damp and thus harbouring mould, dust or other irritants as well. Strengthening the immune system with Vitamin C rich food such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale and peppers; improving overall health with miso or bone broth; and using a steam with either eucalyptus, pine or peppermint oil are all recommended. It may also be helpful to take oral dosages of Oregano oil daily and to use Grapefruit seed extract- ideally as a nasal spray. Both contain powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Gut health is also another important area to address when looking at the inflammatory response and probiotics may be helpful. Ample fluid intake is helpful to flush out the body with Chamomile tea as a soothing option for the inflamed sinus cavities. Additionally, using a neti pot with a diluted saline solution daily is one of the best ways to keep nasal passages free from infection.
Other ways of offering support to yourself is through deep breathing. Proven to reduce the inflammatory response in the body- slow, deep breathing benefits you in more ways than this alone. Kapalabati or “breath of fire” is also helpful to clearing toxins from the body. Looking at yoga postures- anything that inverts the body (allows the head to be below the heart) is beneficial. This can be (and I’ll use English names to keep it simple): child’s pose, standing forward fold, downward facing dog, headstand or shoulder stand- to name a few. As always, work to your comfort level and if any of these postures are new to you, try them with your teacher first.
With wishes of good health,
Lauren
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