Sinusitis

The sinuses that are most prone to infection and inflammation are located between the eyes and either side of the nose. The main symptoms of sinusitis are:

Feeling of fullness in the face
Pressure behind the eyes
Postnasal drip
Nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose
Toothache (possibly)
Purulent, yellow nasal discharge from the front and back of the nose (into the throat)
pain on the forehead, facial pain and a feeling of muzziness & heaviness of the head.

Long-term sinusitis is often caused by repeated infections of the common cold or influenza viruses. Part of the problem with this condition is anatomical. The openings into the nasal cavity are narrow and so if there is already inflammation, then further infection & inflammation make the cavities prone to blockage. This results in stagnation of fluids in the nose and sinuses.

Within Chinese medicine, sinusitis is primarily a disorder of the Lung and is usually the result of an unresolved attack by pathogenic Wind-Cold. The Lung is the Yang organ most easily affected by external climatic factors. Wind scatters the defensive Qi on the outside of the body, making it easier for Cold to penetrate. The nose is the site of attack, and this shows as the symptoms of a common cold. If the body's defenses are not strong enough to drive out the Wind and Cold, discharges in the nose begin to congeal, turning into Heat and becoming yellow and thick. The Phlegm collects in the sinuses and further blocks the Qi, causing pain.

Acupuncture treatment for sinusitis is based on the presenting symptoms. When the symptoms are acute then treatment is aimed at clearing the phlegm from the nasal cavities and regulating the flow of Lung energy. If the phlegm is Yellow in colour then this indicates heat and points are selected to help the body clear this heat.

During symptom-free periods, or when the symptoms are mild, acupuncture treatment is aimed at strengthening the Lung energy to prevent invasion of pathogens (viruses). Other points will also be selected according to prevailing imbalances. It is also important to strengthen the digestive system and avoid food that is difficult to digest. This is because there is a very important saying in Chinese medicine; 'phlegm is produced by the Spleen and stored in the Lungs'. The Spleen refers to the digestive system.

Herbs: The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, it should be taken with care and only under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of herbal medicine.

Generally speaking, it is difficult to prevent sinusitis, but you can reduce your chances of having your sinuses become infected by taking these steps bellow:

Reduce your risk of upper respiratory infections. Minimize close contact with people who have colds and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Don't smoke. Tobacco smoke can cause irritation and inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and nose. Inflammation can result in blocked nasal passages.
Avoid polluted air. Contaminants in the air, whether indoors or outdoors, can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.
Urinary.
Don't drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.

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