With millions of people every year being affected by Sinusitis, it is no wonder that complimentary Natural Treatments are being sought after to relieve symptoms Western medicine often fails to resolve. Please read on to find out about which natural treatment may best suit you and your individual Sinusitis symptoms.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the term used to describe an inflammatory condition of the sinuses, which are small airspaces within the bones around the eyes, cheeks and forehead.
Everybody has four pairs of sinuses that have small openings that connect the nasal cavity. The nose and sinuses are both lined by the same type of membrane, and when the latter is working efficiently, airflow is accommodated, as is the mucous that drains from the sinuses into the nose.
When any of these cavities becomes inflamed, the drainage process is inhibited thus creating the ideal environment for congestion and infection, resulting finally in Sinusitis.
Common causes of Sinusitis include:
- Bacterial infections, which often result from cold and flu.
- Allergies, especially to air-born allergens and certain foods.
- Hay fever
- Inhalation of harsh chemical fumes.
- Minor anatomical abnormalities.
- Sinusitis may be acute or chronic, depending on the length and frequency of the Sinusitis episode itself. Acute Sinusitis often follows a respiratory infection and only lasts a few weeks, whereas chronic Sinusitis often lasts for two months or more. Chronic sinusitis can truly make ones life miserable, as symptoms are more severe and debilitating, preventing the person from participating in everyday life.
Symptoms of Sinusitisn
Symptoms of Sinusitis include:
- Blocked or runny noses and blocked airways.
- Thick green/yellow mucous discharge from the nose.
- Congested feeling in the head.
- Post-nasal drip (discharge at the back of throat originating from the nasal passages).
- Loss of smell and taste.
- Fatigue.
- Swollen/sore throat.
- Throbbing headaches.
- Touch and light sensitivity around the eyes, jaw and nose.
- Puffy, dark bags or rings beneath the eyes.
- Toothache (rare).
Natural Sinusitis Treatments
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture employs the use of needles on the skin to stimulate any blocked energy that may be manifesting as symptoms of Sinusitis in the body. An Acupuncturist will mainly focus upon points on the face, arm and lower legs to stimulate a body systems and organs into action, including the lungs, adrenal glands, immune and nervous system, the latter which is responsible for blood circulation to the sinus cavities. Whilst some Sinusitis sufferers may experience short-term pain with the treatment, most experience immediate relief after a session of Acupuncture. See acupuncture and sinusitis for more information.
- Herbal Medicine: Herbal Medicine effectively treats SInusitis by addressing both symptoms and the root cause of the condition itself. When taken in tincture, tea or tablet form, herbs strengthen the body’s immune system and blood circulation, which in turn eliminates any congestion, bacteria and foreign allergens from the body that may be causing the Sinusitis. See herbal medicine and sinusitis for more information.
- Homeopathy: Homeopaths treat symptoms of Sinusitis by administering micro-doses of substances that when administered in large quantities may incite the symptoms themselves. A homeopathic remedy may resolve associated infections, reduce inflammation, sooth respiratory symptoms and strengthen the body’s immune response to allergens. Symptoms such as fever, congestion and sinus pain should all decrease one a homeopathic remedy takes effect, usually within twenty four to forty eight hours.
- Nutrition: Symptoms of Sinusitis may be eliminated with a good and simple balanced diet, and an avoidance of certain trigger foods. Certain foods and their constituents carry anti-inflammatory/bacterial/fungal properties which work to reduce Sinusitis symptoms, whilst other foods may trigger Sinusitis attacks themselves. See nutrition and sinusitis for more information.
