Sinusitis in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Treatment for Sinusitis in Kerala, India
Sinusitis is a condition in which the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. Four hollow air spaces make up sinuses. They’re located in the bones behind cheeks, jaw, and eyebrows. Sinuses make mucus, a fluid that cleans bacteria and other particles out of the air one breathe. Mucus is removed from your sinuses by draining out your nose. But when your sinuses are swollen, the mucus has nowhere to go. It stays in your sinuses and become painful and uncomfortable.
There are different types of sinusitis, including:
Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 10 to 14 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.
Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.
Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year.
Causes
Anyone can develop a sinus infection. However, certain other health conditions and risk factors can increase your chances of developing one, such as:
- Deviated nasal septum, when the wall of tissue that runs between your right and left nostrils displaces unevenly to one side
- Nasal bone spur (a bone growth in the nose)
- Nasal polyps, usually noncancerous growths in the nose
- History of allergies
- Weak immune system
- Tobacco smoking
- Recent upper respiratory infection
- Cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes thick mucus to build up in your lungs and other mucus membrane linings
- Dental infection
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a sinus infection or sinusitis include the following:
- Headache due to pressure in partially or completely blocked sinuses. The pain may increase when the person bends down.
- Facial tenderness and/or swelling when facial areas over sinus areas are touched.
- Fever due to inflammation of sinus tissues and infection.
- A cloudy, discoloured nasal drainage is often seen in bacterial sinus infections.
- Congestion is a feeling of nasal stuffiness and occurs with both infectious and non-infectious sinusitis.
- Postnasal drip is mucus overproduction from sinusitis that flows to the throat and irritates throat tissue.
- Sore throat is inflammation of throat tissue by postnasal drip.
- Cough is a response to post nasal drip and the body’s attempt to clear out throat tissue irritants.
- Tooth pain caused by pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues
- Ear pain caused by pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues
- Itching/sneezing – In noninfectious sinusitis, other associated allergy symptoms of itching eyes and sneezing may be common.
The Ayurvedic Explanation
According to ayurveda, sinusitis can be correlated to Dushta Pratishyaya, where the main dosha affected is kapha. It gets aggravated and vitiates the prana vata (a subtype of Vata), which is mainly present in the respiratory tract.
Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis
The ayurvedic approach to sinusitis treatment is multifaceted and can involve a combination processes through procedures, oral medicines, dietary and lifestyle modifications. The ayurvedic treatment procedures for sinusitis include:
Pachakarma:
Panchakarma is one of the most famous treatment methods in Ayurveda. The process comprises five steps for the detoxification and rejuvenation of mind and body. This treatment contains herbal massages and cleansing enemas.
Nasya Karma
Nasya Karma is a method that involves instillation of liquids infused with the properties of particular herbs into the nasal cavity. It is effective in managing the vata and kapha disorder.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a classical and a well-established ayurvedic procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance.
Eating Habits and Diet Practices
Anyone can develop sinusitis. Here is a list of foods that can reduce inflammation and help with symptoms of sinusitis:
- Fish: Wild salmon, cod, and sardines as they are high in omega 3 fatty acids
- Turmeric spice: Often used in Thai and Indian food, contains curcumin which reduces inflammation
- Beans: Mung beans, pinto, and kidney beans are also high in omega 3 fatty acids
- Red bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C
- Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, and bean sprouts have high levels of vitamin C and calcium
- Citrus fruits as oranges, grapefruit, and berries
- Other fruits as tomatoes, apples and pears are rich in Quercetin, a natural antihistamine
- Drinking green tea and more fluids can help to alleviate any headaches that can result from dehydration
- Spices such as ginger, basil, and cayenne pepper
Ayurveda treatment for sinusitis can help you experience relief. At Krishnendu Ayurveda, we have a very systematic approach in treating sinusitis; we plan a customized treatment for each individual which is specific to their symptoms.
Disclaimer
All the Ayurveda treatments will be customized by Physician only after detailed consultation. Treatments may be changed based on the individual strength.
