Sinus congestion (sinusitis) is a common condition affecting 37 million people in the United States. It is a condition where the mucous linings of the sinuses get inflamed.
Causes of sinusitis include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, allergies, polyps and in even a physical abnormality of a deviated septum. Allergic rhinitis, another cause for sinus congestion is due to over-reactivity of the immune system to certain allergens present in the air. This often occurs during the spring. Symptoms include nasal congestion, post nasal drip, facial pain, headaches, fever, general malaise, thick green or yellow discharge, feeling of facial 'fullness' worse when bending forward and even toothaches. In chronic cases the sense of smell can be affected.
In Chinese medicine the nose and sinuses are directly linked to the lungs and the digestive system. Lungs govern respiration and injury to them such as an acute respiratory infection often leads to sinus problems. The digestive system is also involved in providing proper nourishment and supporting the immune system. A weak and deficient digestive system can produce great amount of dampness, which impacts the respiratory system. In my treatments, I focus on harmonizing the immune system to prevent over-reaction, strengthen the digestive system to eliminate excess dampness and to clear away the existing congestion. Specialized breathing exercises combined with appropriate dietary advice is also given to every patient. Here are some of my favorite remedies.
Dietary Recommendations
A wholesome, balanced diet with higher concentration of high fiber and complex carbohydrates can help maintain a good respiratory health. Incorporate more of whole grains including qinoa and buckwheat, papaya, cranberries, pear, pineapple, wild cherries, mango, citrus fruits such as grapefruit, limes and green vegetables including artichoke, brussel sprouts, broccoli, curly kale, cauliflower, and spinach are good for respiratory health. Ginger, green onions, basil, garlic, black mushrooms, apricot kernels and chrysanthemum flowers also help fight inflammation. Increase water intake to 80 oz per day, that’s 10 eight oz cups. Drink the water either hot or warm.
Foods that produce mucous and dampness should be avoided; these include dairy products, cold raw foods, oily greasy foods and simple sugars. Soft drinks and even store bought juices have a high content of corn syrup and produce dampness and mucous.
Home Remedies
• Boil 16 oz of water with 2 oz magnolia flowers, 1 Tsp of chopped basil, 2 slices of ginger, and one stalk of chopped green onion. Drink three times daily for one week
• Juice on clove of garlic, add 1 tsp of olive oil, soak a clean cotton ball with the solution and place in nostrils after having washed the nostril with salt water.
• Boil three Oz of mulberry leaves and 3 oz of chrysanthemum flowers with six-8 cups of water, then remove the leaves and flowers and add 1 cup of sweet rice and simmer to produce a soupy porridge, add 1 oz of chopped apricot kernels. Eat as breakfast for one month.
• Boil six cups of water, then place a large metal bowl on the table in front of you, pour the water in the bowl, place in the bowl, 1 oz chopped mint leaves, and one three slices of ginger. Then add one Tsp of baking soda and as the solution begins to fizzle, place your head over the bowl at a distance of 12 inches. Drape a towel over your head to enclose the head and face over the bowl. Inhale the steam rising from the bowl through the nose. Be sore to cover up after the treatment not to catch a cold.
• A tea prepared by boiling 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in 250 ml of water till it is reduced to half, will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, alleviate sinus congestion and reduce the duration of acute conditions.
Potentially Helpful Supplements
• 500 mg of vitamin C and vitamin A can help ward off infections and regulate immune response. Vitamin E can also help with tissue regeneration and healing. 15 mg of zing daily also helps regulate the immune system and prevent infections.
• 500 mg three times per day of bromalin and 200-400 mg of quercetin three times daily can help with histamine release, which causes allergic response.
• 200-400 mg of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) twice daily contains omega 6 fatty acids to regulate inflammatory response
• Bioflavinoids help with vitamin C absorption. And Coenzyme Q10 acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Herbal Remedies
• Ginger and licorice root are often used to reduce inflammation and fight off allergies.
• Elderberry, as well as astragulus are immune moderators and are useful in fighting upper respiratory infections and allergies.
• Magnolia flowers, mint, angelica, platycodon, dandelion, Xanthium fruits, Perilla seeds, and siler root, all have anti allergic properties and help reduce nasal inflammation and congestion.
• The Chinese formula Xanthium Powder is very effective in clearing the congestion and opening the sinuses. It contains Xanthium, magnolia flowers, angelica, and mint.
• In my clinic we also offer the allergy tamer elixir and perpetual shield formulas from Traditions of Tao.
Physical Fitness
Exercise is not only helpful in strengthening the body against infections and illnesses it also helps to regulate the immune function. Simple 30-minute daily cardiovascular exercises comprised of brisk walks (2-3 miles per hour), or aerobic workouts can help improve circulation and strengthen the body.
The Dao In exercises Immortal Pressing the Sun and Moon Corners and Immortal massaging the nose are simple, effective exercises to help relieve sinus congestion.
First exercise - Immortal Pressing the Sun and Moon Corners 1. Sit at the tip of a sturdy chair with your back erect spine stretched and your head slightly tilted forward. 2. Inhaling, press the forehead with the palms just inside the temples. 3. Exhaling, release. 4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for a total of 3 times.
Note: This movement can be done during the day and often when you feel heaviness and stuffiness in the head.
Second Exercise - Immortal Massaging the Nose
1. Sit at the tip of a sturdy chair with your back erect spine stretched and your head slightly tilted forward.
2. Cross your middle and index fingers by placing the tips of the middle fingers on top of the index fingernails.
3. With hands in this position, rub the sides of the nose 36 times in a circular motion. Warming your fingers first, if they are cold. You may also apply a small amount of peppermint or spearmint essential oils to the area to help with the massage.
IMPORTANT
• Eliminate extreme temperature and weather fluctuations because they will worsen the condition.
• Avoid exposure to substances and circumstances that aggravate the nasal passages. Including dusty, dirty and polluted air.
• Avoid stress and get plenty of sleep. Sinus congestion is often worse with lack of sleep and rest.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking, both are irritating to the respiratory tract and aggravate inflammation.
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