Treating Sinusitis using Ayurveda

Treating Sinusitis using Ayurveda 

 

Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the sinuses. Sinuses are air filled spaces in the skull. There are 4 pairs of sinuses. These give a structure to the face and also makes the skull weigh less. They also serve many other important functions like protecting the internal delicate structures of the skull by acting as a shock absorber etc. These air spaces are lined by a layer of mucus membrane. All the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. These sinuses ensure free air circulation and conditioning of the air so that the environment inside the skull is maintained in a state of equilibrium.

The problem arises when this mucus layer gets inflammed and produces more mucoid substance and they get occluded inside the air space. This results in the typical symptoms of this disease like heaviness of head, head ache, running nose etc. Inflammation of the mucous membrane occurs due to some viral or bacterial infections. This condition can also occur when the opening of the sinus is occluded by a deviated nasal septum or polyp and there is improper drainage of the mucous from the sinus.

Symptoms:

The pain in sinusitis depends on the sinus which is affected. Pain and tenderness over the eye brows and mid forehead indicates infection of frontal sinus. Pain over the cheek bone indicates infection of the maxillary sinus. Other symptoms include,

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nasal congestion and running nose sometimes
• Swelling of the face
• Post nasal drip
• Cough
• Sore throat

Management Of Sinusitis:

Viral sinusitis requires not treatment and gets resolved on its own in 2 weeks. When there is a secondary bacterial infection, this condition is treated with antibiotics, steroids and other symptomatic treatment for fever, pain etc is administered. In cases of chronic, unresolved and recurrent attacks of sinusitis, surgical procedures like septoplasty, FESS etc is resorted to.

In Ayurveda, this condition can be corelated to Dushta Pratishyaya, where the main dosha affected is Kapha. It get aggravated and vitiates the Prana Vata (a sub type of Vata), which is mainly present in the respiratory tract. In this condition, the kapha is affected by Aama, the undigested sticky remains of food which is a resultant of improper Digestive fire. Hence a correct line of treatment will be first

• Rectifying the digestive fire,
• Clearing the Aama,
• Pacifying the vitiated Kapha and finally
• Ensuring proper movement of the Prana Vata through the respiratory passages.

For bringing out the Aama and polluted kapha from the body, Panchakarma is the best tool. Especially, in this condition, Shodhana Nasya has to be used. With this, all the blocked up mucous in the sinuses which are a form of the Kapha comes out which gives great relief to the patients. This treatment is followed by inhalation of fumes which clears the residual kapha from the passages. Once the passages are cleared, Vata can move easily in its path. This is indicated for chronic and recurrent cases of sinusitis. Acute cases can be effectively managed with internal medicines, steam inhalations and hot fomentation over the painful parts of the face and mild massage. This gives the desired effect of liquifaction and drainage of kapha. Internal medicines for improving the digestion and regulation of bowel is an important aspect of management.

People having chronic and recurrent sinusitis will be greatly benefitted by Yoga and Pranayama. The breathing practices involved in Pranayama helps in proper circulation of Prana Vata which effectively drains the nasal sinuses and prevents any blockages from developing. Jala neti kriya is very effective for this condition.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

Since kapha is the main causative factor for this condition, one should avoid food and activities which causes its disturbance.

• One must avoid cold, oily and heavy foods.
• Digestion and bowels should be regulated with healthy and light foods.
• Head bath with cold water must be avoided.
• After head bath, one can apply Rasnadi churnam on the vertex of the head which will prevent seepage of moisture into the sinuses.
• Ice creams and cold beverages should be strictly avoided.
• At the first sign of flu and common cold, one must take precautionary measures like steam inhalation, fumigation, hot fomentations and warm soups etc.
• Regular use of Nasya with Anu tailam is beneficial.
• Regular practice of yoga and Pranayama.
• Day sleep should be avoided.
• Avoid exposure to cold.
• Use of warm caps and coats while going out in the cold. 

Alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Reiki and Hypnosis helps in treating Sinusitis.