Acupuncture for Sinusitis

At New Leaf Acupuncture, Dublin, we see many people each year with sinus problems and who have had difficulty finding relief elsewhere. Fortunately, acupuncture for sinusitis proves very effective. Acupuncture helps breathing by opening nasal passages through the use of needles on acupuncture points near the nose and elsewhere in the body. Different points are used for different types of sinusitis as diagnosed through Chinese techniques. Sinusitis can last indefinitely in certain people, and treatments such as antibiotics lose effect over time – so acupuncture for sinusitis is becoming increasingly more utilised as a treatment.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

There are four pairs of sinuses and the pairs 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 a purulent, yellow nasal discharge from the front and back of the nose (into the throat), a stuffed nose, a frontal headache, facial pain and a feeling of muzziness and heaviness of the head. The sinuses may be tender to touch.

Long term sinusitis is often caused by repeated infections by 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 and inflammation makes the cavities prone to blockage. This results in stagnation of fluids in the nose and sinuses.

How Acupuncture Helps

Within Chinese medicine, repeated invasions of common cold & influenza viruses occur because the Lung energy is weakened. In addition, these infections interfere with the movement of Lung energy that in turn causes the fluids in the nose and sinuses to collect.

Diet can also play an important factor in the development of chronic sinusitis. Food items that are difficult to digest and are consumed on a regular basis will lead to the development and retention of Phlegm, which will predispose one to sinusitis.

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 selecting according to the imbalance in the body. It is also important to strengthen the digestive system and avoid food which is difficult to digest.

Treatment would be on a weekly basis initially.

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