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Acupuncture Treatment for Sinusitis
There are four pairs of sinuses and the ones which are most prone to
infection and inflammation are located between the eyes and either side of
the nose.
The condition of sinusitis broadly corresponds to an old Chinese medical
category called 'Bi Yuan' which literally means 'nose pool'.
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.
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 which 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 which 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. This is because there
is a very important saying in Chinese medicine, Phlegm is produced by the
Spleen and stored in the 'Lungs'. The Spleen refers to the digestive
system.
Chronic sinusitis can be difficult to treat and require a lot of
treatment. Sometimes it does respond quickly as well. The difficulty in
treating chronic sinusitis is because Phlegm is a thick, sticky substance
which is difficult to shift. There is also an underlying weakness in the
body’s energy which results in repeated invasions of viruses. To treat
this condition it is important to help the body eliminate the pathogen
(Phlegm), and to strengthen the body's Lung energy (and Spleen) to prevent
future infections. Due to it stubborn nature, the combination of
acupuncture and herbal medicine is often best for the treatment of
sinusitis. Treatment would be on a weekly basis initially.
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