By Beverly Mc Govern Nutritional Advisor, Dip. Chinese Herbs, ITEC., IFR., Dip.Ac., Lic. Ac.,
What is it?
Sinusitis is inflamation of the nasal cavaties within the passages of the nose (Para nasal sinuses). It is a very common condition that can affect people regularly throughout their lives. Symptoms can include facial pain or pressure, blocked or runny nose, post nasal drip or phelgm in the throat, muzzy, cotton wool feeling in the head. It commonly occurs when the enviromental pollens irritate the nasal passages for example with hay fever. Other irritants or allergens can also trigger sinus problems such as dust mite, animal dander, food intolerances, aerosol sprays, perfumes, paints, etc.m Sinusitis can also be caused by infrection, whether fungal, viral or bacterial.
How Does Chinese Medicine View Sinus Problems?
Traditional Chinese Medicine sees sinusitis as invasion of Wind-Heat or Damp-Heat, Deficiency of Spleen or Lung Qi (energy). Chinese Herbs or Acupuncture may be used to expel or purge Heat, Wind or Dampness. Usually these herbs will cause mucus to drain from the sinus and relieve pressure. Herbal tonics or specific acupuncture points may be used to strengthen or tonify the lung or spleen energy. In recurring sinusitis the aggravating allergen should ideally be removed. So Allergy or Intolerance testing would be wise.
What Can Aggravate Sinus Problems?
Chinese Medicine believes that the Spleen does not like dampness and what have we in Ireland but a VERY damp climate. Thus sinus problems are very common in Ireland. Sinus problems relating to the Spleen Qi Defiency or invasion of dampness are usually worse in October/November or March/April seasons due to the fact that they are usually very damp months with lots of rain. Humid days in the summer will also aggravate sinuses or equally travelling to humid countries. Flying will effect the sinuses. Pressure changes will effect the sinuses and can cause painful episodes in some cases. Or travelling to areas of high altitude. It is vitally important to look at the diet also. Intolerance to certain foods will encourage the production of mucus. Diet can reduce the amount of mucus in the sinus.
A Zinc Deficiency can also cause problems in the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract. Exposure to air borne allergies such as dust mites, pollens, moulds, perfumes, aerosols, chemicals, animal dander, feathers, etc.
I would strongly recommend an Allergy/Intolerance Test to identify trigger factors, to correct the diet to account for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. A simple exclusion process after this test will often be the simplest course of action to identify and eliminate the causes.
If you would like to book an Allergy/Intolerance Test please contact us! https://daatc.com
TCM DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/how-to-treat-sinusitis-with-traditional-chinese-medicine.htm
On your first visit a detailed assessment is carried out. This includes, Chinese tongue pulse and facial diagnoses, past and current medical history, nutrition diet and lifestyle assessment, allergy/food intolerant test. Depending on the diagnoses, a treatment plan will then be advised for you. This may involve exclusion diet, acupuncture / needle free acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, breathing techniques, nutrition diet and lifestyle changes. Any exclusion diet will be fully explained and include recommendations for alternative foods. All consultations are strictly private and by appointment only.
Acupuncture cures chronic sinus congestion How to treat sinus with TCM
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