9/7/06
Clearing Your Sinuses
The only time I treated myself with acupuncture needles was when I had a sinus headache so bad I was almost ready to tear my face off. Looking in a mirror to put needles in my own face was a bizarre experience, but the relief was worth it.
Sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of the skull, lined with mucous membranes and connected to the nose. Small hairs, called cilia, regularly move mucus out of the sinuses through the nose, by way of small holes. When these openings get blocked, or when too much mucus is produced, the mucus is prevented from draining properly. As mucus builds up, pressure builds and causes pain. In addition, mucus is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Main causes of sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) are allergies, colds, respiratory or other infections, house mold, and environmental irritants. Other causes include not completely clearing a prior sinus infection, not enough rest, history of asthma, dental work, frequent swimming or diving, overuse of nasal decongestants, especially over-the-counter sprays that cause sinus rebound effects, foreign objects in the nasal passages, nasal bone spurs, nasal and facial tumors, and nasal polyps.
Symptoms of sinus congestion and infection include pain and tenderness around the eyes, forehead or cheeks; eye, tooth or roof of mouth pain; discharge (clear indicates congestion, yellow or green indicates infection); draining of the discharge out the nose or into the throat; cough, especially at night when lying down slows drainage; loss of sense of smell, fever, difficulty breathing, and heaviness in the head.
A full course of antibiotics may be necessary to treat sinus infection. There are a number of home remedies you can undertake as well, for acute or chronic congestion or infection.
Humidity keeps the cilia working, to drain the mucus and clear the sinuses and nasal passages. Fill a basin with steaming hot water, adding a few drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, menthol, camphor, or peppermint essential oil; cover your head with a large towel, and put your face over the steam. Close your eyes and mouth, and breathe in through your nose. Lift the towel briefly if you get too hot. Do this several times a day.
A dab of Tiger Balm at the base of each nostril will help you breathe better.
To relieve pain or ache, lay a hot washcloth over your forehead and eyes. Press firmly on the sinuses, or on any of the facial bones, for fifteen to thirty seconds. The acupuncture point Large Intestine 4 stimulates the immune system and treats most head and face problems, including nasal congestion and discharge; find it by placing the thumb of one hand in the muscle between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, and press down firmly (it’s likely to be sore).
Nasal wash, using warm salt water, helps prevent and clear infection and inflammation, and clears the nasal passages. With a dropper or neti pot, slowly pour the salt solution in one nostril and tip your head so that it comes out the other. This may take some practice!
Crush ginger root and apply as a poultice to the forehead and nose to stimulate circulation and drainage. Drink plenty of water, and teas of the following herbs to relieve congestion and sinus pressure, and help mucus flow: peppermint, spearmint, oregano, eucalyptus.
Make vegetable soups, using large amounts of garlic, onion, oregano, horseradish, hot pepper, and ginger. Spicy foods help open the passages and increase mucus flow. Avoid dairy products, lettuce, raw vegetables, cucumbers, strawberries, oranges and other citrus fruits, as they encourage mucus build-up.
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© 2009 Jenny Chapin
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