Chronic Sinusitis

Defined as an inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses, chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic illnesses. It is caused by multiple factors including:

• structural defects of the nose that interfere with breathing,
• upper respiratory infections that spread to the sinuses,
• allergies,
• infectious diseases (eg pneumonia, measles)
• air pollution,
• swimming,
• sudden extremes of temperature,
• complications from tooth infections.

Chronic allergy sufferers are particularly susceptible to sinusitis. Indoor pollution created by air conditioning/heating and toxins from furnishings also influence your mucous and immune response.

 

SYMPTOMS 

Sinusitis causes the mucous membranes to become inflamed and swollen, which leads to partially or wholly blocked nasal passages. Mucous accumulates in the nose and sinuses, putting pressure on the sinus walls, leading to discomfort, pain and difficult breathing. You’re left feeling like you have a big fat heavy head which makes it hard to focus, drains your energy and can leave you grumpy. Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning, making it hard to get out of bed. Generally after moving around, you feel a little better as the day goes on. Chronic infections can also cause a persistent low grade fever, day time cough, headaches, aches and dizziness when moving positions or standing up.

 

TREATMENT

Common medical treatment often include broad spectrum antibiotics, antihistamines, analgesics (Panadol etc) and decongestants. While these may do the trick in the short term, chronic sufferers often experience their symptoms returning not long after finishing a course of the drugs. Also many of these drugs are only prescribed for short term use due related to side effects.

Chinese Medicine views recurrent attacks as weakening the immunity (also known as Wei Qi). This depletion interferes with the Lungs function to disperse and spread oxygen and blood (Qi). Failing to keep blood and fluid moving leads to an accumulation and thickening of mucous. Over time this makes us more susceptible to infections. Recurrent infections commonly leads to general fatigue, weakness and lethargy. At this stage, many of the body’s systems have been impacted. The paired organ of the lung is the large intestine. People experiencing lung issues like sinus or asthma, often tend toward slow bowels or constipation. Chronic conditions will also create emotional stress. Stress can impede healing and therefore impacts further on poor health.

 

Acupuncture and herbs are used to:

improve the movement of fluid

influence the immunity (Wei Qi)

open the sinus to improving quality of breathing

reduce stress

 

Chinese herbs used have properties of:

anti-inflammatory

anti-tussive (supress cough)

anti-bactierial

anti-viral

 

Remedial Massage    

Lymphatic drainage a holistic therapy that gives your lymphatic system a “tune up.” By manually stimulating the increased flow of lymphatic fluid, it can reinvigorate your immune system and sweep out harmful toxins.

Using very light rhythmic massage to increase circulation and lymphatic flow, lymphatic drainage therapy concentrates on specific lymph nodes under the jaw line. The main lymph nodes for sinus massage are pea size and under the mandible. During a face massage, muscles are “pre-warmed” and the lymph nodes stimulated to open and enhance circulatory and lymphatic flow.

Lymphatic drainage massage can be helpful in addressing a wide range of conditions. It can reduce fatigue, menstrual cramps, cellulite and water retention, sinusitis and hay fever allergies. When one suffers from hay fever, the body’s immune system goes into high gear as it overreacts to pollen, mould spores or other foreign body invaders. The result is irritation and inflammation of the sinuses. Lymphatic drainage massage through sinus tapping can relieve these hay fever symptoms.

For those suffering from sinus infections, Lymphatic drainage procedures can remove much of this congestive material from around the facial area.  It allows the body’s own healing systems to do what it is intended to do.

 

HELP YOURSELF

There are many steps you can take today to improve your health.

DIET plays a major role in the development of sinusitis.

Dairy products and any known allergens should be avoided as they will increase mucous formation. Eliminate them from your diet for 3 weeks and slowly reintroduce these foods, noting any recurring symptoms. Sugar and processed foods

Sugar and processed foods often lead to inflammation and mucous production. These should also be avoided.

Caffeine might give you a bit of a boost to get through your morning however at a time when your body systems are already stressed, caffeine may overstimulate and lead to further exhaustion.

Drink plenty of water.

SUPPLEMENTS you might find beneficial are:

Vitamin C, A, E, Zinc

SINUS CLEANSE using warm salted water.

 

Links for online bookings:

Acupuncture

Remedial Massage

 

Or call Sonia for Acupuncture on 0406 713 723, Lynne for massage 3211 8882.

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