Traditional Chinese Medicine
for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is also known as sinus infection. It is an uncomfortable condition that can be caused by a bacterial, fungal, viral infection or it can arise from an allergic reaction. Depending on the sinus cavities involved, pain occurs in the forehead, between the eyes, or in the mouth area. Typically, there is a yellow or green discharge from the nose, often dripping into the throat. In addition to the pain, the head feels heavy. The condition can become chronic, especially when a person has repeated colds. It creates an ongoing pattern of infection after infection. Continually treating the infections with antibiotics can weaken the immune system, causing further problems. It is important to treat this condition as early and aggressively as possible to prevent a serious infection.

The combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbs is a highly effective way to treat all the symptoms and the root cause of sinusitis. Patients cannot breathe properly through their noses. After having needles inserted at certain Acupuncture points, they will open up and feel immediate relief.

Traditional diagnostic patterns for sinusitis are:

Spleen Deficiency
When the sinuses are constantly draining it is a likely indication of an underlying Spleen Qi Deficiency. The Spleen is the organ system in charge of the “transformation and transportation of foods and fluids". In Chinese medicine,when fluids are not being properly transformed in the body, it is commonly attributed in some part to Spleen Qi Deficiency. Nasal bleeding can be a symptom of the Spleen Qi failing to keep blood circulating within blood vessels. Foods that create Dampness in the body should be avoided; these would include fried foods, raw foods, fruits, juices, dairy, iced drinks, and sweets.

Lung Deficiency
The sinuses are actually part of the Metal Element and Lung energetic organ system according to Chinese medicine. Additionally, the Large Intestine channel that is paired with the Lung energetic system ends at the nose. Often, chronic sinusitis is an indication of an underlying Lung imbalance, especially for those who suffer from chronic coughs, chest congestion, asthma, recurring bronchitis, or COPD in addition to the sinus issues.

Wei Qi Deficiency
In Chinese medicine, Wei Qi, or Protective Qi, circulates at the surface of our body protecting us from exterior pathogenic influences such as viruses and allergens. A weakened immune system can lead to recurring colds, environmental sensitivities, and allergy attacks producing excessive phlegm and contributing to chronic sinusitis.

Kidney Deficiency
The Kidney energetic organ system controls water metabolism and the five kinds of fluids according to traditional Chinese medicine. Kidney Deficiency is common for those who have allergies and environmental sensitivities.

Yin deficiency of the Kidney may see dry nasal cavity, even atrophy of mucosa, mostly seen in atrophic rhinitis. Yang deficiency of the Kidney may see profuse thin nasal discharge, mostly seen in allergic rhinitis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chronic Sinusitis:

Chronic sinus issues can be triggered by a number of underlying conditions, including: allergies, constitutional Dampness, and structural septum deviation; a structural issue will not likely be fully resolved without surgery. With chronic sinusitis, the walls of the sinus cavity become inflamed and are often painful to the touch. Chronic recurring sinusitis or sinus infections are a complicated condition and beyond simple solutions. Underlying organ system imbalances that contribute to chronic sinusitis must be addressed, and repairing organ level imbalances can take many months.

Deficiencies of organ systems in TCM leading to chronic sinusitis are often marked by clear or white drainage according to Chinese medicine, but can be present alongside an infection marked by colored phlegm or discharges. Chronic sinusitis may have originally begain as a sinus infection, but after treating with antibiotics, the congestion became chronic and infections may have become recurring. This is likely due to the fact that the over-use of Cold-nature antibiotics will damage the Spleen and chronic Dampness will result.

Fungal Sinus Infections
Fungal infections rely on Dampness to survive. Taking steps to reinforce the Spleen and Lung functions (TCM) as mentioned above, will help to decrease the Dampness that the fungus depends on to multiply.

Allergies Leading to Sinusitis
Herbs that 'Release the Exterior' are employed in clinic for immediate relief of allergies. However, eliminating allergies is the optimal solution, and there is a system of medicine that can completely eliminate allergies. Acupuncture and Acupressure to re-align the body so that it properly deals with allergens. You may wonder why one person creates, or was genetically pre-disposed to a certain substance, and others are completely unaffected. In Chinese medicine, the body's immuno-over reaction to common substances such as pollen, pet dander, or foods, is seen as an energetic imbalance. Chinese medicine is excellent at bringing the body back in to balance, thus can eliminate allergies.