Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sinusitis

It is estimated that about 30 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection. Sinus infections are usually the result of a cold, a sudden change in weather conditions, or an allergic reaction. The resulting condition, sinusitis, is a swelling of the mucous membranes and increases production of mucus which causes all those unwanted symptoms, including congestion, pressure, pain, and even a lost sense of taste.

In Western medicine, typical treatment for sinusitis is the prescription of antihistamines or antibiotics that relieve symptoms but do little to get to the root of the problem. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been effectively treating sinusitis naturally for centuries with herbal and acupuncture modalities.

Sinusitis in many individuals tends to become a chronic condition. After each recurring infection, most methods of treatment fail to drain the sinus cavities completely of mucus and discharge, creating a perfect environment for another infection. Continually treating the infections with antibiotics can weaken the immune system, while TCM boosts the body’s immune response.

Acupuncture for Sinusitis

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture is based on maintaining a healthy flow of vital energy—known as qi—through the meridians of the body. Acupuncture can have a dramatic effect on the local tissue and accelerate recovery.

In TCM, sinusitis is the result usually of a wind pathogen, wind cold or wind heat, that has entered and concentrated in the head. Acupuncture can be very effective in opening up the nasal passages, and allowing patients with sinusitis to breathe more easily. Acupuncture is well known in reducing pain, discomfort and inflammation, and the sinuses are no exception. Some patients find relief after their first visit.

Herbal Supplements for Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be caused by external or internal factors, as well as by diet and stress. In TCM, external factors can be linked to the environment–a cold and windy winter, for example–or external pathogens. Internal factors linked to sinusitis include qi deficiency in the lungs, spleen and stomach, and latent heat in the lungs as a result of body constitution.

The herbal supplement or blend prescribed by a TCM practitioner depends on the symptoms being exhibited and cause of the infection. For example, patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with a wind-heat pattern—including fever, soar throat and yellow mucous—may be prescribed “cooling” herbs like honeysuckle flower, mulberry leaf, xanthium powder and chrysanthemum flower.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner in Centennial, CO

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about TCM, the professionals at Arapahoe Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center are here to help. We provide both acupuncture and herbal supplements for sinusitis as well as massage and chiropractic care. Call us or contact us online today!