Sinusitis Ayurvedic Treatment

The inflammation of lining tissue of sinus cavities is called sinusitis. Sinuses are 4 paired cavities in head which are situated at above eyebrows, sides of nose and cheeks. Normally they are filled with air, and when an infection occurs, mucous fills in them resulting in blockage of sinuses.

Sinusitis Signs and Symptoms

Sinusitis causes running nose/ nasal congestion, headache, pain, tenderness or feeling fullness above eyebrows/ around eyes/ cheek bones/ teeth etc, fatigue, fever, bad smell in mouth etc.

Sinusitis Ayurvedic Analysis

The type of kapha located in organs of head (like nose, eyes, ears) is called Tarpaka. It helps in the normal functioning of sense organs and nourishes them. Vitiation of Tarpaka kapha in uttamanga (head) leads to heaviness of head and face; and feeling of fullness in nose, forehead, around eyes and cheeks. Suryavartha is a condition mentioned in Ayurveda which is characterised by increasing pain, tenderness and swelling over temples, above and around eyes, sides of nose and cheeks, blocked or running nose, sneezing etc from morning to noon. These symptoms often got relieved after noon. The dosha vitiated in Suryavartha are mainly pitta and vata.

Sinusitis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may be caused by excess intake of cold, sweet and heavy food; exposure to cold, wind, dust, pollution; stress; suppression of tear; krimi (infection); altered sleep patterns etc.

Possible Complications of Sinusitis Disease

Untreated sinusitis may lead to spreading of infection to nearby structures (like brain and spinal cord) resulting in diseases like meningitis.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other health issues like allergies, asthma, nasal polyp etc before planning treatment.

Sinusitis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medication along with local snehana (oil massage over face), mild swedana (eg: steam inhalation, local kizhi), nasya (nasal instillation of medicines), vamana (emetic therapy), gandusha (gargling with suitable oil or decoction), dhoomapana (inhalation of medicated fumes through mouth), lepana (application of pasted medicines over forehead or other sites of pain) etc are the common treatments given for this condition.

Diet

Avoid cold and spicy food. Take more vegetables, fruits, fresh fruit juice etc to reduce inflammation.

Exercise

Strenuous exercise is not recommended during inflammation. Mild to moderate exercises (like stretching, bending without causing much movements to head) can be done as per the physician’s guidance.

Sinusitis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Avoid over exposure to cold, wind, mist, dust, allergens etc. Prevent chances of infection. do not suppress tears continuously. Avoid stress, late night sleep and day sleep.

Importance of Diet

Do not consume very cold food during inflammation. Take more semi-solid or liquid food which are easy to digest. Some food items like curd, ice creams etc will worsen the condition.

Lifestyle

The people with chronic sinusitis should avoid exposure to mist, cold wind, dust, allergens etc. Wear cap/ protective measures over head while travelling. Follow a regular sleep-wake pattern. Avoid stress. Eat healthy nutritious diet. Do nasya (with suitable medicine) and gandusha as per the physician’s advice on a regular basis.