Acupuncture for Sinusitis
April 27th, 2009
If you’re experiencing congestion, headaches and swelling around the eyes, you may have sinusitis. Sinusitis is the medical term for the swelling and irritation of the sinuses, most often caused by infection.
Our sinuses are the air spaces located around the nose and within the facial bones. In a healthy state, sinuses are filled with air and our facial bones are less dense. Sinusitis is caused by infection with bacteria or viruses.
Bacterial sinusitis is caused by nasal congestion in combination with the common cold or allergies. The sinuses don’t drain properly and bacteria accumulate within the sinuses. Viral sinusitis is typically caused by a cold accompanied with inflammation of the sinuses or allergies.
Affecting over 30 million people, sinusitis is one of the most common medical conditions. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, pain, cough, toothache, ear infection, fever, and general fatigue.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can reduce or eliminate symptoms of sinusitis, including sinus headache and pain, and effectively clears the sinuses and relieves congestion. Acupuncture corrects the underlying imbalance in the body’s energy, and can prevent acute sinusitis from becoming chronic.
A comprehensive treatment program combining acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary recommendations can decrease inflammation, congestion, pain, constriction of bronchial passages, infection, and sensitivity to allergens.
Allopathic medications are often used to treat sinusitis, especially when it is caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment with medication may be only a few days in length or may be over a period of several weeks. Medications for sinusitis include a combination of antibiotics, decongestants, analgesics, and corticosteroids. Antibiotics are one of the most prescribed treatments for sinusitis.
In early stages without infection, acupuncture may be used as an alternative treatment. In later stages, acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to conventional treatment for sinusitis. Acupoints will be selected which regulate and strengthen the immune system.
The World Health Organization has stated acupuncture to be beneficial for diseases of the respiratory tract such as sinusitis and bronchitis.
For information about acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of sinusitis call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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