Chronic sinusitis is a condition where the nasal passages become inflamed or swollen; it leads to mucus buildup, and causes headaches and breathing difficulties. Ayurveda, India's traditional medical system, uses natural remedies to treat and prevent chronic sinusitis. Consult with your health care provider before using alternative medicine.
Sinus Cleansing
One of the first things an Ayurvedic practitioner will recommend for chronic sinusitis is the use of a neti pot; the Mayo Clinic also recognizes this treatment as beneficial. Available at most health food stores, a neti pot is a ceramic pot with a nozzle, used for nasal cleansing. Add 1/2 tsp. of non-iodized salt to warm water in the neti pot, and stir to dissolve. Lean your upper body over a sink and pour the mixture through one nostril, letting the water drain from the other nostril; repeat on the other side. Use the neti pot twice a day until your symptoms subside.
Herbal Solutions
To relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of chronic sinusitis, try boiling a few eucalyptus leaves and a small amount of fresh ginger in water, and inhale the steam. Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Vasant Lad, president of the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico, uses calmus root powder to relieve sinusitis; inhale a pinch of the powder into each nostril once a day until symptoms subside. It is important to consult with your doctor before using herbal solutions to treat your conditions, to avoid potential complications.
Yoga
An ancient system of holistic health, yoga uses the practice of stretches, known as asanas, to treat a variety of ailments. Specific yoga poses help relieve chronic sinusitis by increasing circulation and stimulating drainage to ease sinus pressure; sinus sufferers can try Ardha Halasana, or Supported Half Plow pose. While lying on your back, bend your knees in toward your chest; place your palms under your back at the top of your pelvis for support, with your elbows on the floor. Next, lift the pelvis as you bring your knees to the floor on the outside of each ear. Stay in this position for at least three minutes to receive the benefits, breathing steadily. Consult with your health care provider before practicing yoga for sinusitis, and avoid Supported Half Plow if you are menstruating, or have a neck injury or high blood pressure.
Chanting
Ayurvedic yoga practitioner Mukunda Stiles recommends chanting to relieve chronic sinusitis. The sound and vibrational qualities of chanting may help improve the functioning and health of your sinus cavities. A common chant used to treat ailments of the sinuses is "Om". Start by inhaling through your nose, and on the exhale hum the sound "Om" continuously while keeping your mouth closed, until you have fully exhaled.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Chronic Sinusitis; October 2010
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad; 1985
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy"; Mukunda Stiles; 2007
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