Over 30 million people in this country suffer from some form of sinusitis or sinus issues. If your ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist) hasn't found any major polyp or bony abnormality, there is a good chance that sinus issues can be helped by supporting the body, making smart food choices, and doing a little homework.
The sinuses are 8 hollow spaces within the bones of the face consisting of the ethmoid, sphenoid, maxillary, and frontal sinuses. Their main purpose is to act as a filtration system for the respiratory tract. They filter and humidify the air that we breathe. They are lined with a thin layer of cilia (hair like projections) that produce mucus, which helps trap pollutants and microorganisms.
The cilia function with a sweeping motion and beat 16 times per second. Speculation exists on other purposes for the sinuses, such as lightening the weight of the head, acting as protection in head trauma, and for the sound of the human voice.
The respiratory (sinuses, lungs, etc.), gastrointestinal, urogenital, visual, and auditory systems in mammals, all have one thing in common, they contain mucus cells. Mucus protects epithelial cells, and is important to protect the body against toxins and infectious microorganisms.
When the body is faced with a microbial or toxic assault it will generally increase mucus production in all areas of the body. If the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed and aggravated, mucus production will increase in the intestines, but can also increase in the sinuses. This is why you will hear many people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, complain that when they have certain foods, like dairy or another
food sensitivity, their sinuses act up and mucus production increases. Many medical doctors have noted clinically in their practices, a correlation between patients that present with
acid reflux and chronic sinusitis.
In 1999, the Mayo Clinic cultured the sinus cavity of individuals with chronic sinusitis, and found that 96% of them had
fungal infections rather than bacterial infections. Many patients presented with up to three different types of fungus. Antibiotics do not kill fungus, they kill bacteria. This is why antibiotics do not work to treat the majority of chronic sinusitis cases. Fungus is generally systemic, and starts out in the gut and then spreads to other parts of the body. Many chronic sinusitis sufferers who clean up their gut, can help their sinus problems.
Most people are unaware of the foods that are contributing to their problems, but I suggest that a person starts by eliminating certain foods to see if this improves their sinus symptoms. The majority of sinus sufferers have food sensitivities. There can be multiple culprits, but the foods that I have found to be the most reactive are dairy, corn, and
gluten. It takes about a week for a food to get out of your system, so cut out each individual food one at a time. If you would like to know for sure, I can test you, and identify which foods are causing a problem.
Specific chiropractic bony realignments of the cranial bones, can have a significant and profound effect on the sinuses. This allows for the proper drainage of the sinuses. There are specific points on the face, that if worked on can help sinus sufferers. One of the points is called Large Intestine 20 (labeled in the acupuncture system), which is on the side of the nostril. Bodywork through chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage can help the sinuses drain and function better.
Before you come to see me or any other practitioner, you may also want to try these simple things and see if they help. If you do come see me, I would still recommend the following:
1. Nasal Irrigation
This can help the cilia in the sinuses to regain mobility. Sinus or nasal irrigation uses a neti pot, which you can purchase at most health food stores. Fill the neti pot with a solution of pure distilled, room temperature or slightly warm water, mixed with a natural salt. You can buy the salt in the health food store as well. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to eight ounces of water. You may also choose to add one drop of an essential oil. You can use hyssop, frankincense or eucalyptus oil. I wouldn't use more than two drops total in a batch, so choose no more than one or two essential oils.
To perform the nasal irrigation, place your head downward over the sink. Tilt your head to the side and use the neti pot to place the solution into the top nasal passage. The water will flow out the bottom nasal passage. You want to irrigate both sides. It feels quite odd and I wouldn't say I love the feeling, but it's worth it. Blow your nose completely after you are done.
2. Purchase an Air Purifier
We have some seriously dirty air in this city. Purchase a quality air purifier for your office and home. A good one will run around $200 to $300. Get one that has a HEPA filter, and a UV light. You may also want a sanitizing option with ozone capability. I have a Surround Air Multi-Tech II. There are many good brands and models out there.
3. Steam with Essential Oils with a Diffuser
Boil a pot of water on the stove and put some essential oils in the water, 5 to 8 drops should suffice. Put a towel over your head and the pot to direct the steam towards you. Another option is getting an essential oil diffuser and inhale the mist from the diffuser. I would do this for a good 10 minutes at a time. You can choose from peppermint, hyssop, eucalyptus, rosemary, and frankincense. You will have to try out different oils to see, which are the best for you.
4. Apply Pressure
Apply firm rotatory pressure to the acupuncture Large Intestine 20 Point, which is located on the side of each nostril. Do this for one minute three times per day.5. Cut out the Foods that are Contributing to Your Body's Imbalances
When the body is not happy, it will certainly tell us! I hope that these simple at home tools will help you to breathe again. As always, if you need more advice or help with sinus problems please don't hesitate to
contact me.
