This time of year brings so many good things; like the changing colors of the leaves, warm gatherings with family and comforting hot drinks. It’s also a time when people tend to get colds and flu and this can congest sinuses and lead to sinus infections.
Sinus infections are nasty. The clogged nose, difficulty breathing, excess mucus, facial pressure and pain can make ordinary activities miserable. Not to mention losing your sense of smell and not being able to smell the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice!
When sinus infections occur, many people turn to antibiotics and/or over-the-counter medications. These products can provide temporary relief, but they don’t deal with the root causes of the problem. That’s why, for some people, sinus infections can be chronic or recurring.
The sinuses are the unsung hero of our respiratory system. They filter the air by removing particles by trapping them in mucus. They humidify the air and prepare it for the delicate respiratory tissue in the lungs. They even provide resonance chambers for our voice and enhance our vocal tone.
When the lining of our sinuses becomes inflamed it prevents the mucus from draining normally. Excess mucus creates an environment where bacteria and fungus grow, and our snot becomes yellow and green as the body fights the infection.
Acupuncture and nutritional therapy are a fantastic way to relieve sinus problems and enhance overall health. Together they support the body so that a person can understand the root causes of their symptoms and address them holistically. This provides a permanent solution to sinus problems, so they don’t recur.
Acupuncture improves the function of the sinuses. It improves blood flow and increases the drainage of mucus. It bolsters the immune system and supports biological resilience to infection. Chinese medicine understands that excess phlegm and mucus are pathological factors resulting from an internal disharmony that is easily addressed.
Nutritional therapy supports the body and also gets to the root cause of sinus problems. For example, post-nasal drip can be a sign of liver congestion, a sign that a person needs to support their liver and make dietary and lifestyle changes.
Each person will have a unique presentation when it comes to sinus problems and so the treatment will rely on a systemic examination of their unique physiology. With acupuncture and nutritional therapy, we treat the person, not just the disease. When the body is in harmony, symptoms disappear.
Finally, there are lots of research studies that show that acupuncture is a very practical therapy (it works!) for treating sinus issues, whether its seasonal allergy related or due to an infection. I encourage you to do your own research and learn more about its effectiveness. If you have sinus issues, you can get lasting relief naturally.
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