Sinusitis is the condition of inflammation of Para nasal sinuses, which may be due to infection, allergy or autoimmune issues.This mainly effects the nose, throat and ear.

According to the duration, sinusitis can be classified as:

• Acute sinusitis – which runs less than four weeks, which is most common
• Sub acute Sinusitis – which runs from 4 to 8 weeks
• Chronic Sinusitis – which persists longer than 8 weeks

Locations of sinus cavity and associated symptoms:

• Maxillary sinus – pain or pressure in maxillary areas (tooth, cheek, headache, etc.)
• Frontal Sinus – pain or pressure in the frontal sinus areas (above eyes, frontal headache)
• Ethmoid Sinus – pain or pressure between/ behind eyes
• Sphenoid sinus – pain or pressure behind the eyes, but often refers to the vertex

Causes of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is called Pinas in Ayurveda. It is caused by impaired Kapha (water) that accumulates in the sinuses passages and block the flow of Vata (air). Vitiated Pitta (fire) can cause swelling, irritation and inflammation of the sinus tissues.

• Allergic rhinitis or repeated respiratory infections
• Small growths in the nasal mucosa called nasal polyps
• A curved or deviated septum, which is a change in the nasal cavity
• Swelling in the nose like a common cold
• Blocked drainage channels
• Dust or pollen allergies
• The immune system gaps or drugs that suppress the immune system
• Increased intake of dry, oily, spicy foods that are too hot or cold.
• Over intake of Kapha increasing food; heavy food, dairy products etc.
• Exposure to cold or dusty and dry weather

Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Nasal congestion causing difficulty in breathing through your nose
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around eyes, and sinus areas
• Severe headache, earache and facial pain
• Running nose with thick yellow discharge or post nasal drip
• Low-grade fever and inflammatory symptoms
• Lack of appetite and poor digestion

Ayurvedic Management of Sinusitis

Ayurveda management of sinusitis involves the balance of Prana Vata and Shleshaka Kapha with the combination of herbs, a recommended diet and lifestyle plan, therapies and breathing exercise.

Nasya (Sinus treatment) 

Nasya is an effective method of clearing the sinus passage by administering medicated herbs through your nostrils. An Ayurvedic Doctor recommends a course of Nasya therapy for the complete cure and prevention of sinusitis

The herbs used can penetrates the mucosal lining and promote the healing of inflammation. This therapy is accompanied by a gentle sinus and face massage, to stimulate the flow of Prana, activate Marmas and unblock the respiratory channel.

Nasya is recommended not only for treatment but also for prevention of sinusitis, through an Ayurvedic daily ritual.

Steam Inhalation 

This is the method of placing your face over the bowl full of hot water with herbs like ginger, eucalyptus oil, clove oil or other medicated herbs. This can be done for 10-15 minutes and repeat 2-3 times a day according to your symptoms.

Neti Pot 

This is called salt-water rinse of nasal passages. You may need special instruction and experience to do this on your own.

Oil pulling 

An Ayurvedic ritual of swishing of warm oil around your mouth and gums.

Shirodhara 

Gentle pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead.

Ayurvedic Herbs

Some of the ayurvedic herbs and medicine mentioned in the ancient textbooks of Ayurveda are as follows

• Haridra khanda
• Sitopaladi churna
• Talisapatradi churna
• Chitraka haritaki
• Dasamoola kashayam
• Chyawanprash
• Vyosadi vatakam

Note – This article is for educational purposes only. Please do not use this information for self-diagnosis and treatment. We recommend you make an appointment with an experienced Ayurvedic Doctor for a holistic treatment for Sinusitis.