Sinus trouble

Sinus trouble

The sinuses are cavities in the bones of the face and skull. The largest sinuses are found in the forehead and cheeks. The symptoms of pain and tenderness above them (many times with a nasal discharge) are typical signs of sinus trouble. Obstruction of normal sinus drainage by extra mucus produces the pain associated with sinusitis and stuffy nose. The affected side of the face may swell, as well as the lower eyelid.

Steam Inhalations

Stand near a kettle of boiling water and gently allow the steam to go up your sinuses. Be careful not to burn yourself! The steam will reduce the thickness of the mucus inside the nose and al¬low drainage. You should have to blow your nose after this treatment.

Ginger Compress

Ginger compresses can be placed directly on the forehead and the sinuses to loosen mucus and promote circulation. This will promote drainage. Your nose will run after the treatment. Apply for about ten minutes several times a day.

Nasal Rinse

Use one cup twig tea and 172 teaspoon seasalt. Liquid should be a little less salty then ocean water. Pour liquid into nasal passages and rinse. This can be done daily and is good for chronic sinusitis.

Diet

Avoid all dairy products, beef and red meats, and fried, oily or other fatty foods, such as potato chips. These increase mucus production inside the sinuses. Sugar, honey, soft drinks, and fruit juice also promote a runny nose.

Eat the standard macrobiotic diet. However, minimize breads, pancakes, and all flour products until the sinuses have cleared up. Steamed green leafy vegetables are helpful in dissolving mucus. Have at least one portion everyday. Hearty greens such as kale, cabbage, watercress, collard greens, as well as radish and turnip tops are excellent choices.

At night you can put a one-inch piece of scallion root (white part) into the nose before you go to bed and sleep with it in place. This will cause mucus drainage.

Shiatsu

Press with the fingers or rhythmically bang forehead at hair¬line with fist. This loosens up mucus in the frontal sinus.

Have the receiver seated, either on the floor or in a chair. Standing behind, press, with the thumbs, the area near the spine at the level of the shoulders. Press the medulla oblongata point. Massaging this area stimulates sympathetic nerves which cause contraction in the blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane. This opens the nasal passage, allowing easier breathing.

With the receiver lying on the back, you can press the many acupoints on the sides of the nose and the top of the head. Particularly good at clearing the sinuses are LI 20 ("welcome fragrance").

Posted in: