Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection. Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).

There are different types of sinusitis, mainly:

Acute Sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 10 to 14 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.

Chronic Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinus cavity that lasts for more than three months is chronic sinusitis. Although bacteria often colonize obstructed sinuses, bacterial infections are not the only cause of chronic sinusitis. Anatomy, allergies, polyps, immune deficiencies, and dental diseases may also cause chronic sinus problems.

Causes & Symptoms

Sinusitis usually starts with inflammation triggered by a cold, allergy attack, or irritant. But it may not end there. Colds, allergies, and irritants make sinus tissues swell. Sinusitis causes many symptoms. Most people have a stuffy nose and pain or pressure in several locations around the face or teeth. There’s usually a nasal discharge that may be yellow, green, or clear. Other symptoms may include fatigue, decreased sense of smell and/or taste, cough, sore throat, bad breath, headache, pain on bending forward, and fever.

Therapies to help with Sinusitis

• Yoga Therapy for Sinusitis
• Naturopathy for Sinusitis

Yoga Therapy for Sinusitis

Asanas: Vajrasan, Simhasan, Shashankasan, Ustrasan, Uttita Padmasan Yogamudrasan, Bhujangasan, Dhanurasan, Bhunamasan, Vakrasan, Ardha Mastyandrasan, Prasarita Padottanasan, Moordhasan, Trikonasan, Parivrutha Trikonasan, Sarvangasan, Mastyasan, Janu Sirsasan, Pasthimottanasan, Chakrasan, Halasan, Hamsasan,Mayurasan, Jatara Parivarthanasan

Dynamic Applications of Asanas: Shashanka-Bhujangasan; Urdhva-Adho Mukha Svanasan;      Dandasan-Asva Sanchalana-Ardha Chandrasan; Shanka Prakshlana Asanas (Tadasan I,II,III, Kati Chakrasan, Sarpasan, Udarakarasan);  Chandra, Hanuman & Surya Namasakaras

Kriyas: Neti (Jala, Sutra), Douthi (Jala Douthi with Tulasi, Vepa, Nelaveme, Krakakaya Kashayas, Vastra & Danda), Kapala Bathi (Vyaukrama, Uthakrama & Seethakrama), Vasthi (enema with Kashayas), Shanka Prakshlana , Tratakam (Candle light, Sun, Moon & Stars), Agni Saraka, Nauli.

Pranayama & Breathing Techniques: Sunaka(Dog) Swasa, Shashanka(Rabbit) Swasa, Chair breathing Techniques, Vaksha-Udara Swasa, Yoga Swasa, Shakti Dharana Series, Anuloma Veloma, Nadi Shodhana I, II, Sukha Puraka Kubakam, Bhramari, Ujjayi, Surya Bhedana, Bastrika

Bandhas & Mudras:   Moola,  Uddyana , Jalandhra & Jihva bandhas, Mudra Triya (Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha & Maha Vedha),

** Introducing Swara Yoga

Relaxation & Meditation Methods:  61 points, Yoga Nidra I, II.& III, Dhara Vidya, Antrayanam, Mantra Japa,  Ajapa Japa, Upasana Meditation etc.

Naturopathy for Sinusitis

Frequent Facial Steam with camphor / eucalyptus oil drops / turmeric powder / neem leaves      Steam bath, Sun Bath, Dry & Vet Sauna bath, hot foot & arm bath, enema, hot & cold applications, Infer Red light fomentations, alternate sponging or application of radiant heat to the sinuses. All general cold water treatments, such as cold baths and cold sprays should be avoided.

Diet : Correcting the faulty diet is of utmost importance in the treatment of sinusitis. Patients should take a balanced diet. Most of the people with sinus trouble also suffer from acidity. Their diet should be veer to the alkaline side. The intake of salt should be reduced to the minimum as salt leads to accumulation of water in the tissues and expels calcium from the body. Completely avoid fried and starchy foods, white sugar, white flour, rice, macaroni products, pies, cakes, ice creams and candies. They should also avoid strong spices, meat and products. Butter and ghee should be used sparingly. Honey should be used for sweetening. Add ginger, black pepper, basil (tulasi) leaves to regular diet. All cooked foods should be freshly prepared for each meal. Vegetables should be taken in liberal quantities. All kinds of fruits can be taken with the exception of those belonging to citrus group such as lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit.

General Recommendations

Keep sinuses moist by using saline sprays, nasal lubricant sprays, or nasal irrigation often. Avoid very dry indoor environments. Avoid exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or strong chemical odors

Note: Yoga & Naturopathy practices and diet are designed as per requirements & suitable for an individual considering their age, profession, health condition etc.