Sinus Infections & What You Can Do About Them

I've only had two of these in my life, but they were very memorable occasions. Who can forget a feeling like being stabbed in the eye socket with an ice pick? The Chinese Medical diagnosis for this condition is "Phlegm Damp Heat Brewing and Binding in the Orifices". Sounds delightful... NOT!  Sinus infections can linger for weeks making us feel vaguely run down and yucky, or they can fester and create intense pain and discomfort. Either way they need attention. Why? First, it's an infection and second, the sinuses are right next to your brain. We don't want it moving from one to the other.

Western Medicine always treats sinus infections with antibiotics regardless of whether or not they are bacterial or viral. The drawback to this approach are many.  Quite a few people experience loose stools and poor digestion for weeks after antibiotics due to the disruption of their gut flora. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics has been creating new and more virulent strains of bacteria. Finally, if the infection is viral, antibiotics only serve to disrupt your system.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

1. Thick yellow or green nasal discharge that smells foul
2. No nasal discharge, but a sense of congestion 
3. Post-nasal drip
4. Pain or pressure behind the eyes, in the forehead, or beneath the cheek bones. Sometimes they will manifest as what feels like tooth pain.
5. Sharp, episodic pain especially with position or pressure changes (like bending over or changing altitude)
6. Slight dizziness or vertigo when changing position
7. A cold that won't go away
8. Lingering fatigue after a cold
9. Bad breath

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

1. Acupuncture See your acupuncturist for treatments. I know a lot of you aren't a fan of the "kitty whisker" needles I put in your cheeks, but trust me, these babies are magical! Many times they cause instant opening of the nasal passages. We will use other points on your body to stimulate the immune system, drain phlegm, and boost energy.
2. Chinese Herbs See your Chinese herbalist for remedies: I (Caroline) have a new favorite way to treat sinus infections. I'm excited because it's a blend of two ready made tablets that I carry in the office, so they are convenient and easy for you to use. Bi Yan Pian addresses the sinus congestion, the "Phlegm Dampness" mentioned above. Pu Ju Xiao Du Yin clears away the "Heat Toxins".  It's an herbal formula known for it's antibiotic and antiviral properties. Together, they combine to make a one/two punch that usually has patients feeling better right away. These aren't appropriate for folks taking certain medications or those with weak digestive systems. Please check with your practitioner first. 

Neti pot

Nasal aspirator

Self Care

1. Absolutely NO sugar, wheat or dairy! If you know me at all, you know that I'm usually rather gentle with my diet advice, but this is an exception. Eating these substances just perpetuates your problem and makes it harder for your body to clear the infection. 
2. Irrigate your sinuses Use a neti pot or nasal aspirator to irrigate your sinuses.
1. Sterilize your neti pot or nasal aspirator with boiling water, set aside. Neti pots can be sterilized in the dishwasher.
2. Boil 1 cup of water, allow it to cool. (Very important)
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt
4. Turn your head sideways over a sink, hold the lower nostril closed with your finger. 
5. Use the your neti pot/aspirator to slowly dribble the saline solution into your nose. Do not force the saline up your nose or pour it too quickly: this will hurt.
6. Roll your head slowly backwards and "swish" the saline around.
7. Allow the saline to run out the nostril you previously held closed.
8. Repeat on the other side.
9. *Gently* blow your nose to remove nasal discharge
10. Tips: 
1. Always use fresh saline and a clean pot/aspirator  
2. if you experience greater pressure or pain, stop 
3. if nothing comes out of your nose after doing this for a couple of days, stop. 
3. Get plenty of rest. You may not feel very sick. Pushing yourself will only make the duration of the illness longer.

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

Why are you putting that needle there?

A very good question! The short answer for me boils down to a few main factors: what systems need help, what systems need to calm down, where are the blockages in the body and does the brain need some attention? 

The needles on the insides of the arms and legs tend to be associated with the organ systems that need some encouragement to do their jobs better (Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Heart, Pericardium and Lungs). The needles on the outside of the arms and legs tend to be associated with the organ systems that hold stagnation and heat (Gallbladder, Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and San Jiao). These guys need to “snap out of it!” and relax. 

A lot of the pain theory of acupuncture is based on using microsystems. This is the idea that every part of the body mirrors and affects another part of the body. For instance, I can use points on your elbows (a hinge joint) to affect pain in your knee (another hinge joint). I can use points near the back of your skull to affect the pain in your heel. Sometimes we just put a needle in where it hurts, too! Sometimes, it's a combination of both. 

Finally, I assess for every patient if their brain needs attention. For us, fine tuning the nervous system is done predominantly by using points on the head and in the ear. A French neurologist, Dr. Paul Nogier, pioneered the work of mapping the correspondences of the brain to the ear. Studies have shown that measurements of microsweating in the ear correlate to increased activity in certain parts of the brain as measured on a functional MRI. We use needles in the ear to promote relaxation, encourage better sleep, and to decrease feelings of depression or anger. We can also use the ear to increase concentration and improve memory. Finally it can also be used to calm pain in the body. 

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 
at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 
scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 
fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 
an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 
Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 
issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 
fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 

720-248-8626