Acupuncture for Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a chronic infection of the sinuses that causes nasal congestion, sinus pain, and headaches. It can affect your energy, sleep, and work and can even lead to depression and anxiety.

The good news is that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help to reduce pain and discomfort, as well as help you come off of medications or even avoid surgery. 

Acupuncture provides an opportunity for the body to heal itself, stimulating your natural healing abilities.  I combine many therapies including acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine to treat the root cause of the sinusitis. This is especially during the spring allergy seasons which can exacerbate the sinusitis symptoms.

Chronic Sinusitis

Acupuncture

Acupuncture targets the underlying imbalance causing the sinus issues.  Health problems are caused by imbalances in the body’s Qi, or energy. When there is a lack of energy or an impediment to the circulation of qi, toxins can develop and lead to sinus problems. 

Acupuncture helps chronic sinusitis by reducing the swelling of the sinus cavity, allergic reactions, and by the inflammation that occurs in the sinuses. This will ease the pressure that is caused by the inflamed tissue inside the sinuses. It also helps by clearing blockages along the meridians, stimulating circulation of healthy qi and blood to the face.  

During the treatment, acupuncture needles are placed in specific points of the body, which interact with the nervous system and the immune system. These interactions promote anti inflammatory and pain relieving responses in the body stimulating the healing process. 

The acupuncture therapy is customized to each patient, targeting their specific underlying imbalance. Some of the acupuncture points are located above the sinuses and others are along the meridians.  Meridians are a system of energy channels in the body. The phlegm and fluid which fills sinuses can block the flow of Qi. 

In order to determine the specific imbalance that is causing you we will consider your headache symptoms, allergies, look at the tongue and pulse, feelings of hot and cold, as well as the overall wellbeing.

Commonly used acupuncture points can be located on meridians on the arms or legs.  

  • Body points may include: LI 4, LI 11, Lu 5, SP 9,  ST 36, St 44, GB 34, and SJ 5.  
  • Points for phlegm: ST 40, Sp 9, Lu 9  
  • Points on the face and sinuses: LI 20, ST 4, Bi Tong, and Yin Tang.
  • Qi deficiency: ST 36 and SP 9
  • The presence of heat: LI 11 or ST 44 

Acupuncture is also very safe and relaxing therapy. 

Acupressure

Acupressure on the face,  neck, head, shoulders, and back helps to increase circulation, decrease pain, and drain the lymph. I will also instruct my patients on a self acupressure routine for patients to perform on their own. Often, patients will begin to feel relief after a few acupuncture sessions.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine focuses on restoring the circulation of Qi and improving the immune system. It will also help to clear phlegm, reduce allergic reactions, and pressure. 

Herbal medicine is given as a strong tea. The teas are a combination of 8-15 herbs specifically chosen and combined to help you feel better. For example, if there is more pressure and nasal congestion herbs which clear phlegm will be focused on.  But if there is a lot of inflammation and pain, clearing heat may be focused on.  

We can also use herbs before the allergy season to help prevent the onset of the illness which focuses on boosting Qi and improving the immune system. 

Herbal nasal sprays are also useful for reducing inflammation and allergic reactions.

Feeling Better

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used with your conventional treatments.The first goal is to help you feel better. Our therapies of acupuncture and acupressure can help you reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

By restoring a balance of qi in the body, we encourage the self healing process and a healthy immune response. Using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, you are able to breathe through their noses again.

Feedback From our clients…

I am 32 years old and I had been struggling with sinus headaches since I was twelve. I had tried everything from routine visits to traditional doctors to humidifiers and other alternative treatments. Joe is the only person who has effectively helped me get rid of these horrible headaches, which frequently disrupted my work and social life. In addition, Joe has helped me control and overcome digestive problems, migraines, and my stubborn eczema with a combination of acupuncture, acupressure, and herbs. A few of his many virtues include his willingness to give you the tools you need to help yourself (i.e. acupressure), his willingness to listen and answer your questions–he is always happy to share his vast knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese herbs–and his generosity–you will always get a full hour and you will leave his office feeling energized and relaxed. I highly recommend Joe!

A.R., Manhattan