Chronic Sinusitis

Acupuncture

Acupuncture targets the underlying imbalance causing your sinus issues. In Chinese medicine, health problems are caused by imbalances in the body’s Qi, or energy. When there’s a lack of energy, or an impediment to the circulation of Qi, this can allow congestion and inflammation to build up, leading to sinus problems.

Acupuncture helps chronic sinusitis by reducing the swelling of the sinus cavities, calming allergic reactions, and easing the inflammation inside the sinuses. This helps relieve the pressure caused by inflamed tissue. It also works by clearing blockages along the meridians, stimulating circulation of healthy Qi and blood to the face. A comprehensive 2025 review of Chinese medicine’s approach to chronic rhinosinusitis found that TCM therapies significantly improve sinus symptom scores and support recovery, in part by reducing oxidative stress and improving the clearing function of the nasal mucosa.¹

Adding moxibustion, the gentle warming of acupuncture points, can meaningfully strengthen these results. A 2026 randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture combined with moxibustion produced significantly greater improvement in sinus symptoms than acupuncture alone, along with a real reduction in measurable inflammation markers in the blood (CRP and ESR), suggesting the combination addresses the underlying inflammatory process itself, not just the symptoms.²

During treatment, acupuncture needles are placed at specific points that interact with the nervous system and immune system, promoting anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving responses that support the body’s healing process.

Treatment is customized to each patient’s specific underlying imbalance. Some acupuncture points are located directly above the sinuses; others are along the meridians, the body’s energy channels. Phlegm and fluid filling the sinuses can block the healthy flow of Qi.

To determine your specific underlying imbalance, I’ll consider your headache symptoms, allergies, tongue and pulse, sensations of heat or cold, and overall wellbeing.

Commonly used acupuncture points can be found along meridians on the arms, legs, and face:

• 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, GB 14, Bi Tong, and Yin Tang
• For Qi deficiency: ST 36 and SP 9
• For the presence of heat: LI 11 or ST 44
• Moxibustion is often added at these points, particularly Yin Tang and Fengchi (GB 20), to further reduce inflammation and support recovery

Acupuncture is also a very safe and relaxing therapy.

Acupressure

Acupressure on the face, neck, head, shoulders, and back helps increase circulation, decrease pain, and drain the lymph. I also teach my patients a self-acupressure routine they can do on their own. Many patients begin to feel relief after just a few sessions.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine focuses on restoring the circulation of Qi and supporting the immune system. It also helps clear phlegm and reduce allergic reactions and pressure.

Herbal medicine is given as a strong tea, a combination of 8 to 15 herbs specifically chosen to help you feel better. If there’s more pressure and nasal congestion, herbs that clear phlegm are emphasized. If there’s significant inflammation and pain, herbs that clear heat take priority.

We can also use herbs before allergy season begins to help prevent the onset of symptoms, focusing on boosting Qi and supporting 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.

Schedule an appointment online or call 212-319-5757.

Reference

1. Sowmiya N, Kanimozhi KK, Geethanjali S, Balakrishnan A, Arumugam V, Kuppusamy M. Effect of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Disease Severity in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acupunct Res. 2026;43:262-268.
2. Zhang XH, Sun QJ, Zhao LC, Chen L, Li W. Traditional Chinese medicine in chronic rhinosinusitis: Mechanisms and postoperative recovery. Phytomedicine. 2025;141:156658.