BY: Natalie Kilheeney, L.Ac.
One of the most common complaints this time of year is Sinusitis; a condition causing inflammation and swelling in the cavities surrounding your nose and eyes. This can lead to narrowing of the passageways, where mucus produced by your body can become blocked. This blockage allows infection to set in and can last for weeks on end. Some of the symptoms include: pain around the nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, thick-yellow, or green mucus, loss of smell, headaches, pressure, dizziness, red eyes, itchy eyes, watery eyes, toothaches, bad breath, and ear aches.
Does this sound like you? Are you being affected? If so you are not alone. Nearly 31 million people suffer from sinus infections each year. Likewise, 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from nasal allergies.
As the season approaches and the temperature drops, we are headed into the inevitable colder temperatures of winter. This time of year pulls even more water out of our bodies than does summer and causes a lot of dryness. Additionally, we spend more of our time indoors, which can expose us to unwanted molds, dusts (especially from furnaces), other pollutants, and pet dander. The hustle and bustle of the season and added stressors also compromise our body’s immune system, making it easier for pathogens to invade. Likewise, the added sugary sweets and extra calories during the holidays can throw our bodies off balance causing more inflammation, congestion, and allergy flare ups.
In western medicine, the use of antibiotics, antihistamines and steroids are prescribed. Although they may temporarily handle acute symptoms, they are not so good at addressing the root cause: strengthening the body and making it resistant to these allergens. Additionally, these medications have side effects, and can even weaken the body’s immune system by killing off the good bacteria our body needs to maintain good balance and function.
The good news is that there are many natural solutions for treatment and the prevention of sinusitis, sinus infection, and allergies.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been effectively treating sinus problems for thousands of years through the use of herbal formulas, nutrition and teas, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and guasha therapies. These treatments have been found to improve the bodies natural defenses, support the immune system and even prevent symptoms from coming on. These remedies can safely and effectively treat the acute flare-ups, but more importantly there are treatments that can eliminate the symptoms for good. One patient had several sinus infections each year, went through years of Western Medical treatments including 3 sinus surgeries and STILL had infections every year. After a specific treatment strategy with Chinese medicine, the patient has not had an infection for over 12 years now. This is not an isolated case: we have treated hundreds of people with similar conditions with great success!
So, why stay miserable and let your sinus issues get the best of you when there are natural solutions? Stop by the clinic and see how we can help.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Holiday!!!!