How to relieve sinus pain and prevent recurring sinusitis 

Sinusitis is a painful and annoying condition that can impact adults and children.  It occurs when your sinuses become swollen and inflamed resulting in painful headaches and increased mucus production making nose breathing difficult.   Symptoms are often worse when lying down contributing to sleep problems and fatigue. 

Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:

·        Nasal inflammation or irritation 

·        Runny nose or postnasal drip

·        Blocked nose and congestion 

·        Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, temples, jaw and forehead

·        Reduced sense of smell and taste

·        Ear pain

·        Headache

·        Cough or throat clearing

·        Sore throat

·        Swollen glands 

·        Bad breath

·        Fatigue

At Elemental Health we offer an extensive range of treatment options for sinus pain and chronic sinusitis.

1. Craniosacral therapy is beneficial for head, ear and jaw pain that results from chronic sinusitis. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle yet powerful manual therapy that releases mucus build up and immediately relieves sinus pain.  Osteopath and craniosacral therapist Vanessa Malone treats sinus pain effectively using craniosacral massage providing fast relief for headaches and congestion while also addressing any underlying postural issues. 

2. Lymphatic drainage massage is also highly effective for treating chronic sinusitis.  Gently stimulating the lymphatic system promotes clearance of the sinuses removing congested mucus from the face and sinus area, relieving pain and supporting your immune health.  Massage therapist, Zuzana Dzurmanova uses manual lymphatic drainage to treat chronic sinus infections, releasing nasal blockages and promoting detoxification and relaxation.  

3. Acupuncture is very often successful at treating sinus problems by reducing inflammation locally.  It aims to improve the liver to reduce histamine aggravation and plans to prevent return of symptoms by strengthening the immune system. The overall goal of treatment is to target the underlying cause and relieve chronic pain whilst relieving current symptoms and preventing relapse. Our Acupuncturist Brendan Meek has more than 20 years’ experience in treating sinusitis and other inflammatory conditions of the nose and throat.

4. Nutrition is often overlooked in the treatment of sinus issues.  Reducing inflammatory foods and mucus forming foods, identifying food allergies, sensitives or histamine intolerance, increasing anti-inflammatory foods and foods to support your immune system are important in the treatment of chronic sinus issues. Nutritionists Jean Jarrett and Christine Pope use food as medicine and supplements, when necessary, to resolve chronic sinus issues while addressing any nutritional deficiencies and improving your immune health.  Allergy testing is also available. 

5. Herbal medicine has a significant history of successfully treating chronic sinus infections and pain.   Herbs such as Euphrasia, Euphorbia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Mullein, Ginger and Fenugreek are all well researched for their benefits in treating sinus issues, along with antimicrobial herbs such as garlic, thyme and oregano.   Jean Jarrett and Christine Pope can advise the best foods, herbal tea or herbal tincture for you and your sinus health. 

6. Bukeyko breathing helps to clear the nasal and sinus passages, heal the mucus membranes of the sinus passage and retrain nose breathing.  The Buteyko program includes specific breathing exercises that promote the clearance of mucus from the sinus’s and nasal cavity, heal the respiratory system and promote relaxation and sleep.   Jean Jarrett uses Buteyko breathing in combination nutrition and herbal medicine to successfully treat chronic sinus conditions. 

Other things you can do to improve your sinus health include:

·      Ensure your bedroom is not too warm at night and has some fresh air, even in winter 

·      Use a saline rinse or netty pot daily 

·      Ensure you are well hydrated 

·      Diffuse essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree oil and lavender especially at night 

·      Investigate mould or other allergens in your home

If you are experiencing sinus problem contact us at info@elementalhealth.net.au or call our reception to book an appointment (02) 8084 0081 and start healing your sinuses.