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patient handout (acupuncture)
sinus wash
acupuncture
definition
YOUR SINUSES AND YOU
The sinuses are a magnificent structure of tunnels and caves running throughout your head that connect to your respiratory system. They often become the site for what is called a focal infection . This is a type of infection that becomes lodged in one part of your body that your immune system keeps under control but because of its nature to "hide out", you may not notice it and the immune system does not completely eliminate it. This low grade inflammation becomes a source of irritation for the body, inflaming connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments as well as depressing the immune system so that other types of inflammatory processes such as bladder irritation, digestive dysfunction and menstrual discomfort keep reappearing.
Many physicians have long been aware of the problems that focal infections can cause. The Japanese physician Dr. Horiguchi has made this problem of focal infections in the sinuses his life's work. Treatment for this type of problem must be on-going and is best targeted to the local area of the infection. The Japanese acupuncturist, Kiiko Matsumoto, has pioneered one of the most effective approaches for this problem. She put together information from many sources and developed a treatment protocol that works.
The treatment of this condition has two major parts. One of these is the care we give you in the way of acupuncture. The other major part is your home care - the care you give yourself! Herbal and/or homeopathic medicines can also serve to complement this therapeutic process.
HOME CARE
The care revolves around irrigating your sinuses. This acts to dislodge the infection, draw out the congestion, and strengthen the area. A very simple and effective way to do this is to use salt water.
Salt water wash: Start with one-quarter teaspoon of salt (sea salt or any salt without additives is best; check the label) and mix it with one-quarter cup of warm water. Using a dropper bottle, draw up the warm salt water solution, tip your head back and squirt some of the solution into one nostril. Try to draw the water back toward your mouth to spit it out into the basin. Then do the same on the other side. After completing this process, use a small amount of plain warm water to rinse; drawing it back to the mouth as above.
Do this twice a day. Make the solution fresh every day or even fresh each time you use it so that the solution will be warm. Each day increase the amount of water you use by a few drops until you are using a whole dropper full. During the second week, you might want to add a pinch of baking soda into the solution. As your condition improves you will be able to reduce the frequency of this procedure. Most people find a rhythm of using the sinus wash to maintain their improved state. However, if a recurrence of a sinus infection seems to be threatening then you can increase your use of this treatment to prevent any recurrence of a serious sinus infection.
If you have any questions, please be sure to give us a call. And be sure to let us know how you are doing at your next appointment.
(adapted from Eric Stephens, L.Ac.)
footnotes