Tracey-Ann Brown, Contributor

Acupuncture needles used in Tracey-Ann Brown's oriental medicine practice. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Traditional Chinese medicine, or oriental medicine, is a 3000 year-old system of medicine. It involves the practice of acupuncture and the prescription of Chinese herbal remedies. Acupuncture works along pathways or meridians in the body, which are often related to specific organs. It is used to manipulate these meridians and their corresponding organ systems (respiratory, digestive, neurological, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine), through the insertion and manipulation of very thin needles at points along the meridians.

Each acupuncture point, of which there are more than 400, has a specific function relating to the functioning of the body. Stainless steel or gold needles are inserted at the acupuncture points, which have a high electric conductance, stimulating the central nervous system.

This either changes the experience of pain or releases other chemicals such as hormones which influence the body's self-regulating systems. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture and sinusitis

In the treatment of sinusitis, points are selected, which directly affect the body's immune and respiratory system. The treatment is intended to boost the body's natural defence, preventing susceptibility to the many environmental elements, which may trigger the flare up of sinus infections, all while supporting the respiratory system and drying mucous in the head.

Extremely thin needles are inserted at varying depths and locations and gently stimulated. Since the acupuncture needles are so thin, there is often minimal to no discomfort during the procedure.

Points selected are on the back, the hands and also on the face. Suction cups are often added to the points on the back to create a more vigorous treatment. This is called cupping. Additionally, points on the ear may be added to help with the treatment of allergies.

Chinese herbal remedies

In addition to acupuncture, herbal prescriptions are often given. These herbs are used to dry excess mucous (cold) and reduce or eliminate excessive mucous production in the sinuses. They are used to address sinus-related symptoms such as nasal congestion, puffiness and heaviness in the face, frequent ear infections, post-nasal drips, headaches, watery eyes and phlegm expectoration.

Home remedies

In addition to acupuncture and herbal prescriptions, there are many things that one can do at home to significantly reduce congestion. As with everything, consistency is important.

Steam inhalation - Simply fill a small basin with four to six cups of warm water. Add two to three drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, basil, tea tree, lavender, marjoram or peppermint essential oil or use the fresh herb. Hold the face over the basin, approximately arm's length away, and place a towel over the head to prevent the escape of the aromatic vapours. Be careful not to bring your face too close to the water. Close your eyes and inhale deeply for five to 10 minutes. This can be done once a day.

Caution - eucalyptus steam inhalations should be avoided by persons with heart conditions, central nervous system disorders and pregnant women. Children and elderly people should exercise caution.

Self-facial massage - To strengthen the mucous membranes and open the sinus passages, perform the following massage once or twice a day. Making small circles with the fingers, while applying gentle pressure, massage the face. Start at the base of the nostrils on both sides, massaging up along the side of the nose to the area between the eyebrows. Work your way along the eyebrows out towards the ends of both. Then move further outwards to the area, just in front of the ear, massaging as you go along, ending at the point just below the centre of the eyeball and socket.

Course of treatment

The number of treatments needed will depend on the severity of the condition. Improvement is usually noticed within the first two weeks of treatment. However, several months of treatment may be necessary to for it to be completely cleared up. Treatments are often similar for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Dietary recommendations

As with any health care programme, to resolve disease, diet and lifestyle play an important role.

Useful foods - corn, alfalfa, aduki beans, vinegar, celery, papaya, lettuce, cayenne, pumpkin, watercress, scallion, garlic, turnip, onions, white pepper, raw honey, ginger (white), chamomile, radish, raw goat milk, mushrooms, fennel seed, seaweeds, flaxseed (yellow), nettle leaf, citrus seed extract.

Avoid or minimise - raw and/or cold foods. mammal meats, eggs, dairy products, fats such as butter (avoid margarine), oily foods such as nuts and seeds (especially peanuts), foods containing concentrated sweeteners, tofu and other soy products, pineapple, salt. Highly refined and processed foods or chemically treated foods. If there are environmental elements, which trigger your sinuses, try to avoid them.