Sinusitis is a persistent inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis is the body’s response to allergies and irritants in food and the environment.  Millions of people annually take antibiotics and other prescription drugs to clear or attempt to clear sinus congestion.  While over-the-counter medications can provide short-term relief, they don’t deal with the underlying causes.  Where does a person go to obtain relief from the facial pain, drainage at the back of the throat, achy teeth and ear pain?

An understanding of the basic anatomy of the sinus will help with assessing the practical application of methods to enhance sinus performance.   Sinuses are air filled bony cavities in the face and skull. There are 4 pairs of sinus: Forehead, Maxillary (cheek), Ethmoid (under eyes) and Sphenoid (deep in the center of the skull). Most resources describe the chief function of the sinus’ is to produce a special mucus the keeps the inside of the nose moist and in turn protects the body from dust, dirt and pollutants.  Sinus’ do not drain by gravity…it is an active process

http://www.american-rhinologic.org/patientinfo.sinusnasalanatomy.phtml

There are several natural methods to facilitate sinus functioning.  These include Facial massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy and Myofascial Release.

Facial Massage  This type of massage uses gentle effleurage (gliding) movements to stimulate the skin to release tension and to encourage the flow of fluids in face and body.  This type of treatment is used to relieve stress, migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and sinus congestion.

CranioSacral Therapy  It is a gentle, hands-on method of enhancing the function of the CranioSacral system.  The CranioSacral system maintains the environment for the nervous system.  It is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and the bones of the skull, face and mouth.  This treatment modality can address headaches, chronic neck pain and Temporomandibular Joint concerns (TMJ) and the feelings of pressure around the head and neck.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy  It is a light touch technique that stimulates the movement of lymph.  It is through the lymphatic system that toxic substances move out of the body.  Lymph for the head and neck pass through deep and superficial cervical nodes. This technique facilitates a decrease in congestion in head, neck and face that allows for a reduction in pain from sinus pressure.

Myofascial Release  This soft tissue technique utilizes sustained gentle pressure.  This pressure engages the elastic component of the restricted tissue. After the tissue releases it is softer and more pliable.  This modality is used to improve movement, reduce restrictions, release spasms, and ease pain.  A common area for release the forehead and temple areas.

In summary, these techniques used together or separately can facilitate the balance of the fluids in the face, head and neck resulting in substantial long- term reduction in Sinusitis and its symptoms of forehead pain, pain between the eyes, headaches and pressure from sinus congestion.   It is important to choose a practitioner that has the experience and skill versatility that allows for customizing of treatment sessions for your personal symptoms.  For example, www.upledger.com  will allow you to search for a practitioner in your zip code and select the treatment skills you are interested in. 

CASE HISTORY

TP came for treatment because she had pain and pressure behind her ears for 6 months.  She had taken over the counter medications and still had the symptoms.  She was concerned that she had a sinus infection and did not want to take antibiotics. The treatment plan consisted of CranioSacral therapy, Facial massage, Myofascial Release for the face and neck and Lymphatic Drainage to the neck area only.  She stated that she felt 75% better than when she came in at the end of the first session.  When she returned for her second treatment, she stated that she was not sure she even needed to come for the second session due to a significant decrease in the symptoms.  When the second session was complete she stated “I am feeling better that I can even imagine.”  She was seen once a week for 2 weeks for a total of 2 sessions. 

Helpful websites:

www.Mayoclinic.com