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Role of Yoga, Diet and Home Remedies on Sinusitis

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Role of Yoga, Diet and Home Remedies on Sinusitis INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL Review Article ISSN: 2320 5091 Impact Factor: 4.018 ROLE OF YOGA, DIET AND HOME REMEDIES ON SINUSITIS Ritika Khajuria1, Ruchi Gupta2, Vasundhra Parihar3, Tapsy sharma4 1,2,3,4 PG Scholar; Dept. of Kriya sharira, Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Nardni, Jammu, India Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Sinusitis is one of the most frequent entities in clinical practice, being a lifestyle ailment cause lot of discomfort in day to day life. Despite the frequency of the disease, diagnosis and therapy often remain empiric. There’s diffi- culty in breathing because of mucus build up and swelling in nasal region, resulting in blocked nose. Also, this build up affects the whole face, the head feels heavy, swelling and redness in eyes area, blocked ears. The situa- tion might appear menacing but the solution for it is elegantly uncomplicated. The great science of Yoga is an un- equalled gift to the mankind from India. Yoga has the potentiality to prevent and cure the disease of both body and mind. In order to exterminate the ailment from our bodily system, we can cure it by practicing some Yogasana (posture), Mantra recitation, Gomukhasana (cow face pose), Janu Sirsasana (Head to knee pose), Setu Band- hasana (Bridge pose), Bhastrika pranayama, Anulom Vilom Pranayam, Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Kapalbhati (frontal brain cleansing exercise), Neti karma, Kunjal kriya and Meditation. Yoga brings a lot of relief for sinus patients. Inflammation-reducing dietary modifications and plenty of home remedies may also help to ease symp- toms and speed up recovery. Keywords: Yogasana, Sinusitis, Shatkarma, Balanced diet. INTRODUCTION Sinuses are the empty spaces behind the nose and face Causes of sinusitis bone. Inflammation of these sinuses is called sinusitis, Conditions that cause sinus blockage include: which may or may not be as a result of bacterial, fun- Anatomical abnormalities such as deviated nasal gal, viral infection, allergic or autoimmune disease.1 septum, concha bullosa, adenoidal hypertrophy New classification of sinus refer to rhinosinusitis, tak- Mucosal edema due to viral rhinitis and allergic ing into account that inflammation of sinuses cannot rhinitis occur without some inflammation of the nose as well Non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis) as (rhinitis). This inflammation leads to blockade of Unattended nasal foreign bodies the normal sinus drainage pathways, which in turn Immunodeficiency conditions (congenital and leads to mucus retention, difficulty in breathing, run- acquired) ning nose, headache etc.2 Prolonged nasogastric tube Cystic fibrosis Ritika Khajuria et al: Role Of Yoga, Diet And Home Remedies On Sinusitis Ciliary dysfunction syndromes How is sinusitis evaluated (diagnosed) Nasal polyps – small growth in the lining of the A careful history and physical examination is impor- nose. tant in all patients with sinusitis. There are many tests Smoking: active and/or passive that can be used to evaluate sinusitis. Most patients Dental infection such as tooth abscess may spread need only a few basic tests. into sinus and infect it directly Diagnosis and Tests for sinusitis Environmental pollution and irritants General medical inquiry including symptoms and Swimming or diving causes. Types of sinusitis Complete blood picture Acute sinusitis – starts with cold like symptoms such ESR as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain lasts for less than Blood cultures 4 week duration. X –ray(PNS) Para nasal sinuses Sub acute sinusitis – lasts for 4 to 12 weeks. Nasal endoscopy/Rhinoscopy Chronic sinusitis – symptoms lasts for 12 weeks or Nasal culture longer. Sinus Puncture Recurrent sinusitis- it is defined as 3 or more episodes Yoga Treatment cures sinusitis per year with each episode lasting less than 2 weeks In Yoga, sinusitis is treated by two methods: first by duration. balancing the energy centres or Nadis in the body; and Sign and symptoms second, by affecting the deep mental states or obstruc- Classical symptoms of acute sinusitis3 tion that arise with the symptoms of disease. Dhyan Fever (meditation), Yognidra and objective self-analysis are Nasal obstruction very helpful in understanding and regulating the sys- Husky voice tem of unconscious mind during the disease. Purulent nasal discharge 1. Mantra recitation – chanting and humming “OM” Loss of sense of smell create sound vibrations that encourages air to Facial pain or headache that is aggravated by move back and forth between the sinus membrane bending over. and nasal passages.4 Classical symptoms of chronic sinusitis3 Air movement helps open the tiny ducts, or ostia Dull pain or pressure across the midface espe- that connect the nose to the sinuses, allowing the cially between or deep into the eyes. sinuses to drain properly. This can help prevent Nasal congestion infections from setting down in the sinuses and Post nasal dip create a healthy environment therein.5 Headache occurs daily for weeks at a time and is 2. Jala neti (nasal irrigation with lukewarm saline often notably worse in the morning and with head water) – Helps in expulsion of dried mucous from movement. the nose, cleanses sinuses and helps to create un- Maxillary sinusitis – It is most common type mani- obstructed flow of air.6 fest as cheek or dental pain. 3. Sutra neti (nasal cleaning with thread) – It acts by Forehead pain indicates Frontal sinusitis improving mucociliary clearance, thinning the Pain at the bridge of the nose or behind the eye sug- mucus and decreasing the inflammation that gests Ethmoid sinusitis. blocks the sinus ostia.7 Pain is often referred to the top of the head with sphe- 4. Kunjal kriya – It is useful in prevention and cure noid involvement. of the disease. Helps in expulsion of phlegm and mucous deposited in the body.8 IAMJ: Volume 7, Issue 4, April - 2019 (www.iamj.in) Page 549 Ritika Khajuria et al: Role Of Yoga, Diet And Home Remedies On Sinusitis 5. Gomukhasana (cow face pose) –Stretches the Home remedies for sinusitis chest muscles aiding flexibility in the air passage Turmeric contains curcumin has anti inflamma- region and reduces stress and anxiety.9 tory property that can reduce swelling in the sinus 6. Janu Sirsasana (Head to knee pose) – Relives cavities.15 headaches, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia. Add garlic, ginger in your diet which helps in 7. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose) – Helps in reduc- boosting the immunity.16 ing depression and anxiety. Honey soothes the nasal passages and the throat 8. Bhastrika Pranayama –This Pranayam frees that are inflamed during a sinus infection. lungs of unnecessary air and microbes, facilitates Fasting on the fruit juices till symptoms lasts. the drainage of the excess mucous from the si- Avoid Refined Carbohydrates, such as instant nuses and nasal mucosa.10 mashed potatoes, and processed white flour prod- 9. Anulom Vilom Pranayama/Nadisodhana ucts.17 Pranayama-Removes congestion from the Nadis Onion and Horseradish has high level of sulphur thus ensures free flow of energy throughout the that create an antibiotic effect which helps in body, boosts the immune system and helps to eliminating the microorganism causing infec- overcome the imbalance of autonomous nervous tions.18 system.11 Use coconut oil as a mouth wash; oil pulling is 10. Bhujangasana (cobra pose) –Makes breathing eas- used in Ayurveda to draw out the toxins from the ier by giving stretch to the lungs and works as a oral cavity. stress releasing mechanism. Diet rules for sinusitis 11. Kapalabhati (frontal brain cleansing exercise) – The most important factor in curing sinusitis is Finest exercise for cleansing respiratory block- natural and simple diet. ages, improves mental function, refresh and reju- Sinusitis patient must consume light and vegetar- venates the head region. ian diet so that mucus is not generated. 12. Meditation – It helps to maintain healthy mind. Drink plenty of fluids to increase moisture within Stress can worsen the symptoms of sinusitis. Men- the body. tal stress reduces the microcirculation to the si- The observance of regular hours for meals, elimi- nuses.12 whenever stress is reduced by meditation nation, sleep, balanced diet, and sufficient exer- microcirculation will be improved. This improves cise are essential in the treatment of sinusitis. our immunity and prevents frequent bouts of sick- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in ness. antioxidants and other chemicals that could boost Naturopathy for Sinusitis the immune system. Optimize your vitamin D levels by getting appro- Increase quantity of salad in your diet. priate amount of sun exposure helps in alleviate Avoid milk and dairy products. sinus problem by enhancing immune function. Avoid non-veg, deep fried, junk food etc. Massage over the sinus region helps to drain out accumulated mucus.13 CONCLUSION Fomentation over the sinuses gives immense re- Yogic kriya is beneficial in improving the status of lief. patients with sinusitis. Practice of Yoga is inexpensive Steam inhalation by boiling water with Eclipta and safe under supervision and hence should be im- alba leaves helps in draining out nasal secretions plemented at primary health care levels. Most sinus by opening up blocked nostrils.14 infections respond well to natural sinusitis treatment. Exercise is beneficial to ease the sinusitis. There are so many natural options to choose from that are not just effective, but are also affordable and easy IAMJ: Volume 7, Issue 4, April - 2019 (www.iamj.in) Page 550 Ritika Khajuria et al: Role Of Yoga, Diet And Home Remedies On Sinusitis to do in the comfort of your home. Minimal alteration Source of Support: Nil in the lifestyle may give complete relief from sinusitis. Conflict Of Interest: None Declared How to cite this URL: Ritika Khajuria et al: Role Of Yoga, REFERENCES Diet And Home Remedies On Sinusitis. International 1. http://www.drtbalu.com/frontal-sinus.html accessed on Ayurvedic Medical Journal {online} 2019 {cited April, 2019} 22/02/2013. Available from: 2.
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