Thursday 25 June at 7pm
- Understand your sinuses and their function.
- How do they become blocked or infected
- What are the complications of blocked sinuses
- Learn how to bring back balance with correct diet, herbs, routine etc.
The sinuses are air filled cavities on either side of the nose. We have 5 on each side which are all connected to the nose and they drain constantly into it. They are covered with a superfine mucous membrane.
Their function is to keep the nasal cavity moist and to amplify the voice when we speak.
According to Maharishi Ayurveda they becomes blocked and infected because of an imbalance in Prana Vata (the aspect of Vata which governs the brain, head and mind) and a simultaneous imbalance in Sleshaka Kapha (the aspect of Kapha which governs moisture and lubrication). Another complication then arises - Ama (the sticky waste-product of digestion) gets mixed with the mucus (Shleshaka Kapha), forming an even more toxic, sticky mucus called Shleshma. Shleshma settles in the area and clogs the channels of the sinuses. Due to the restriction and blocking, Pitta dosha also becomes imbalanced, and inflammation results.
When all the three doshas are out of balance, immunity is severely compromised. The body becomes a fertile ground for microbes, allergens or viruses. Air pollution, stress, fluctuations in hot and cold weather and lifestyle patterns such as eating excessive amounts of cold, sweet and difficult to digest foods, staying up too late, or not getting enough exercise can aggravate the imbalance.
The causes can be weak digestive fire (Agni), doshic imbalance, hereditary factors and allergen exposure.
Ways to bring balance include:
Practice Transcendental Meditation, Maharishi Yoga Asanas and Pranayama regularly as the most powerful ways to create internal balance.
Strengthen the digestive fire (Agni) by taking a diet that is balances vata and kapha doshas e.g not too hot and not too cold. Avoid extreme temperatures such as chilli pepper or ice cold foods and beers. Also avoid diary and foods that clog such as aubergine, banana, tomato and bell peppers. Favour cooked, warm meals that are light, nourishing and easy to digest. Use pungent, bitter and astringent herbs in the food such as ginger, cayenne, black pepper, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and sage.
Adopt proper eating behaviours e.g don't skip meals. For more information on Ayurveda and Digestion watch Dr Brennan.
Keep bowel movements regular - Triphala is useful.
Drink plenty of water flavoured with spices, to purify the sinuses of toxins and to allow the toxic waste that has built up to flow out. Drink kapha tea or make your own preparation by boiling four pints of water, pour the water into a thermos, and add two leaves of basil, two thin slices of ginger, four leaves of mint, two pieces of clove, and 1/4 teaspoon of marshmallow root. Keep drinking this water throughout the day, but make it fresh each morning. Drinking warm water with lemon and honey first thing in the morning is also recommended.
Gargling with Sesame Oil (Oil Pulling) is also a good way to clear mucus from the sinuses. Read more
Herbal Preparations:
Protect the nasal membranes before going out into the cold, so they are less sensitive to extremes of weather. Ayurveda traditionally does this with the application of a special herbalised nasal oil 2-4 times a day, particularly during cold weather Nasal Drops placing a drop of ghee up each nostril will also protect against allergens.
The following are can also be considered as appropriate: Trikatu, Triphala, Inhalation oil, Allergard.
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