Sinusitis or Mookadaippu is an uncomfortable condition that can be caused by an infection, or it can arise from an allergic reaction. According to siddha literature, Sinusitis is an inflammation of tissues in the mucous membranes of sinus cavities inside the skull and classified in nine types. Depending on the sinus cavities involved, pain occurs in the forehead, nose, and maxillary area or in the cheek area. Typically, there is continuous sneezing with a yellow or green discharge from the nose mostly in the mornings. Facial pressure with stuffy nose, pain in maxillary area, ear fullness, watery eyes and sometimes mucus dripping into the throat. Acute sinusitis typically lasts for up to three weeks. After three weeks the condition can become chronic, especially when a person has repeated infections may become difficult to treat.

Even though there is reliable evidence of antibiotic recommendations for sinusitis in modern medicine for infection, the response to antibiotics for relieving symptoms are disappointing in many cases. A vicious cycle of repeated cold infections can further weaken the immune system and makes the person to suffer.

Causes: Today, More than 100 million Indians were affected with sinusitis because of environmental pollution. According to Siddha texts, Food is an important factor in sinusitis involving fluid accumulation, production of mucus. Many foods like ice creams, mucus-forming foods, colored sweets and spicy foods tend to increase sinusitis. Infections make the condition worse, with abrupt feedback from the sinuses in the form of more pain and congestion.

Uniqueness of our Treatment
Siddha System of Medicine is being used to treat acute and chronic sinusitis with internal and external medication. Both INTERNAL and EXTERNAL medicines are essential in Siddha treatment to cure the chronic sinusitis without recurrence. The treatment for chronic sinusitis differs to each and every individual. Acupuncture has been used to open the sinuses allowing the mucus to drain better. Unless a person takes sufficient rest, the facial pain will not recovers fully, as the fluid in the sinuses should drain completely. In addition to the pain, if the head feels heavy and we provide Acumox therapy and prescribe patru-pills to apply on sinus areas on the face.

Herbal wicks for fumigation has antibacterial, antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties helps to quit nonstop sneezing. It is important to treat this condition as early and aggressively as possible to prevent a serious infection. In chronic cases, additional treatments such as SPECIAL VARMA THERAPY around the nasal bone (AAKRANA PAALAM) also added with herbal and Acumox treatment. The patient should avoid cold, greasy, and excessively spicy foods. Acute conditions respond to acupuncture and herbal therapy within a few days. Once acute sinusitis is treated, the body’s resistant becomes resilient and hence less mucus is produced to maintain adequate hydration. The 48 days integrated siddha therapy in many chronic sinusitis patients, we observed no recurrence of clinical features like nasal congestion, nasal itching, sneezing, and maxillary area (facial) pain during the follow-up. The patients were advised to avoid certain foods and exposure to dust or pollution. They were also taught to practice special breathing technique or pranayamam methods during the mornings and evenings. Thus our integrated approach relieves nasal congestion, promotes proper drainage of mucus as the immune system will be better able to fight off infections that lead to cure sinusitis.

Daily practice of pranayama and seven hours sound sleep is essential to prevent recurrence.