 Sinus Help is on the Way
Most of us never think about our sinuses when we take a deep breath through the nose. For others, these tiny air passages are a source of stuffy nose, painful headaches, fever and infection, in bouts of illnesses that last up to 12 weeks at least 4 times a year.
Let's look at why chronic sinus problems develop, and how to help them through Maharishi Ayurveda.
How Sinus Problems Develop
"Sinus problems are actually caused by an underlying imbalance in Prana Vata (the subdosha of Vata that governs the brain, head, and the mind) and Shleshaka Kapha (a subdosha of Kapha, which governs lubrication and moisture balance.)
When these two sub-doshas are simultaneously imbalanced, another complication arises. Ama, the sticky waste-product of digestion, gets mixed with Shleshaka Kapha in the sinus area, 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 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 of hot and cold weather, and lifestyle patterns such as eating excessive amounts of cold, sweet, heavy foods, staying up too late, or not getting enough exercise can aggravate the imbalance.
The Solution, Step-by-Step
Step 1:
Pacify Prana Vata and Shleshaka Kapha by following a Vata-Kapha pacifying diet. Eat foods that are not too hot, and also not too cold. Avoid extreme temperatures in food such as chili peppers or ice-cold foods and beverages. Favor cooked, warm meals that are light, nurturing, and easy to digest.
For example, for breakfast you could eat a stewed apple, and for the evening meal try kitcheri (a light and nourishing porridge made with two parts rice and one part mung dhal) and spiced with the following mixture:
Spices for Kitcheri or Vegetables:
- 2 parts turmeric
- 4 parts cumin
- 4 parts coriander
- 4 parts fennel
- 1 part ginger
- 1 part black pepper
Roast whole cumin, coriander, fennel and black pepper and then grind the mixture into a powder. Sauté the spices in Ghee and sprinkle on vegetables or grains, or cook them in vegetables like a soup. Or dry-fry them, put them in a small jar, and sprinkle them on your food if you eat your noon meal out.
Step 2:
Drink plenty of water flavored with spices, to purify the sinuses of toxins and to allow the toxic waste that has built up to flow out. Boil two quarts 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.
Step 3:
Make sure your bowel movements are regular, to help detoxify the body and to reestablish a balanced environment in the sinus area. Eat plenty of organic, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating eggplant, banana, tomato and bell pepper, because these clog the channels. Don't skip or delay meals, because that will upset the digestive balance and cause more ama to be created.
New Herbal Supplement for Healthy Sinuses
In order to help provide relief from sinus blockage, inflammation, and infection, Maharishi Ayurveda Products has recently developed a new product under the direction of The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians.
Protection Plus-Sinus calms inflammation, pacifies Shleshaka Kapha, detoxifies and clears the sinus channels, and clears away mucus and shleshma. It helps maintain sinus health and boosts resistance to infection.
Some of the 26 herbs contained in the formula pacify Prana Vata and Shleshaka Kapha, others reduce inflammation, and still others cleanse the channels. The overall effect is to establish a stronger immune system. The herbs also help to separate Shleshaka Kapha and ama, allowing Shleshma to drain out and preventing it from forming again.
By following this program, the whole sinus area can become soothed and easily resist the effects of bacteria and allergens in the environment.
These articles provide a great resource from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians on the knowledge, practices, products, and applications of Maharishi Ayurveda.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these newsletters is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call our Health Educators or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area.
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