Natural Wellness Solutions For Sinusitis: Yoga and Essential Oils

Sinusitis is common this time of year when the air gets colder and drier. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the lining of your sinus cavities caused by allergies, a virus or bacterial infection.

There is acute, subchronic and chronic sinusitis. Anybody can get sinusitis especially those prone to allergies or with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms may include:

• Facial pain/pressure
• Nasal stuffiness
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of smell
• Cough/congestion
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Dental pain

More information on sinusitis can be found at https:////www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergies-sinusitis

A couple of simple yet effective natural solutions for sinusitis include the practice of certain yoga postures and essential oils. Yoga is effective for restoring optimal blood flow in the sinuses, as well as strengthening the immune system by relaxing the body biochemically resulting in a healthy response to stress.

Essential oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties, as well as the ability to reduce inflammation and increase optimal blood flow in the sinuses. Both of these solutions are easy to incorporate into your life and have the extra benefit of increasing your sense of overall wellbeing.

Yoga Postures for Sinusitis Relief (From Hatha Yoga Illustrated)

Forward-bending Postures

Seated-forward Bend/ Paschimottanasana

Standing-forward Bend/Uttanasana

Three-limb Intense Stretch/ Triang Mukaikapada Paschimottanasana

Sitting Postures

Lion/ Simhasaana

Reclining and Relaxation Postures

Supported Bridge / Salamba Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Essential Oils for Sinusitis Relief (From The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy) 

• Steam Inhalation Method* Blend
• Rosemary – 3 drops
• Thyme – 1 drop
• Peppermint – 1 drop

*Pour hot water into a bowl, add oil, cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl with face about 10 inches away and eyes closed. Breathe deeply through your nose for 1 minute. Alternatively, you can double the recipe and place in a room diffuser for all day relief and as a preventative.

Tissue Inhalation Blend – put 1 drop of blend on tissue

• Rosemary – 2 drops
• Geranium – 1 drop
• Eucalyptus – 1 drop

Massage** Blend – 5 drops of blend per teaspoon carrier oil

• Rosemary – 5 drops
• Geranium – 5 drops
• Eucalyptus – 2 drops
• Peppermint – 3 drops

** Massage around neck, behind and in front of ears, over cheekbone, nose, and forehead.

Other Helpful Oils

• Tea tree
• Basil
• Juniper
• Benzoin
• Oregano
• Niaouli
• Pine

Editor’s note: Patricia (Trish) Wald-Hopkins owns Mariposa Body, a massage and wellness practice in Los Alamos. For information, click here.