Sinusitis means inflammation of the paranasal sinus, which could be maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, or sphenoid. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic in nature. It may be caused by an infection or allergy. It begins with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sinus, which causes fluid build-up and eventually blocks the sinus cavity, hampering normal mucous drainage.

Sinusitis causes difficulty in breathing from the nose, headache, tenderness in the face and a greenish yellow discharge from the nose. 

Acute sinusitis resolves in less than 4 weeks' time. Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks.

An estimated 30-40 million people in the US suffer from chronic Sinusitis every year.

Types of Sinusitis

Depending on the duration, sinusitis can be classified as:

• Acute Sinusitis: This lasts for less than 4 weeks. It is preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection. It is usually caused due to bacterial infection.
• Chronic Sinusitis: This lasts for 12 weeks or more. There is a chronic inflammation of the sinuses. It is caused due to allergy, bacterial or fungal infection. 

In either type, acute or chronic, symptoms are the same.

Depending on which sinus is affected, sinusitis can be classified as:

• Maxillary Sinusitis: causes pain in the cheek area. 
• Frontal Sinusitis: causes pain above the eyes and headache. 
• Ethmoid Sinusitis: causes pain behind and between eyes. 
• Sphenoid Sinusitis: causes pain behind the eyes, which radiates to the vertex. 

Causes of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is caused due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinus cavity.

The following are the factors leading to this condition:

• Infection: Any infection of the upper respiratory tract can cause inflammation of the sinus membrane. This causes blockage or narrowing of the sinus cavity, which hampers mucus drainage. Infection could be viral or bacterial in nature.
• Allergy: Allergens such as pollen, house dust, and animal dander can trigger sinusitis. It starts with symptoms similar to that of an upper respiratory tract infection and eventually leads to sinus congestion.
• Mechanical Factors: Nasal polyps are small fibrous over growths seen in the nasal canal. These can block the sinus passage. A deviated nasal septum can also lead to blockage of the sinus cavity.
• Immunity: Sinusitis develops faster in people with a weakened immune system, which may be due to an existing medical condition or immunosuppressant medications.
• Trauma: Any injury to the facial bone can cause blockage of the sinus passage.

Signs and Symptoms of Sinusitis

The following are the typical symptoms of Sinusitis:

• Discharge: A thick yellowish green discharge is present in the nose and at the back of the throat.
• Difficulty in breathing through the nose due to blockage. This leads to breathing through the mouth, which could cause secondary infection.
• Nasal congestion
• Pain and pressure in the areas above the affected sinus.
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Generalized weakness
• Bad smell from the mouth due to discharge in the throat
• Loss of smell or taste
• Fever

Signs and symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis are more or less similar, except for the duration. Acute cases resolve within 4 weeks, while chronic cases persist for 12 weeks or more.

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

A detailed description of all the symptoms is vital in diagnosing sinusitis. The following tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis:

• A CT or MRI scan may be done to view the sinuses and surrounding areas. Any obstruction or swelling can be identified with these procedures.
• A nasal endoscopy may be done to examine the inside of the sinuses.
• If allergy is suspected as the cause of Sinusitis, an allergy test may be done to identify the causative allergen.

Sinusitis treatment is based on the cause, severity and duration of symptoms. If the infection is acute, normally up to 70 % of people regain their health without any prescribed medications. Bacterial sinus infection is treated with an antibiotic. However, recurrent antibiotic use gives rise to drug resistant bacterial strains and unpleasant side effects.

Other options for acute sinus treatment include:

• Adequate bed rest with application of warm facial packs.
• Over-the-counter anti-histamines and decongestants like Sudafed and Allegra
• Nasal irrigation with warm saline solution.
• Warm drinks like tea and chicken soup are soothing.
• Steam inhalation helps in decongestion.
• An air humidifier helps keep the room moist.
• Analgesics may be taken to relieve pain and fever.
• If allergy is detected as the cause, treatment is given accordingly.

If symptoms don't improve after 2-3 days, antibiotics may be recommended.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

For cases of chronic Sinusitis, which do not respond to medical treatment, surgery is advised.

A surgical procedure called as FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is performed. A thin flexible tube with a light attached at its tip is passed through the sinus passage. Once the source of obstruction is identified, measures are taken to remove it.

Balloon Rhinoplasty is done by inserting and then inflating a balloon inside the sinus cavity. This helps in enlarging a narrow sinus opening, which helps promote adequate drainage. 

Complementary Natural Care

Natural therapies including ayurvedic herbs and homeopathic ingredients provide relief by potentiallyaddressing the root causes. These natural therapies are traditionally believed to offer relief by: **

• Building your body's immunity
• Liquefying mucus
• Reducing congestion in the sinuses

Biogetica is on the vanguard of healthcare innovation combining for the first time three separate andunique disciplines: traditional ayurvedic herbs, advanced resonance homeopathy and ground breakingnutraceuticals designed from the molecule up to provide health and freedom to you.

Our mission is to provide you with integrated natural solutions that target root issues across thephysical, energetic and informational spectrum of your life. Our Doctors research all possible ingredientsand combine them synergistically into kits to help bring your body into balance.

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The proof of our methods is evident from the ground-breaking results we have seen in independentclinical trials, and more importantly, in the lives we’ve helped uplift!

Our multidisciplinary approach potentially works by: **

• Supporting the structure and functions of the Sinus cavities
• Liquefying and draining out mucus
• Providing your body with bio-energetic information on the various pathogens that cause sinus infections, thus building your body's immunity against them

Recommended food

• People with Sinusitis or recurrent respiratory infections should follow a diet appropriate for general good health, including consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, whole grain breads and cereals, and oils low in omega-6 fatty acids such as olive oil or canola oil.
• Vitamin C and E plays a specific role in getting rid of chronic allergies and infections of the respiratory tract.

Foods for Moderate Consumption

• Milk or Dairy products and oily food should be moderated

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid cold foods and drinks.
• Frozen, canned and preserved food with artificial color and additives should be completely avoided as there are certain substances can worsen respiratory infections.

Home Remedies

• Drink warm fluids to reduce congestion in the chest.
• Turmeric 1tsp added to milk and consumed daily help overcome skin and respiratory allergies.
• Regular use of ginger, lemon, and honey helps clear sinusitis very quickly.
• Onion and garlic are also known to have antiviral properties and should therefore be included in the diet.
• A stuffy feeling in the nose can be reduced by steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
• Chewing the leaves of the holy basil will bring back the lost appetite and revert to normal the altered taste that is very commonly caused by infections.

Prana' stands for life force, and as the name suggests, it is instrumental in keeping us alive. 'Pranayama' is the process that helps us control 'Prana', and thus in a way, control our life. On careful observation, it is clear that there exists an intimate connection between the breath and energy-currents. Proper coordination of the breathing process leads to the control of vital inner-currents and energies. It ultimately results in the control of the body, mind and soul continuum. Over the millenia yogis have understood how each pranayama affects the energy meridians of the body and therefore these yogis recommend particular pranayamas for particular conditions and constitutions.

1.Tandem Breathing ('Sahita Kumbhaka') 

It has 2 types, based on whether or not there is any concomitant chanting of Mantras with the Pranayama exercise. 

Steps:

1. Comfortable aasana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana.
2. Slow inhalation; with concomitant chants of the mantra 'OM AARAH', if possible.
3. Hold the breath for a short period of time. 
4. Slow Exhalation.

Significance:

It's a daily and constant process, which we seldom appreciate.

Benefits:

It encourages concentration with closed eyes while we inhale and exhale.

2. Awakening breath ('Surya Bheda')

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Concentrate with eyes closed.

2. Rest the right thumb on the right nostril (Avoid applying any pressure or blocking the nostril). At the same time, rest the right index finger on the space between 2 eyebrows and close the left nostril with the right ring and little finger.

3. Slow inhalation through the right nostril is pursued, till comfortable.

4. With the thumb applied to the right nostril, retain the breath firmly pressing the chin against the chest. There is no specific limit to this and it can be pursued till there is discomfort.

5. Slow and silent exhalation through the left nostril. It is followed by a short gap wherein inhalation is avoided. This same procedure is to be repeated again. 

Time limit: 

Hold your breath till you perspire. This point cannot be reached at the very outset. The period of retention of breath needs to be gradually increased. 

Advantages:

• It cures the diseases caused by excess of Vata & Kapha
• Improves digestion
• Awakens 'Kundalini Shakti'

Indications:

• Intestinal worms
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis

3. Hissing breath ('Ujjayi')

Steps: 

1. Sit comfortably in Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Close the mouth. 
2. Fold the tip of the tongue and rest it on the palate. The tongue will appear to be 'twisted'. 
3. Inhale air slowly through both the nostrils in a uniform manner till the breath fills the chest. This results in a peculiar sound uniform in pitch and continuous in nature.
4. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
5. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
6. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Time limit:

3 min to hr

Advantages:

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves the tone of voice
• Relieves stress
• Increases lung capacity

Indications:

• Indigestion
• Koch's
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Spleen disorders
• Tonsillitis
• Cough
• Ascites

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

• Spleen disorders
• Chronic dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Bilious disorders

5. Cooling Breath (Shitkari) 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Fold the tongue so that its tip is brought to rest over the upper palate. Inhale air through the mouth accompanied by a hissing sound 'Si'/ 'C'. 
3. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
4. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 

Gradually increase by 1 minute every week, till 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• Helps to keep the body cool in summer
• Improves vigor & beauty
• Helps quench thirst when thirsty

Indications:

• Dental carries
• Bleeding and inflammation of gums
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Throat infection
• Hypertension patients can practice this type of Pranayama to decrease blood pressure.

6. Bellow Breath (Bhastrika)

It draws similarity with the bellows of a blacksmith. It involves rapid expulsion of breath and is a powerful exercise. It can be termed as a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position (with a straight neck) in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Body, head and neck in erect posture. Close the mouth. 
3. Inhale air (chest expands and abdominal muscles are pulled in) and quickly exhale 10 times (1 set). While doing so a hissing sound is produced. 
4. When 1 set is on the verge of completion the final expulsion should be followed by a deepest possible inhalation. 
5. Retain breath as long as you can till there is some any discomfort. 
6. Follow it with a complete slow exhalation. This marks the end of one round. 
7. After a short rest (with normal breathing pattern) begin the next round. 

Time limit: 

Practice three rounds daily in the morning and evening. 

Advantages:

• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves resistance power
• Gives warmth to the body
• Purifies 'Nadi' and awakens the 'Kundalini' quickly

Indications:

• Abdominal disorders
• Throat and chest infection

Note:

• In case you encounter any giddiness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue after the giddiness has subsided.
• In summer, practice it in the morning only during cool hours.
• Those wishing to practice it in the long-term and in an intense manner, should live on 'Khichdi', and take an Enema ('Bhasti') in the morning before starting the practice.
• People suffering from heart or lung disorders should do it slowly.

7. Humming Breath (Bhramari)

 Its name is derived from the fact that a sound like that of 'humming of bees' is produced when it is practiced.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana. Keep the neck and back erect.
2. Place your thumbs on the ears, index fingers just above the eyebrows (near the sinuses) and the remaining three fingers on the eyes. The finger-tips should slightly press the ridge of the nose on each side.
3. Inhale and exhale air rapidly through both the nostrils, making a humming sound resembling that of a Bee ('Bhramara'). Concomitantly chant 'Om'.
4. The process can be continued till you perspire profusely. 
5. Next inhale through both the nostrils and retain the breath as long as you can, till there is some discomfort. 
6. Exhale slowly through both the nostrils. 

Time limit: 

Beginners may practice it 3 times, and advanced practitioners 11-21 times.

Advantages:

• Improves speech and voice-quality
• Helps in the achievement of ultimate peace ('Samadhi')

Indications:

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Stress

Contraindications

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine
• Severe or persistent headaches

8. Supreme Breath ('Murcha Pranayama') 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Close the eyes and concentrate on the space between the 2 eyebrows ('Trikuti'). 
3. Inhale slowly through the mouth and retain the breath till you feel faint. 
4. Sever off your connection with the surroundings and focus on the center-point between the 2 eyebrows.
5. Apply the chin on the chest and then exhale slowly. 

Advantages:

• Practice without distraction endows divine happiness
• Makes you feel pleasant and relaxed

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental disorders

9. Unconditioned Breath ('Kevala Kumbhaka') 

Perfection in Tandem breathing (mentioned earlier) paves the way for Kevala Kumbhaka. Thus, an existence devoid of inhalation and exhalation and unconditioned by space, time and number is unconditioned breath.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. It involves the sudden stopping of the breath without resorting to inhalation or exhalation.

Advantages:

• Attainment of Raja Yoga and perfection in Hath Yoga
• Arousal of Kundalini Shakti
• Cures diseases and promotes longevity

10. Alternate Breath

A simple, yet scientific exercise that can be practiced virtually anywhere. It is based on the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we breathe. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. Tilt your head slightly forward.

2. First half round:

• Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
• Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
• Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
• This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
• This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

3. Second half round:

• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

Time limit: 

If there is no discomfort of any kind after practicing as instructed above, increase the inhalation period gradually second-by-second. Correspondingly change the exhalation period.

Number of Rounds: 

Begin with 3 rounds. If there is no discomfort, 1 round can be added every week, until you are doing 7 rounds.

This exercise can be practiced as often as you wish, but do remember to do it at least once a day.

Advantages:

• Cleanses/detoxifies the Pranic channels
• Regulates Prana
• Imparts relaxation
• Improves mental functioning and alertness
• Imparts optimum creativity and optimum logical, verbal activity of the brain
• Improves sleep

Indications:

• Stress and related disorders
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Tension headaches

Contraindications

Cold/ Nasal block (Stuffed nose). Forced breathing is not advocated and can lead to complications.

The mind is a tool developed for our survival. You are not the mind, nor the body but rather one that can perceive the mind and the body. However, one is now constantly wagged around by the mind and its fears and desires. Often we find ourselves trampled in a parade of thoughts and washed around in a flood of emotions. Meditation is simply the process of returning Home to our true nature as the witnessing consciousness in which arise all thoughts and emotions. It is merely the fragrance of Being Human.

Meditation cannot be done, it will happen once we stop doing everything and anything. Now is all that exists, all else is merely grasping at the wind hoping to change things that are generally way beyond our control.

Talking about meditation and whether you believe you can do it or not, is pointless. When we rise above our mind, emotions and body, meditation will happen. Simply listening and following is enough. Meditation is in our very nature, and it happens for us all. Behind all those thoughts is a Witness. You are that Witness.

So please, let it happen.

 

• Guided Healing Meditation with Patrick from Samarpan foundation-Goa,India

• Guided Qi Gong energy healing meditation with our founder Apoorv

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apoorv"I AM THAT I AM"meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

• Meditation 1

• Meditation 2

• Meditation 3

• Meditation 4

• Meditation 5