Simple Home Protocol for Respiratory and Sinus Health
This time of year there is a buzz around the city about the common cold– who is coughing, who is trying to boost their immune system to ward it off, who is just recovering, etc. I’ve had several people come for treatment this season complaining of cough, congestion, sinus pain, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and a whole host of uncomfortable symptoms. While an acupuncture treatment can go a long way to recovering from the common cold and immune imbalances that predispose one to catch infections, one of the most powerful tools is actually a simple home protocol.
Before discussing the method, it is first important to cover basic head and respiratory anatomy and an often misunderstood scientific theory of focal infections.
Location and function of the nose and lungs, and what goes awry when one contracts a cold, are easily understood by most. However, the role of the throat or pharynx and the Eustachian tubes, or what connects the middle ear to the nose and throat is less common knowledge. The result of these connections is that, especially in children, ear infections another respiratory infections are related and might trigger one another. In fact, medical research shows that chronic and acute ear infections as well as recurrent throat problems are often due to a condition known as nasopharyngitis, or inflammation of the area between the nose and throat.
The focal infection theory posits that a latent or hidden infection can reside in the body for years, weaken the immune system and become symptomatic when one is stressed or weakened. Since over-the-counter cold and flu medicines such as nasal sprays and cough syrups treat the nose and throat but leave the nasopharynx largely untouched, pathogenic factors may be harbored here. Studies show that not only can nasopharyngitis lead to respiratory flare-ups or recurring cases of colds and flu, but also seemingly unrelated issues including dermatitis, autonomic nervous system disturbances and even digestive issues (often from post-nasal drip).
The solution is what is called nasopharyngeal rinsing, and the most common way to accomplish such a rinse is saltwater in a neti pot. Rinsing at home, especially if done with frequency such as daily (at least 4-5 times a week) for 1-3 months, is highly effective in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. The diration depends on how chronic the issue has been, i.e. how many years the issue has recurred even if it has been intermittent. I have seen patients with years of recurring sinus pain and congestion make dramatic improvements after the one-month mark. After this type of cleansing of the nasopharynx, acupuncture can boost the immune system to prevent a reoccurrence and help clear any remaining congestion or irritation.
Another key point is that the rinse is often more effective when tilting your head straight back, rather than to the side. This is due to the internal anatomy of the sinus cavity. You want the water to run over your nasal plate near the bridge of your nose then flow through the internal sinuses into your mouth so you could spit it out. Tilting to the side can sometimes let water into the eustacian tube of the ear, which is undesirable. Don’t fret if the water doesn’t flow all the way through your internal sinus cavity for the first month or so– there may be layers of dried mucus that the rinse is slowly remoistening for removal before the cavity opens up, particularly if you have a long history of using decongestants.
Finally, follow the measurement instructions carefully for the salt to water ratio as this will be the least irritating to the skin. For a simple way to get started with the protocol, everything can be viewed or purchased through our dispensary:
