YOGA AND SINUSITIS
Dr. P.B. Rajput.
There are about a dozen air sinuses in the human skull. Most of these
are so placed that they drain out in the nasal cavity by gravity only.
The large maxillary sinus has disadvantage; its ostium is small and is
placed in such a place that any defect in nasal cavity (e.g. defects in
mucosal lining, middle turbinate or nasal septum) will lead to closure.
Thus the maxillary sinus for its normal functioning requires two things
(1) good ventilation and (2) good blood supply to maintain cilliary
function. So it is that this maxillary sinus in return depends on
healthily maintaining nasal cavity.
Any defect in the nasal cavity, either due to deviated nasal septum,
hypertrophy of middle turbinate or mucosal collection will lead to
proper ventilation of the nasal cavity which in turn will lead to
maxillary ostium. Repeatedly poor drainage will leas to change of
ciliated epithelium pattern.
Mucosal lining of nasal and paranasal sinuses are under the supreme
control of the sphenopalatine ganglia, which in turn is a part of the
parasympathetic (autonomous) system. Infection, allergy, tension and
emotions are the important factors controlling Mucosa. Infection and
allergies are external factors whereas tension and emotion are internal
factors.
In acute infective case, if it is not complicated, recovery is complete
with medical line of treatment. In chronic state due to deviated nasal
system that blocks ostium, septum shuld be corrected by surgical means
which in turn will lead to reasonable recovery.
External factors like infection and allergy can be easily treated
through Yoga practices, which contribute to good health. The
psychosomatic practices, like Sukhasan, Nishpandabhava have an overall
effect on the body and the mind while Yogendra rhythm of breathing with
simple Asanas has good local effect. Though in acute infection practices
like Jalaneti and Sutraneti should be avoided for fear of spreading
infection to other sinuses. Besides the above constitutional procedures
and dietary changes (e.g. intake of more citrus fruits etc.) would also
help. Yoga practices would bring about recovery provided strict regime
is followed under guidance.
Internal factors like emotional tension can lead to sinuses following
repeated attacks of vasomotor Rhinitis. This condition is purely a
Vascular and secretory phenomenon and under the control of
sphenopalatine ganglia. Yoga practices are known to achieve great deal
of relaxation in such conditions through practices such as Pranayama I,
Savasana, etc. These are the conditions where yoga has much to offer.
I Acute Sinusitis :
Male aged 31 years presented with painful swollen right cheek with edema
of lower eyelid for 4 to 5 days. History of cold since a week. Now
difficulty in breathing through nose, feverishness headache etc. On
examination it was found that he had edematous inflammation of right
cheek with oedema of right lower eyelid.
Anterior rhinos copy revealed pus in both nostrils, Posterior’s rhinos
revealed the same tenderness over both frontal and maxillary regions.
Investigations:
1. N. A. D .
2. Fasting Blood sugar 90 mgr %
3. X-ray sinuses 14-1- 72 Bilateral, frontal and Rt. Maxillary
sinusitis.
He was provided Yogic directions as mentioned earlier and in less than a
month improvement was noticeable. He started improving after 4 to 5
days. Swelling over right cheek and oedema of lower eyelid disappeared.
He was advised Jalaineti, Sutrneti after two weeks. After one month
nasal cavity appeared clean, X-ray of sinuses showed improvement.
Unfortunately he left the treatment and a follow up with final X-ray
could not be carried out.
II Chronic sinusitis
A man aged 19 years was suffering from cold for many years. He would
start with sneezing, running nose in the morning etc. He was unable to
concentrate on study and he was hard of hearing for which he is using
hearing aid.
He was seen by quite a few E.N.T. specialists and had 4 times been
punctured and consumed various drugs. The specialist he saw advised him
bilateral, lateral, surgical treatment (Cald-Wel-Luc operation).
He attended my clinic on 18-11-71. Anterior rhinos copy revealed pus.
R.L. septum fairly straight, hypertrophy both inferior turbinates : post
rhino copy revealed collection of mucopus. Otherwise, larynx appeared
normal and conductive deafness in both ears.
Investigations X-ray issues revealed bilateral maxillary sinusitis R.L.
After one month of daily yoga practices such as Sukhasana,
Kapalrandhradhouti, Suryadhyan, Talasana with Yogendra Rhythm,
Yogamudra with Yogendra Rhythm, Pranayamas nos. I and IV and
Nishpandabhava etc. felt better. Anterior rhinos copy revealed marked
improvement in absence of pus; interior turbinates were almost back to
normal size.
Published in the April 2010 edition of Yoga & Total Health Magazine.