Ayurveda Article - Sinus Relief For Everyone

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Sinus Relief 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)," says Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra, of Research and Product Development at Maharishi Ayurveda

Products International, Inc.

 

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," says Vaidya Mishra. "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 Sinus Relief

 

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 Vaidya Mishra.

 

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," says Vaidya Mishra. "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,"says Vaidya Mishra.

Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended

to replace standard medical care or advice.

Copyright MAPI, 2002.

 

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