Sinus headaches are caused by the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sinus cavities in the face. It is characterized by a deep, dull pain in front of one’s head or face (at specific points such as behind the eyes or side of the nose) and the pain usually sharpens during the physical movements of the head, especially while bending down or leaning over.
The sinus headache will be at its peak during the morning hours after waking up and it generally subsides by after noon. And quite often, the pain starts when the person concerned is suffering from a bad cold or just after it.
The treatment for sinus headaches by conventional medicine focuses on controlling the sinus inflammation and it involves antibiotic cure and surgery in acute cases. Of late, it has been found that acupuncture is an effective complementary and alternative therapy for sinus headaches.
Acupuncture is the one of the oldest and widely used holistic medical practices in the world. It is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The term ‘acupuncture’ stands for a variety of procedures that involves stimulation of anatomical points on the body using different techniques. The most popularly studied technique involves inserting thin metal needles (having the thickness of a hair) at the acupuncture points, the needles being manipulated by electric signals or bare hands. The needles are solid and it involves injection of no drug or medical substance. For the patient, the needle insertion does not usually trigger any pain and with the most modern insertion techniques, it is even possible that they may not even realize that the needle is indeed being inserted into their skins.
Now here is how acupuncture relieves sinus headaches. Modern science believes that acupuncture brings about biochemical changes in the blood serum to stabilize serotonin – a vital chemical that acts as a messenger between the spinal cord and brain – and stimulates the release of endorphins (human body’s natural painkiller) to alleviate the pain. Further, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system to relieve stress, anxiety and muscle tension, and promotes cerebral circulation so that the affected region gets more oxygenated blood supply and nutrients.
Acupuncture treatments are usually prescribed based on a detailed diagnosis of a patient’s medical condition. If to go by expert opinions, the acupuncture treatment prescriptions are based on each patient’s individual body imbalances and is aimed at its rectification with a long term success in mind. Hence the treatment and its duration may vary from person to person.
From a patient’s perspective, the most important aspect is to find out an expert acupuncturist. Checking with the local acupuncture association could provide you with useful referrals to the recognized acupuncturists near your place.
Further, it is advisable that one must not randomly select an acupuncture practitioner, instead take his/her own time to pick the right person by verifying his credentials and abilities after some extended research. Remember, acupuncture is an expert’s job and it is his/her proficiency that ultimately determines the effectiveness of the end result. Good Luck!
