What is Sinus Headache and How to Treat it with Ayurveda

Did you know that chronic sinusitis affects more than 134 million Indians [1]? Most of the time, a sinus headache is a common symptom signaling the onset of the problem. However, headaches are a standard parameter for other conditions such as migraines. This is why migraines are very often misdiagnosed as sinus headache symptoms and vice versa [2].

As someone experiencing it, you may feel a throbbing pain or a painful sensation in or around your forehead. This pain may be restricted to one side of the forehead or, at times, spread to both sides.

Sinus headache symptoms need immediate attention and care. You can get a it owing to blockages in the sinus passages, which are found behind your eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead. Severe congestion in these passages can lead to a sinus headache, which over time becomes an acute condition.

Sinus Headache Symptoms

Other symptoms that you may begin to experience with sinusitis are: 

• Fever  
• Loss of smell 
• Severe to normal body ache  
• Uneasiness 
• Running nose 
• Cough and cold 
• Fatigue 
• Redness of the eyes 
• Sore throat 

Sinus Headache Causes

Various allergies can cause these diseases, which can make you suffer from the problem seasonally or occasionally. However, in many cases, it can be triggered by a deep-rooted cause such as viral or bacterial infection and some structural discrepancies such as the growth of polyps. This puts pressure on the nasal passage lining and leads to not only a sinus headache but also a cough and changes in the way you smell or taste.  

Sinus Headache Treatment

Over-the-counter drugs like decongestants and prescribed medication like antihistamines are the most common sinus headache remedy. In case you want to avoid allopathic treatment and want to find a natural way to treat it, then you can do so with the help of Ayurveda.  

Sinus Headache Treatment with Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, a sinus headache is said to arise from a Kapha (earth and water) imbalance. The region above your collar bones, also known as Shleshaka Kapha, is responsible for maintaining moisture and lubrication in our nasal system. So, an imbalance here is identified as the root cause of sinusitis, leading to a sinus headache. The treatment for this usually entails cleaning this area, followed by a diet that balances the Kapha. Further, specific ayurvedic treatments are carried out that work on the root cause of the imbalance, keeping the sinus headaches at bay. Here's more.  

Diet to Reduce a Sinus Headache

To get the best results from your ayurvedic sinus headache remedy, follow a diet that is 'satvik.' This refers to eating fresh, seasonal vegetarian food and avoiding refined grains, processed foods, and added sweeteners. Ayurvedic principles also recommend that those who suffer from a sinus headache should avoid eating things that are too cold or too hot or are spicy, or extremely sour. A balanced diet that cools down the body and is rich in herbs will help. 

To treat acute it, you may also include herbal teas that contain ginger, mint, and tulsi in your diet. For best results, avoid drinking such teas piping hot.  

Therapies to Treat a Sinus Headache

A naturopath or ayurvedic doctor can help you with a variety of therapies to reduce the incidence of it. The first and most common cleansing treatment you can try is Nasya. This involves injecting a medicated or herbal oil into your nostril to clean the nasal passage and help the mucus clear out by gargling once the inhalation is complete. The kind of oil to be used in this treatment depends on your constitution and will be recommended by the therapist or doctor.

Nasya can also be combined with a head massage to stimulate and soothe your nervous system. This therapy is called Shiro Abhyanga Nasyam and uses warm herbal oil so that the tissues of your forehead, scalp, and face can absorb the oils. Another oil-based treatment is Shirodhara, where medicated oil drips on your forehead in a steady stream. This treatment is said to work wonders for chronic headaches, including a sinus headaches, and has a range of benefits, including boosting the health of your nervous system, improving mental health, and decreasing tension.

Other Ayurvedic Therapies That Help With a Sinus Headaches Are:

• Jal Neti, a nasal cleansing treatment with salt-infused water  
• Lepanam, where a medicated paste is applied to the area where you feel the pain related to a sinus headache  
• Taking herbs and other medicated mixtures such as Chyawanprash 
• Thalam, where your body is exposed to steam from various ayurvedic herbs to dissolve blockages that may cause a sinus headache  

Sinus headache treatment in Ayurveda primarily involves cleansing and oil massage. Various therapies work to flush out the toxins from your lymphatic channels. Ayurveda as a sinus headache remedy is excellent as it offers holistic care and treats the cause from the root. This helps you avoid congestion in the long term and allows you to breathe freely without facing any nasal heaviness or pain.

To add to your Ayurveda treatment, you can follow some basic precautions at home to keep your respiratory passage congestion free. Avoid extreme heat or extreme cold, avoid drinking too much alcohol, keep yourself hydrated, and try to decrease your dependence on air conditioners. Sinus headaches and related symptoms of sinusitis can be bothersome and may lead to many long-term risks connected to the respiratory tract. In fact, sinusitis can lead to head & neck cancer, too [3].  

So, it is best for you to get treated for sinusitis at the very onset of its symptoms. To do this with ease, all you need to do is get a doctor's consultation on the Bajaj Finserv Health website or app. Whether it is a sinus headache treatment or treatment for strep throat, you can get advice from specialists of your preference on this platform and boost your health.