The sinuses are air-filled spaces lined with mucus membrane in the bones of the face.
Normally, mucus is channeled through tiny air ducts from the spaces to the nose, but during colds the ducts can become congested and the circulation of air and mucus impeded.
If mucus builds up in the sinuses and they become inflamed, sinusitis results.
Hay fever can also cause sinusitis, and allergy or exposure to dust and irritants such as tobacco smoke can cause persistent symptoms, or chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms include pain in the forehead and cheeks, which worsens on stopping, lying down or coughing.
There may be a green, yellow or bloody discharge from the nose, and the nostril on the affected side is blocked.
The patient may suffer headaches and the sense of smell is diminished.
If the sinus is infected by bacteria the bone over it is tender, the skin may be red or swollen and the patient may have a raised temperature.
What the Natural Doctors Recommend: Acupuncture: Points on the governor and the large and small intestine meridians are treated and on the spleen meridian when allergy is the cause.
Aromatherapy: You are advised to inhale a drop or two of eucalyptus oil and or pepper mint oil, together with lavender, bergamot or lemon, from a paper towel for immediate effect.
Herbal Medicine: Steam inhalations with essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, lavender, camomile, cinnamon, thyme, peppermint or cypress may be beneficial.
You may also take infusions of elderflower, ginger, peppermint or eyebright.
Garlic is recommended as a general preventive against sinus problems.