According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, any sinus infection remedies will require that your kapha dosha, or “water and earth energy” be rebalanced. In order to return the patient to equilibrium, an Ayurvedic practitioner may use treatments that could involve any of the following:
- herbal supplements and diet control (see below)
- massage
- aromatherapy
- enema
- yoga
- meditation
- stress management techniques
Common Herbal Treatments
Typical herbal or diet supplements which may be used in sinus infection remedies include the Indian Gooseberry, Beleric, Black Myrobalan, the Indian Long Pepper, and Guggul. These plants are chosen due to their potential ability to strengthen the immune system and help with digestion. In Ayurveda, a weak immune system and poor digestion are seen as possible causes of sinus infection.
Diet and Lifestyle Treatments
It is also important to maintain a healthy diet for the treatments to work effectively. Foods that are difficult to digest–such as fatty foods and combinations of dairy and acidic foods–should be avoided. Similarly, foods which would weaken the immune system–such as beef, seafood, and mushrooms–will hinder the treatment. Daily meditation and exercise will reduce stress and rejuvenate you. Such healthy habits will not only help your body respond to the remedy, but also help you prevent future sinus infections.
Kapha Dosha
In Ayurveda, the kapha dosha is one of the three kinds of doshas. It refers to mucous; hence, its foundation in earth and water. It should remain in balance with the other two doshas: vata and pitta, or “wind” and “bile.” This is achieved by either increasing or decreasing the activity of the kapha dosha through the treatments listed above.
Ayurvedic remedies for sinus infections are often herbal treatments based upon the idea of balancing the three doshas. Treatments involving exercise and reducing stress are also key parts of Ayurvedic medicine, and can be used to heal as well as prevent illness.
