Sinusitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Sinus Issues
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Sinusitis Chronic Sinusitis Allergic Sinusitis
Did you mean? Rhinitis
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis, also known as sinus inflammation or sinus infection, is a condition where the sinuses become swollen and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, and thick nasal discharge. This inflammation can be caused by infections, allergies, or structural issues in the sinuses. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting less than four weeks, or chronic, persisting for more than 12 weeks. Specific forms include acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, and allergic sinusitis, each with its unique characteristics and causes.
How Does TCM View Sinusitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sinusitis is viewed through the lens of patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on pathogens or structural abnormalities, TCM considers the balance of Qi, Blood, and other vital substances. Symptoms like those of sinusitis can arise from various patterns, making it essential to identify the correct one before treatment. Common patterns include Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, and Damp-Heat. TCM treatments aim to restore balance and strengthen the body's defenses by addressing these underlying imbalances.
Causes of Sinusitis According to TCM
TCM attributes sinusitis to several potential patterns of disharmony. One common cause is Wind-Cold, where external Wind and Cold invade the body's surface, obstructing the flow of Qi in the nasal passages. This pattern often results from exposure to cold or windy conditions, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose with clear discharge, sneezing, and headaches.
Another cause is Wind-Heat, where external Wind and Heat penetrate the body, causing symptoms like yellow nasal discharge, facial pain, and fever. This pattern can arise from exposure to hot, windy conditions or from internal imbalances. Recognizing these patterns allows TCM practitioners to tailor treatments that address both the symptoms and their root causes, promoting holistic healing and balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Sinusitis
For treating sinusitis, TCM utilizes specific formulas and herbs based on the identified patterns of disharmony. For Wind-Cold patterns, formulas like Da Qing Long Tang with Ephedra (Ma Huang) or Ge Gen Tang with Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) are used. These formulas help to expel wind and cold, and clear Phlegm from the limbs.
For Wind-Heat patterns, Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang with Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) is effective. This formula helps to clear Wind-Heat and alleviate symptoms. For more severe patterns, such as Damp-Heat, formulas like Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin with Biond's Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) are used to clear heat and resolve Phlegm.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sinusitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that tonify qi
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Sinusitis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Da Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for sinusitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
| Ge Gen Tang | Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) |
| Ma Huang Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Sinusitis can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Xin Yi San, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind" recommended for sinusitis
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
Sinusitis can be treated by these formulas if it originates from a wind-heat invasion.
One such formula is Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Sinusitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold affecting the sensory orifices, requiring warming and opening actions.
One such formula is Tong Guan San, with chinese honeylocust abnormal fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Sinusitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Sinusitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Fei Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Acupoints for Sinusitis
Acupuncture is also a vital part of TCM treatment for sinusitis. Key acupoints include Hegu LI-4, located between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones. This point helps expel Exterior Wind, regulate defensive Qi, and benefit the face, eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Yingxiang LI-20, located in the nasolabial groove, is used to expel Exterior Wind, remove obstructions from the channel, and open the nose.
Another important point is Shangxing DU-23, located on the head midline, which benefits the nose and eyes. These acupoints, when stimulated, help to clear blockages, reduce inflammation, and restore the normal flow of Qi, providing relief from the symptoms of sinusitis and promoting overall well-being.
Explore below some acupoints used to address sinusitis, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Large Intestine Channel
- Governing Vessel
Hegu LI-4
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
Yingxiang LI-20
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
Shangxing DU-23
On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
TCM Herbs for Sinusitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sinusitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for sinusitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Xin Yi San | Cang Er Zi San |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Da Qing Long Tang | Ma Huang Tang |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang |
| Wild Ginger (Xi Xin) | Not applicable |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Ge Gen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for sinusitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Ge Gen Tang |
| Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma) | Xin Yi San |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for sinusitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Bu Fei Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Fei Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Tong Guan San.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Cocklebur Fruits (Cang Er Zi ), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Cang Er Zi San.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Sinusitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinusitis, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.