30/12/2025
Sinusitis: A TCM Approach to Lasting Sinus Relief
Sinusitis is infection or inflammation affecting the sinus cavities. It can be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly and lasts a few weeks. Chronic sinusitis is much longer lasting with persistent nasal discharge and congestion, headache and facial pain. You may also have other symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, dizziness, snoring and bad breath and nasal polyps.
Causes of sinusitis. Acute sinusitis often happens after an acute infection, such as a cold or chest infection. Chronic sinusitis can be the result of multiple lifestyle factors. Your diet could be the cause, especially if you eat too much rich, sweet food or alcohol, or if you are not getting enough exercise. These triggers can weaken your Spleen and Stomach Qi, clog up your normal Qi dynamic, generate Dampness and Heat. Some foods, e.g., dairy, increase phlegm production. Having lots of antibiotics can further complicate the picture as your Spleen becomes weakened and allows more phlegm to accumulate.
When we are stressed, or if we repress our emotions, our Qi stagnates. Prolonged Qi stagnation generates Heat, which can affect the sinuses and mucus membranes. Add in other heating factors such as a rich, greasy, sweet diet or alcohol and your sinus problems can intensify.
Other causes such as working too much, excessive worry, irregular eating habits and eating too much cold raw food can all weaken the Spleen and Stomach. This can also be at the root of your sinusitis issue.
Environmental factors such as air pollution and smoking will irritate the sinuses and contribute to swelling and poor drainage. These environmental factors can also trigger acute exacerbation of your sinusitis.
TCM presentation of the main types of sinusitis
Wind-Heat, this type typically appears after you have had a cold. Symptoms include acute sinus congestion, thick white or yellow mucus, frontal headache and facial pain, cough and sore throat. You will have fever and chills and want to stay well wrapped up.
Stomach Heat
A diet rich in spicy heating food, or drinking too much alcohol, can generate Heat, Damp- Heat and Phlegm which become lodged in your sinuses. Typical symptoms include severe sinus congestion with thick yellow mucus; snoring is common. Changes in your eating habits and overindulgence in the foods mentioned above can also trigger acute episodes. Other symptoms with this type of sinusitis include fever, feeling thirsty, bad breath and constipation. Making changes to your diet, if this is the main trigger, is essential for long-term relief of your symptoms.
Liver–Gallbladder fire.
Stress under lies this problem as tension causes Qi stagnation which can then generate Heat. Alongside sinusitis symptoms, you would also feel irritable and restless, be thirsty and have a bad taste in your mouth. You may have dark urine and constipation too. Self-help primarily includes avoiding alcohol and the heating stimulants in your diet.
Phlegm
Allergies, including being allergic to certain foods or chronic exposure to pollution and dust, can cause persistent mucus secretion and swelling in the mucus membranes of your nose. Symptoms include chronic nasal congestion with lots of thin, white or thick, sticky mucus. You may also have a postnasal drip and loss of sense of smell. This type of sinusitis generally responds well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatment, especially if you make the appropriate dietary changes alongside your treatment.
Liver Qi constraint with Heat
If you suffer with chronic stress, alongside environmental pollutants, such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, your Liver Qi may become constrained and create Heat. This Heat can irritate your sinuses. Typical symptoms include chronic nasal congestion, which gets worse when you are stressed, headaches with neck and shoulder tension. You may also suffer with red eyes, feel irritable, have bad breath and a bitter taste in your mouth. Lifestyle changes, especially reducing alcohol intake, reducing stress levels, alongside relaxation and exercise will help reduce this type of sinusitis.
Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness
If you suffer with weak Spleen Qi, you may have trouble getting rid of the build-up of any phlegm. With this type of sinusitis, you’ll probably have persistent congestion and lose your sense of smell. You’ll suffer with lots of sticky white nasal discharge which will be worse when you lay down at night, improving during the daytime when you are more active. You may also have a poor appetite, feel tired after you eat and have loose stools. This type of sinusitis responds well to both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Kidney Yang deficiency
With this type, you may have persistent dripping of thin watery mucus, sneezing and find your symptoms get worse in cold weather. You may also have frequent urination and generally feel cold. You’ll probably feel very tired too. This type of sinusitis can be difficult to treat successfully as it requires long-term treatment. Although this can be worthwhile as treatment would also improve your general health, energy and sense of well-being. Chinese herbal medicine will enhance the effects of any acupuncture treatment, as acupuncture alone is unlikely to successfully clear your symptoms.
TCM treatment: As with all conditions, in TCM we treat the underlying causes of your sinusitis.
Chinese Herbal Therapies to treat underlying causes
Herbal therapy is an essential part of TCM treatment of sinusitis. Individualized herbal prescriptions can eliminate pathogens, dispel phlegm, clear heat, and enhance body resistance.
Typical TCM Formulas for Sinusitis
Cang Er Zi San – Expels nasal blockage and eliminates sinus headache,
Xin Yi San – Penetrates sinuses and expels wind-cold,
Yu Ping Feng San – Supplements Wei Qi and prevents recurrent infection
Key Herbs Used:
Cang Er Zi (Fruit of Xanthium) – Drains nasal passages,
Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia flower) – Opens sinuses and eliminates congestion,
Bai Zhi (Angelica root) – Relieves pain and pressure,
Huang Qin (Scutellaria) – Detoxes inflammation and heat,
Gan Cao (Licorice root) – Harmonizes formulas and calms the throat
With prescription based on the patient’s pattern, these herbs can provide immediate relief and long-term relief.
Acupuncture for Sinus Relief
Acupuncture is a very effective method in managing sinusitis—acute and chronic treatment. With correct needle position, acupuncture unblocks nasal passages, eases sinus pressure, de-inflames, and restores the flow of Qi (energy).
Most Effective Acupuncture Points:
LI20 (Yingxiang) – Unblocks nose and eases blockage
Yintang – Smoothes forehead and eases sinus pressure
LU7 (Lieque) – Tonifies Lung Qi and disperses Wind
ST36 (Zusanli) – Boosts energy and immunity
How Acupuncture Supports Sinus Health
1. Reduces Inflammation and Congestion
Sinus issues often stem from inflammation in the nasal passages. Acupuncture is believed to help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, promoting better circulation in the sinus region. This may help reduce swelling, open nasal passages, and improve airflow.
2. Promotes Drainage of Sinus Cavities
By stimulating specific acupuncture points around the face, neck, and body, practitioners aim to restore the natural flow of fluids. Improved lymphatic movement can help reduce mucus buildup, encouraging the sinuses to drain more effectively.
3. Relieves Sinus Pressure and Headaches
Acupuncture may help relieve pain by triggering the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. For people who experience sinus-related facial pressure or headaches, acupuncture sessions can provide noticeable relief.
4. Addresses Underlying Triggers
From allergies to stress to environmental factors, sinus flare-ups often have deeper causes. Acupuncture works holistically, aiming to balance the body and strengthen the immune system. This may help reduce the frequency of sinus infections or allergy-related congestion over time.
5. Offers a Drug-Free, Natural Treatment Option
Many sinus medications can cause drowsiness, dryness, or rebound congestion when used long-term. Acupuncture provides a non-pharmaceutical alternative that can be used alongside conventional treatments or as a standalone therapy, depending on your provider’s guidance.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Sinus Relief
During your session, your acupuncturist may target points on the face (such as near the nose and eyebrows), as well as points on the hands, feet, and legs that influence sinus function. Most people feel little to no discomfort during needle placement and find the experience deeply relaxing. Many notice immediate relief in sinus pressure, while others experience gradual improvement over several sessions.
Who Can Benefit from Our Treatments?
Our TCM-based treatments are ideal for individuals who:
• Have chronic or recurring sinusitis that hasn’t improved with conventional treatments.
• Experience seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• Have undergone sinus surgery, but the condition has returned.
• Prefer a drug-free approach and wish to avoid long-term use of nasal sprays or medications.
• Suffer from persistent nasal congestion, sinus headaches, post-nasal drip, or facial pain.
Diet and Lifestyle for Sinus Health
TCM views diet as medicine. What you consume may ease or exacerbate phlegm and inflammation.
Recommended foods: Warm soups and congee to digest and dispel dampness, Ginger, scallions, garlic, and onions to boost immunity, Pears and radish to dissipate mucus and moisten dryness, Green tea with mint to facilitate nasal heat relief and congestion
Avoid: Cold, raw, oily foods, Dairy foods that create phlegm, Excessive alcohol and sugar
In addition, exercises like Tai Chi, breathing, and Qigong also help breathing function, augment immunity, and help keep the respiratory mechanism open.
If you’re seeking a natural and effective solution to your sinus issues, our holistic approach can help you breathe easier and feel better.
When to Expect Results
TCM doesn't simply suppress a symptom, it treats the cause of it. Recovery can manifest in various ways, through:
Acute sinusitis is sometimes treated with repeated courses of acupuncture and medicinal management.
Chronic sinusitis will usually need to be treated for several weeks, perhaps four to six weeks of continuous medication, in order to clear damp-heat and avert phlegm stagnation.
With continued treatment, TCM can eliminate seasonal or chronic sinus illnesses entirely.
Consistency and early intervention are the secrets to long-term success.
Our TCM Sinus Wellness Program Includes:
1. Acupuncture and/or back cupping to relieve sinus pressure and balance
2.Herbal remedies to release inflammation and drain mucus
3.Facial Gua Sha for relief and drainage
4.Dietary and lifestyle interventions to reduce triggers and build resilience
Clear Your Head. Breathe Freely. Live Fully.
If you’re tired of recurring sinus problems or constant congestion, TCM offers a personalized, natural, and effective way to finally find relief, without relying on long-term medications.
At Joy TCM Clinic, we see many patients each year to help them to manage their health. Contact us now via whatsapp 91900257 and book an appointment to get the support you need.
