|
Sinus Relief is on the Way
Most of us never think about our sinuses when we take a deep breath
through the nose. For others, these tiny air passages are a source of
stuffy nose, painful headaches, fever and infection, in bouts of
illnesses that last up to 12 weeks at least 4 times a year.
Let's look at why chronic sinus problems develop, and how to help
them through Maharishi Ayurveda.
How Sinus Problems Develop
"Sinus problems are actually caused by an underlying imbalance in
Prana Vata (the subdosha of Vata that governs the brain, head, and
the mind) and Shleshaka Kapha (a subdosha of Kapha, which governs
lubrication and moisture balance)," says Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra,
Director of Research and Product Development at Maharishi Ayurveda
Products International, Inc.
When these two subdoshas are simultaneously imbalanced, another
complication arises. Ama, the sticky waste product of digestion,
gets mixed with Shleshaka Kapha in the sinus area, forming an even
more toxic, sticky mucus called Shleshma. Shleshma settles in the
area and clogs the channels of the sinuses. Due to the restriction
and blocking, Pitta dosha also becomes imbalanced, and inflammation
results.
"When all three doshas are out of balance, immunity is severely
compromised," says Vaidya Mishra. "The body becomes a fertile ground
for microbes, allergens, or viruses. Air pollution, stress,
fluctuations of hot and cold weather, and lifestyle patterns such as
eating excessive amounts of cold, sweet, heavy foods, staying up too
late, or not getting enough exercise can aggravate the imbalance."
The Solution, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Pacify Prana Vata and Shleshaka Kapha by following a Vata-
Kapha pacifying diet. Minimize foods that are too hot, or too cold-
avoid extreme temperatures in food such as chili peppers or ice-cold
foods and beverages. Favor cooked, warm meals that are light,
nurturing, and easy to digest.
For example, for breakfast you could eat a stewed apple, and for the
evening meal try kitcheri (a light and nourishing porridge made with
two parts rice and one part mung dhal) and spiced with the following
mixture:
Spices for Kitcheri or Vegetables:
2 parts turmeric
4 parts cumin
4 parts coriander
4 parts fennel
1 part ginger
1 part black pepper
Roast whole cumin, coriander, fennel and black pepper and then grind
the mixture into a powder. Sauté the spices in ghee and sprinkle
on
vegetables or grains, or cook them in vegetables like a soup. Or dry-
fry them, put them in a small jar, and sprinkle them on your food if
you eat your noon meal out.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water flavored with spices, to purify the sinuses of
toxins and to allow the toxic waste that has built up to flow out.
Boil two quarts of water, pour the water into a thermos, and add two
leaves of basil, two thin slices of ginger, four leaves of mint, two
pieces of clove, and 1/4 teaspoon of marshmallow root. Keep drinking
this water throughout the day, but make it fresh each morning.
Step 3
Make sure your bowel movements are regular, to help detoxify the body
and to reestablish a balanced environment in the sinus area. Eat
plenty of organic, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating
eggplant, banana, tomato and bell pepper, because these clog the
channels. Don't skip or delay meals, because that will upset the
digestive balance and cause more ama to be created.
New Herbal Supplement for Sinus Relief
In order to help provide relief from sinus blockage, inflammation,
and infection, Maharishi Ayurveda Products has recently developed a
new product under the direction of Vaidya Mishra.
Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended
to replace standard medical care or advice.
Copyright MAPI, 2002.
For more information on Ayurveda or to subscribe to free newsletters,
plaese visit http://www.mapi.com
|
|
|
