Many people come to us with recurring sinus and nasal symptoms such as congestion, facial pressure, headaches and post-nasal drip. In Chinese medicine, the nose is the opening of the Lung, and sinus problems are often linked to Lung Qi being weakened, to the body struggling to clear Dampness and Phlegm (often linked to the Spleen), or to the lingering effects of repeated colds and seasonal triggers.

Treatment looks for the pattern behind your symptoms and uses acupuncture to support the body in clearing congestion and easing pressure. It works in its own right, and it can sit alongside any investigation or care from your GP or ENT specialist. Neither is better than the other; they work side by side.

Common sinusitis symptoms include:

• Blocked nose

• Pain or pressure around the cheeks, eyes or forehead

• Reduced sense of smell

• Nasal discharge

• Sinus headaches

• Tooth or facial discomfort

Some people explore acupuncture as complementary support for recurring nasal congestion.

However, a blocked nose can have several causes, including sinusitis, allergies and nasal polyps.

If nasal obstruction is persistent, worsening or affecting your breathing, you should speak with your GP so the underlying cause can be assessed.

Sinusitis can cause pressure, pain or tenderness around the cheeks, eyes and forehead.

Acupuncture may be used as complementary support where sinus pressure forms part of a recurring pattern of symptoms.

Persistent or severe facial pain should also be medically assessed.

Post-nasal drip can have several possible causes, including nasal inflammation, allergies and other conditions.

Acupuncture may form part of a wider complementary approach, but identifying the underlying reason for persistent symptoms is important.

Allergic rhinitis can cause nasal congestion and can sometimes contribute to sinus problems.

There is some evidence that acupuncture may help relieve nasal symptoms in people with allergic rhinitis, so allergies will be taken into account if they appear to be contributing to your sinus symptoms.

This varies depending on how long you've experienced symptoms, how frequently they occur and how you respond to treatment.

We can suggest an initial treatment schedule following your consultation and review your progress as treatment continues.

Often, yes.

Tell us about all medication, nasal sprays and supplements you're using so that your treatment can be planned appropriately.

Acupuncture should not replace medication prescribed by your GP, and you should not stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with them.

Not necessarily.

Most sinus problems don't require specialist assessment before acupuncture. However, persistent or recurrent sinusitis should also be discussed with your GP.

The HSE advises speaking to your GP if sinusitis symptoms are severe, worsen, don't improve after around a week, or repeatedly return. Referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist may be considered where sinusitis lasts longer than three months, keeps recurring or doesn't respond to treatment.

Acupuncture shouldn't delay appropriate medical assessment.

Speak to your GP if your symptoms are severe, continue to worsen, don't improve or repeatedly return. More urgent medical assessment may be needed where someone becomes very unwell or develops signs of complications

AcuFusion works with major private health insurers and William is registered with the AFPA.

Whether you're covered and how much you can claim depends on your individual policy.

We recommend checking directly with your insurer if reimbursement is important to you.

Got further questions? Call us on 01 524 0874.