Ask Ayurveda

FREE!Ask Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 57M : 29S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #18657
315 days ago
514

Sinus Meaning - #18657

Hailey

Recently, I’ve been dealing with frequent sinus congestion, and it’s been really frustrating. I’ve always had occasional stuffiness, but this seems to be something more. My nose feels blocked constantly, and it’s been affecting my ability to breathe easily. I’ve tried over-the-counter medications, but they don’t seem to provide lasting relief. I keep hearing the word “sinus” tossed around, but I’m not entirely sure what it means in this context. I’d really like to understand what’s going on with my sinuses and why this is happening. From what I’ve gathered, sinus issues are linked to inflammation in the sinuses, which are the air-filled spaces inside your skull. However, I still don’t understand what causes the inflammation in the first place. Does it happen because of allergies, or could it be something else, like an infection? I’ve heard the term “sinusitis,” but I’m not sure if that’s what I have. I’m also curious about how to properly treat sinus congestion. Should I stick with decongestants, or are there other treatments that might help reduce the inflammation and bring long-term relief? I’ve read that sinus issues can be caused by both acute and chronic conditions, and I’m wondering if I might be dealing with a more serious problem. Finally, I’ve heard that there are different types of sinusitis, like viral and bacterial, but I’m not sure how to tell which one I might have. Is there any way to know for sure if an infection is bacterial or viral, and does that change the treatment approach?

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Sinus congestion is indeed a common concern and can be associated with several factors, including allergies, infections, or other irritants. In Ayurveda, we consider the dosha imbalances that can lead to inflammation and congestion. Frequent sinus congestion often indicates an imbalance in the kapha dosha, which governs mucus production and moisture. This imbalance can be aggravated by seasonal changes, allergens, or even certain dietary choices, leading to inflammation in the sinuses and subsequent blockage. To manage your sinus congestion, start with a simple daily routine that includes steam inhalation. Boil water, add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil, and inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. This can help alleviate the congestion and reduce inflammation. Incorporate warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and black pepper into your diet, as they can help enhance digestion and reduce kapha. Stay hydrated with warm fluids, like herbal teas, which can thin mucus. Consider avoiding cold, heavy, and excess dairy products, as these can lead to increased mucus production. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can also be very effective; using a neti pot daily can help clear out any allergens, pollutants, or excess mucus. If you suspect allergies, maintaining a clean living space and avoiding known irritants is crucial. Since the differentiation between viral and bacterial sinusitis usually requires a professional assessment, keep track of symptoms like fever or severe pain, which may indicate a bacterial infection requiring further attention. If your symptoms persist despite these measures, please consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Overall, with these Ayurvedic practices, you should find more comfort and relief in your health.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
464 reviews
Dr. Jatin Kumar Sharma
I am a BAMS graduate and currently running my own clinic, where I see patients on a regular basis and try to give them honest, practical care. My daily work involves understanding different health concerns, listening properly to what the patient is going through, and then planning treatment in a way that actually fits their routine. I believe treatment should not feel confusing or rushed, and sometimes even small changes make a big difference. Running my own clinic has taught me a lot about responsibility and consistency. Some days are busy, some are slow, but every patient brings a different challenge and learning. I focus mainly on Ayurvedic treatment methods, lifestyle correction and long-term health balance, rather than quick fixes. There are times when progress takes longer, but I stay patient and keep working with the person step by step. I try to keep my approach simple, practical and honest. For me, real success is when a patient feels better in daily life, sleeps better, eats better and slowly regains balance. That is what keeps me going and improving every day.
5
51 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
920 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
657 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
926 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
475 reviews
Dr. Akshay Negi
I am currently pursuing my MD in Panchakarma, and by now I carry 3 yrs of steady clinical experience. Panchakarma for me is not just detox or some fancy retreat thing — it’s the core of how Ayurveda actually works to reset the system. During my journey I’ve handled patients with arthritis flares, chronic back pain, migraine, digestive troubles, hormonal imbalance, even skin and stress-related disorders... and in almost every case Panchakarma gave space for deeper healing than medicines alone. Working hands-on with procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana gave me a lot of practical insight. It's not just about performing the therapy, but understanding timing, patient strength, diet before and after, and how their mind-body reacts to cleansing. Some respond quick, others struggle with initial discomfort, and that’s where real patient support matters. I learnt to watch closely, adjust small details, and guide them through the whole process safely. My approach is always patient-centric. I don’t believe in pushing the same package to everyone. I first assess prakriti, agni, mental state, lifestyle, then decide what works best. Sometimes full Panchakarma isn’t even needed — simple modifications, herbs, or limited therapy sessions can bring results. And when full shodhana is required, I plan it in detail with proper purvakarma & aftercare, cause that’s what makes outcomes sustainable. The last few years made me more confident not just in procedures but in the philosophy behind them. Panchakarma isn’t a quick fix — it demands patience, discipline, trust. But when done right, it gives relief that lasts, and that’s why I keep refining how I practice it.
5
104 reviews
Dr. Sushravya Kalal
I am always looking at the body a bit differently, maybe because Ayurveda keeps reminding me that most issues, especially skin troubles or hormonal swings, start way inside before they show outside. Sometimes I find myself going back to the basics—Agni, Ama, all that stuff people think is too simple, but it actually explains so many messy patterns I see in pts every day. When digestion isn’t steady, nothing else really stays in balance, and I say this after watching case after case where the skin flares or cycle gets disturbed even when the person didn’t change much in their routine. I try not to just chase the symptoms, because honestly that never gives long-term peace. Instead I focus on detoxifying gently, correcting the root imbalance, letting the system reset its own rhythm. It takes time, and some patients get a bit impatient, but once the digestion start improving the glow on the face or clarity in mind kind of speaks for itself. I keep reminding myself also that each body reacts in its own way, so I depend a lot on Prakriti understanding before planning anything. Sometimes I have to pause and rethink if the plan suits their nature or if I’m pushing too much. My treatment plans end up being pretty personalised, maybe too detailed sometimes, mixing herbs, diet shifts, daily habits, a few small lifestyle tweaks, and guiding them toward a more stable hormonal cycle or calmer skin response. And yes, a little inconsistency happens in the way I explain things, but I try to keep it honest and simple so the patient really gets what’s happening inside them. In the end my whole approach is about restoring balance from within rather than covering things up from the outside.
0 reviews
Dr. Rajan soni
I am working in Ayurveda field from some time now, started out as a general physician at Chauhan Ayurveda Hospital in Noida. That place taught me a lot—how to handle different types of patients in OPD, those daily cases like fever, digestion issues, body pain... but also chronic stuff which keeps coming back. After that I moved to Instant Aushadhalya—an online Ayurveda hospital setup. Whole different space. Consultations online ain’t easy at first—no pulse reading, no direct Nadi check—but you learn to ask the right things, look at patient’s tone, habit patterns, timing of symptoms... and yeah it actually works, sometimes even better than in person. Right now I’m working as an Ayurveda consultant at Digvijayam Clinic where I’m focusing more on individualised care. Most ppl come here with stress-related problems, digestion issues, joint pain, that kind of mix. I go by classic diagnosis principles like prakriti analysis, dosha imbalance and all, but also mix in what I learned from modern side—like understanding their lifestyle triggers, screen time, sleep cycles, food gaps n stress patterns. I don’t rush into panchakarma or heavy medicines unless it’s needed... prefer starting with simple herbs, diet change, basic daily routine correction. If things demand, then I go stepwise into Shodhan therapies. My goal is to not just “treat” but to help ppl know what’s happening in their body and why its reacting like that. That awareness kinda becomes half the cure already. Not everything is perfect. Sometimes ppl don’t follow what you say, sometimes results are slow, and yeah that gets to you. But this path feels honest. It’s slow, grounded, and meaningful.
5
32 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
1007 reviews
Dr. Posam Siva Priyanka
I am working in the field of Ayurveda with special focus on surgical and para-surgical management, something that many people don’t usually expect Ayurveda to handle. Over the past 3 years and 7 months I gained clinical experience especially in anorectal disorders like piles, fissures and fistula, which often trouble patients silently until they become unbearable. These are conditions where Ayurveda offers very effective approaches, not only through medicines but also through para-surgical procedures. One such method is Ksharasutra therapy, a technique I practiced regularly, where medicated thread is used to treat fistula-in-ano and other chronic conditions. It is minimally invasive but require patience, regular follow up, and careful application. Similarly, I trained in Agnikarma, which uses controlled thermal cauterization for pain relief and management of small surgical conditions. Both of these methods are rooted in classical Ayurveda but highly relevant in modern surgical practice too. Alongside that, I also worked with various Panchakarma procedures—oleation, sudation, basti, virechana etc.—that support recovery, reduce inflammation and restore balance in patients undergoing surgical or para-surgical care. Many times, Panchakarma is not just therapy by itself but a preparatory or supportive process that makes outcomes more effective. Currently I am pursuing postgraduation in Shalya Tantra, the Ayurvedic branch of surgery. This allows me to deepen my understanding of both operative and para-operative techniques, while also staying rooted in the holistic principles of Ayurveda. It’s demanding, balancing study and practice, but it keeps me constantly improving. For me surgery in Ayurveda is not only about removing disease but about restoring function, reducing pain, and improving quality of life without unnecessary complications. Each patient is different, and the treatment plan always need adjustment—it is never copy paste medicine. That is something I keep learning again and agian.
5
1 reviews

Latest reviews

Sophia
5 hours ago
Been struggling with this for a while and your advice brought some relief. Appreciate the clear and practical guidance!
Been struggling with this for a while and your advice brought some relief. Appreciate the clear and practical guidance!
Lindsey
5 hours ago
Really clear explanation and super helpful advice! Thank you for laying out a treatment plan that feels manageable and offering reassurance about my symptoms.
Really clear explanation and super helpful advice! Thank you for laying out a treatment plan that feels manageable and offering reassurance about my symptoms.
Abigail
7 hours ago
Thanks for breaking it down so clearly! It really helped ease my worries about my son's situation. Feeling a lot better now!
Thanks for breaking it down so clearly! It really helped ease my worries about my son's situation. Feeling a lot better now!
Lila
7 hours ago
Thanks a ton for breaking everything down so clearly. Your advice was super reassuring and really put my mind at ease about my son's situation.
Thanks a ton for breaking everything down so clearly. Your advice was super reassuring and really put my mind at ease about my son's situation.