Cayce Health Database
OVERVIEW OF SINUSITIS
Sinusitis simply means inflammation
of the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that recurs frequently,
affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States. Americans
spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief
from their sinus symptoms. (National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health)
Sinusitis has its own localized pain signals, depending
upon the particular sinus affected. Headache upon awakening in the morning
is characteristic of sinus involvement. Pain when the forehead over the
frontal sinuses is touched may indicate inflammation of the frontal sinuses.
Infection in the maxillary sinuses can cause the upper jaw and teeth to
ache and the cheeks to become tender to the touch. Since the ethmoid sinuses
are near the tear ducts in the corner of the eyes, inflammation of these
cavities often causes swelling of the eyelids and tissues around the eyes
and pain between the eyes. Ethmoid inflammation also can cause tenderness
when the sides of the nose are touched, a loss of smell, and a stuffy
nose. Although the sphenoid sinuses are less frequently affected,
infection in this area can cause earaches, neck pain, and deep aching
at the top of the head.
Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness,
tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or
nasal congestion. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sphenoids down
the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat and can
irritate the membranes lining the larynx (upper windpipe).
Sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors, such
as virus, fungal infections, and medication side-effects. Chronic
inflammation of the nasal passages (rhinitis) also can lead to sinusitis.
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is the most common cause of chronic sinusitis
and is a frequent cause of acute sinusitis. Vasomotor rhinitis, caused
by humidity, cold air, alcohol, perfumes, and other environmental conditions,
also can result in a sinus infection.
Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses
that continues for weeks, months, or even years. As noted above,
allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. Inhalation
of airborne allergens (foreign substances that provoke an allergic reaction),
such as dust, mold, and pollen, often set off allergic reactions (allergic
rhinitis) that, in turn, may contribute to sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis
can be caused by structural abnormalities of the nose, such as a deviated
septum (the bony partition separating the two nasal passages), or by small
growths called nasal polyps, both of which can trap mucus in the sinuses.
Standard medical treatment for sinusitis may involve
a variety of therapies intended to clear up the source of the inflammation
and relieve the symptoms. Doctors generally recommend decongestants
to reduce the congestion, antibiotics to control a bacterial infection,
if present, and pain relievers to reduce the pain.
EDGAR CAYCE’S PERSPECTIVE
Edgar Cayce gave many readings for persons suffering
from the full range of sinus problems including sinusitis. While
acknowledging that environmental irritants and airborne allergens can
serve as triggers leading to sinus inflammation, the Edgar Cayce readings
take a more systemic approach to the basic causes and treatment of sinusitis.
Most often, Edgar Cayce traced the causes of sinusitis
to systemic factors such as poor circulation, poor eliminations, and acid/alkaline
(Q) Should any additional treatment be given for sinus condition?
(A) Not until these other activities have been carried on as
indicated. This is not a local infection, - it is from the general
condition in system, and naturally finds expression in the soft tissue
or the mucous membranes through which the lymph circulation flows, from
the irritations to which the body becomes allergic. (934-13)
Going even further back into the patterns of cause
and effects, the Cayce readings often noted that pressures on spinal nerves
were a primary factor in the manifestation of systemic pathology.
For example, pressure on the nerve centers that regulate circulation to
the facial sinuses can inhibit the circulation allowing toxins to remain
and produce irritation:
(Q) Does sinus condition have anything to do with eyes becoming
(A) This, of course, is a contributory cause, but we find that
the sinus condition is as much a disturbance from the spinal pressure
as is the reflex in the eye disturbance. For, where both circulations
are slowed through the impulse received from the ganglia in the upper
dorsals and through the cervicals, these are paralleled in their reflexes.
Another common pattern of causation cited in the Cayce
readings involves the organs of the hepatic system (i.e., liver, kidneys,
gall bladder). Problems with the hepatic organs can results in poor
systemic functioning and sinusitis:
(Q) Have I sinus?
(A) This is more the effect of the general stoppage, or the lack
of the liver and the gall duct working properly. This may generally
tend to lead to sinus, if there are not the better drainages set up.
But if we will do these, we should make for better conditions and relieve
these disturbances. (910-2)
The systemic aspects of sinusitis are sometimes linked
to digestive problems. Most often, indigestion and other symptoms
of poor assimilation are caused or exacerbated by the absorption of mucous
into the gastrointestinal tract.
As we find, there continues to be some infectious forces, especially
through the soft tissue of throat and nasal passages; some infection in
the antrum. And the dripping or inflammation from same, with the
secretions, tends to upset the stomach, also causing indigestion at times,
producing weakness through the system. (2470-2)
Thus, treatment for sinusitis may address related
problems in the gastrointestinal tract for a more complete healing.
The therapeutic approach advocated in the Cayce readings
on sinusitis takes into consideration both the local and systemic aspects
of the condition. For local (symptomatic) relief, the readings recommend
a variety of nasal sprays, inhalants and packs. A mixture of oil
of eucalyptus, oil of turp, and tincture of benzoin (sometimes with additional
ingredients) was frequently prescribed as an inhalant for the treatment
of sinusitis. Glyco-Thymoline diluted with distilled water was suggested
as a nasal spray in several readings for sinusitis. Glyco-Thymoline
packs over the facial sinuses were also commonly recommended for symptomatic
For the fundamental, systemic causes of sinusitis,
the readings typically recommended manual therapy (spinal manipulations
and massage), hydrotherapy (especially colonic irrigations and fume baths),
a basic diet which emphasizes fruits and vegetables to help maintain a
proper acid/alkaline balance, and a mild form of electrotherapy (Radial
Here is a typical recommendation which emphasizes
the systemic aspects of healing sinusitis via manual therapy to improve
circulation and a diet based on proper acid/alkaline balance:
(Q) What should be done about the sinusitis?
(A) Do the treatments indicated and the massages that will follow
with the osteopathic adjustments for the better circulation through all
portions of body, and these will correct through the sinus; provided there
is the attention given to the keeping of a correct balance in the acidity
and alkalinity of the body. (4008-1)
Notably, the mental and spiritual aspects of healing
are emphasized in the readings on sinusitis. Here is a brief excerpt
which points out the role of psychological and spiritual factors in one
particular case of sinusitis:
(Q) Sometimes, after a cold I suffer from sinusitis and sometimes
(more frequently in fact) the cold results in bronchitis. Can you
suggest a treatment for the bronchitis and a means of relieving the cough?
(A) All of these conditions are taken into consideration in that
given. You see, these - as indicated - are a result, not a cause.
Much more might be said here than is being given, but the entity must
find most of it himself. For, here the sensory forces are the reflection
of attitudes of an individual towards things about him. They become
psychologically affected, as some might term; being the reflexes or the
reactions people make to the environs about them. Here, the entity
has closed itself often to cries - yes, it has also seen that which it
might have helped. It didn't, and what's happening?
In another instance, the power of the mind to produce
psychosomatic illness was noted:
(Q) Are my sinuses draining properly?
(A) If they had been we wouldn't have suggested to add something
to the soft tissue! This we would do occasionally. This is
not an irritation other than sympathetically, through the type or nature
of conditions as described. Do not create for self the attitude
that "Now I've got sinus trouble - Now I've got this trouble, that trouble
or the other!" because you'll have it! and you'll become a
hypochondriac, should these conditions continue! Know "I'm getting
better." Know, "I will meet these conditions as they come about."
Know, "I'm doing these in the proper way and manner, and it will come
Thus the mental and spiritual aspects of healing are
important factors to be considered when dealing with sinusitis.
A TREATMENT APPROACH BASED ON THE EDGAR CAYCE READINGS
Because sinusitis can involve both local and systemic
aspects, the Cayce approach utilizes a variety of diverse therapies to
improve digestion, assimilation, elimination, relaxation, and circulation
while encouraging a positive attitude and spiritual focus. Here
are some general therapeutic guidelines for persons suffering from sinusitis:
- DIET: The Basic Cayce Diet is intended to improve assimilation
and elimination. The diet focuses heavily on keeping a proper
alkaline/acid balance while avoiding foods which produce toxicity
and drain the system. Essentially, the diet consists mainly
of fruits and vegetables while avoiding fried foods and refined carbohydrates
("junk food"). Certain food combinations are emphasized.
- INTERNAL CLEANSING: Hydrotherapy includes drinking six to eight
glasses of pure water daily, using castor oil packs, taking mild steam
baths, and obtaining colonic irrigation to cleanse the bowel.
Following the diet should also assist with internal cleansing.
Mild laxatives may be taken (if needed).
- SPINAL MANIPULATION AND MASSAGE: Osteopathic or chiropractic treatment
is recommended to relieve any pressures on nerves that may be affecting
circulation and other systemic processes, particularly eliminations.
If osteopathic or chiropractic treatment is not available, the use
of an electric vibrator along the spine may be helpful. Massage
may also be helpful in improving circulation and eliminations.
- MEDICINE: Atomidine is a medicinal product containing 1%
iodine trichloride. Small doses of Atomidine may be helpful
in stimulating and purifying the glandular system, especially the
thyroid.. CAUTION: ATOMIDINE CONTAINS IODINE AND SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PHYSICIAN.
- ELECTROTHERAPY: Regular use of the Radial Appliance may be helpful
in improving circulation.
- TREATMENT OF ACUTE SYMPTOMS: For treatment of acute sinusitis symptoms,
an inhalant containing eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, tincture of
benzoin, and grain alcohol is recommended. Glyco-Thymoline used
as a nasal spray and facial pack may also be helpful for the acute
symptoms of sinusitis.
- ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS: The mental and spiritual aspects of healing
are frequently discussed in the Cayce readings. Particularly,
an attitude of desiring and expecting to be healed is important.
A positive mental and emotional attitude and can be created and maintained
by focusing on a high purpose (spiritual ideal) for being healed.
Note: The above information is not intended for self-diagnosis
or self-treatment. Please consult a qualified health care professional
for assistance in applying the information contained in the Cayce Health