Getting to the point: Patients with inveterate sinus problems find long-sought relief in acupuncture - NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

So when his wife started complaining about his snoring, he suspected his sinuses could be the problem. After reviewing Palermo's symptoms, David Sollars, a licensed acupuncturist and owner of First Health in Andover, also suspected that his snoring might be caused by a sinus condition.

Sollars said that while antibiotics are effective in clearing bacterial sinus infections, people who suffer from chronic sinusitis can good from complementary treatments. In Palermo's case, he prescribed acupuncture. To some people in our Western culture, acupuncture remains a mystery.

On the other hand acupuncture and related medical care of are more than 5,000 years old.

Uphold are not surprised so many mankind are finding easement in this ancient art. Traditional Chinese acupuncture usually is done by inserting very thin needles, sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus, into the skin at certain points on the body to stimulate energy flow along the body's pathways.

That energy flow is called "qi" or "chi" (pronounced "chee"). Palermo, 43, said he initially kept his visit to the clinic a secret. I didn't tell my wife I went there at first because I wanted to see if it worked," he said. After a couple of weeks, she noticed that I wasn't snoring as much."

Ted Pappas, a licensed acupuncturist and possessor of the Acupuncture Center of Andover, said the good news is that chronic sinusitis and another condition called nasopharyngitis (it occasion chronic postnasal drip) are curable.

It's one of those groups of conditions in the 90th percentile of success with acupuncture, Chinese herbs and inland treatment," Pappas said. Jason Henson, besides an acupuncturist with First Health, said acupuncture is a very effective treatment representing chronic sinus issues or acute episodes associated with the cold or seasonal changes.

Sometimes the sinus infection can be bacterial, and from the Western standpoint antibiotics work fine," Henson said. If it's besides of a continuing condition, acupuncture might help." Palermo said his allergies to certain grasses, trees and seafood began in his early 30s. I used to take (over-the-counter decongestants) at least a couple of times a day," Palermo said.

His recent treatments at First Fettle are the beginning alternative ones he has tried for a medical condition. For two months, Palermo had two acupuncture treatments a week; now he goes once a week. He also uses a customized Chinese herbal remedy prepared for him at First Health.

When my sinuses are pathetic or my asthma kicks up, I use a tea made with Chinese herbs," he said. I've been competent to control my asthma very well since using the herbs." Palermo said he used to need an inhaler when working out, and carried it with him everywhere "just in case."

Not anymore, however. Acupuncture increases circulation to the local area and helps incision inflammation," Henson said concerning how the treatments help. Sinuses can then drain." Acupuncture also stimulates the immune system that helps to fight infection, he said. And sometimes, community feel fitter after just one treatment.

A abundance of people are stopped and in pain," he said. They feel relief right away when their sinuses open up."

Most patients receive acupuncture treatment of behaviour towards two or three times a week for a couple of weeks to amuse on top of the pointed phase, and then once a week championing a few weeks.

Whether there is a really serious condition, we also might try an individualized herbal prescription, as well," Henson said, as in Palermo's case. We mix a dust of herbs into a tea or in a capsule form."

There are over 350 types of Chinese herbs and 10 to 15 of these may be chosen for a specific patient. Emma Campbell of Andover also has seen results from a personalized herbal remedy. Campbell, 52, had allergies but didn't want to take prescription medications. I started with acupuncture and went three weeks for a couple of times a week," she said. It helped right away."

From http://newburyportnews.com/pulife/local_story_074071727.html