There are traditional techniques to treat a deviated septum that originate from countries in Asia, notably India. One of those techniques is Ayurveda.

In this article we explain what Ayurveda is, and how it can help your deviated septum.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an eastern science which guides the choice of diet, day to day habits, and exercises to restore the health of the individual and prevent diseases.

This science is mostly practiced in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda believes that every individual is made up of 5 elements:

These elements combine and form three forms of energies in the body i.e., vata (space and air), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (water and earth).

Every individual system has a unique balance of vatta, pitta, and kapha. Any imbalance between them leads to disorder. Intake of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, seasonal changes, emotional disturbance, or stress can produce toxins which accumulate in different parts of the body, causing disease. Ayurveda helps in either prevention of the disease or stops its progression.¹Mukherjee A, Khuje SM, Dwivedi OP, Jain J. Potency of Nasya Karma. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2019 Dec 15;9(6-s):261-6.

How Does Ayurveda Help with a Deviated Septum?

In Ayurveda, performing the Panchakarma therapy reduces the symptoms associated with the deviated nasal septum.

Panchakarma consists of five (panch) procedures to cleanse the bodily toxins. Any disease in the sinus, throat, nose, or head areas are a result of accumulation of toxins. These toxins are eliminated using Nasyakarma: one of the procedures of Panchakarma.²Lad V. An Introduction to Panchakarma. Albuquerque, NM: The Ayurvedic Institute (phone: 505-291-9698). 1994.

Nasyakarma involves either inhalation of medicated oil or massaging the nasal mucosa (inner lining of nose) with medicated ghee (clarified butter) or herbal oil using a finger. These procedures help in release of mucus accumulated in clogged nose, throat, and sinus. Massaging should be slowly performed in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.

Nasyakarma helps overcome disorders associated with deviated nasal septum such as chronic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of nose and sinus) and nasal congestion, and eases breathing through nose.

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A neti pot is used for “nasal irrigation”, which involves flushing salty water through your nose to push out the mucous and debris from the nose.

Sinus Irrigation and Deviated Septum

Sinus irrigation, sinus flush, or nasal irrigation is a complimentary treatment recommended in individuals with deviated nasal septum and symptoms of rhinosinusitis (inflammation of nose and sinus). It is believed that use of nasal irrigation improves blockage of nose and sinus by:

This procedure involves use of saline water (salt water) in irrigating devices such as bulb syringes, nasal sprays, squeeze bottles, battery-operated pulsed water devices, and neti pot. These devices are safe to use and pocket friendly. The use of sinus irrigation method improves symptoms such as nasal discharge, sinonasal congestion, headaches, cough and allergies.¹Tomooka LT, Murphy C, Davidson TM. Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation. The Laryngoscope. 2000;110(7):1189-93.

How to Irrigate Sinuses with a Deviated Septum

The easiest way to irrigate blocked sinuses is to use a neti pot.

A neti pot is a teapot-shaped device with a conical tapered spout. The spout aids in easy insertion into the nostrils to form a seal.

The pot is filled with distilled water or warm water and mixed with salt (half a tablespoon of non-iodized salt in 250 ml water). The spout is then inserted into the nostril and position of head and pot are adjusted such that there is no spillage. This can be performed twice daily for few months. Neti pots are available in different volumes (30 to 500ml) and can be used along with essential oils.

It is a simple, cost-effective, and safe procedure which provides relief from nasal allergies, congestion, stuffy nose, and nasal discharge and clears the nasal airway. This technique is effective as an additional therapy and can also be continued after the correction of deviated nasal septum.²Scott, John. "Nasal irrigation for allergies, sinusitis-and winter sniffles?." Foods Matter (2008): 13.

YouTube - How to Use a Neti Pot with Deviated Septum

Here are some excellent videos on YouTube that show you how to use a neti pot with a deviated septum:

Frequently Asked Questions – Neti Pot and Deviated Septum

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The main medications for a deviated septum aim to reduce inflammation in the nasal passage and help to flush it out:

Nasal Steroids for a Deviated Septum

Nasal steroids have anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce the swelling in the mucosa of the nose and sinuses by decreasing the inflammation causing cells (e.g., mast cells, cytokines, eosinophils).

Nasal steroids also reduce the inflammation of the sinus opening, allowing mucus drainage and clearing congestion. They are beneficial in individuals with deviated nasal septum and symptoms such as nasal obstruction, stuffy nose, runny nose, and sinus infections.¹Corey, J. P., Houser, S. M., & Ng, B. A. (2000). Nasal Congestion: A Review of its Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, 79(9), 690–702. doi:10.1177/014556130007900908

Nasal steroids can be taken topically (i.e. applied to the skin), orally, or through injections. The topical form of nasal steroids is more effective than the oral, as it displays minimal side effects.

Inappropriate and prolonged use of nasal steroids can cause side effects such as irritation, burning sensation, and fungal infection (candidiasis). Nasal steroids may take several days to exhibit results.

Research suggests that use of topical steroids (e.g., budesonide) is more effective in relieving nasal congestion than antihistamine (e.g., terfenadine) medications.²Davis, S. S., & Eccles, R. (2004). Nasal congestion: mechanisms, measurement and medications. Core information for the clinician. Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences, 29(6), 659–666. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2273.2004.00885.x

Allergy Medications for a Deviated Septum (e.g. antihistamines/decongestants)

Overuse of topical decongestants can cause swelling in the mucosa of the nose (rebound nasal congestion) and may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

Oral forms of decongestants are less effective than topical forms, but have

minimal rebound effects when compared to topical.⁴Schuman, T. A., & Senior, B. A. (2018). Treatment Paradigm for Nasal Airway Obstruction. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America

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What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine introduced in 19^th century by a German physician. It reduces the symptoms associated with numerous chronic diseases.

Homeopathic medicines are formulated by dilution of natural sources such as plants, minerals, and substances extracted from living organisms. The medicines are capable of inducing symptoms of the disease in healthy individuals.

It is believed that small quantities of substances that cause a disease in a healthy individual can also cure the symptoms in affected individuals. In Brazil, India, England, and a few states in the US, the use of this form of medicine is acceptable. However, the use of homeopathic medicine is controversial and limited studies validate its scientific origin.¹Almeida RM. A critical review of the possible benefits associated with homeopathic medicine. Revista do Hospital das Clínicas. 2003;58(6):324-31.

Homeopathic Treatments for a Deviated Septum

Homeopathic medicines which help overcome symptoms associated with deviated nasal septum (such as sinusitis, nasal discharge, and congestion) include:²Nayak C, Singh V, Singh VP, Oberai P, Roja V, Shitanshu SS, Sinha MN, Deewan D, Lakhera BC, Ramteke S, Kaushik S. Homeopathy in chronic sinusitis: a prospective multi-centric observational study. Homeopathy. 2012 Apr 1;101(2):84-91.³Das BK, Mondal AK. Sinusitis of children and its homoeopathic approach.

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