What sinusitis is
The NHS describes sinusitis as swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It is common and usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks [1]. The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind the cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose [1].
The main symptoms the NHS lists are pain, swelling and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead; a blocked or runny nose; a reduced sense of smell; green or yellow mucus from the nose; and a high temperature [1].
What the research says about acupuncture
Chronic sinusitis. A randomised trial by researchers in Oslo, published in 2005, included 65 people with chronic sinusitis and compared traditional Chinese acupuncture, minimal acupuncture at non-acupoints, and conventional medication. Sinus soft tissue swelling on CT scans was reduced in the conventional-treatment group over 4 weeks. Between conventional medication and traditional Chinese acupuncture, the authors found only a non-significant difference in the change in symptom scores [3].
Alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis. A 2020 systematic review by rhinology specialists found that most alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis had little to no scientific evidence. Acupuncture was one of four therapies that had a low to moderate-high evidence (GRADE) rating. Allergic rhinitis was the condition studied most often, and comparisons with standard treatments were lacking [4].
Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis). NCCIH, part of the US National Institutes of Health, reports that a 2015 evaluation of 13 studies with 2,365 participants found evidence that acupuncture may help relieve nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis [2].
Acupuncture in Malaysia
What acupuncture is. NCCIH describes acupuncture as a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin. The needles may be manipulated by hand or stimulated with small electrical currents (electroacupuncture). Acupuncture originated from traditional Chinese medicine [2].
Registration. Malaysia's Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775) defines traditional and complementary medicine to include traditional Chinese medicine [5]. Under section 25 of the Act, in force since 1 March 2021, a person who is not a registered practitioner shall not practise traditional and complementary medicine services [5][6]. A registered practitioner must hold a valid practising certificate, which is valid for not more than twelve months and must be displayed at the place of practice (section 26) [5].
Referral. Section 30 of the Act requires a registered practitioner to refer a patient to a medical or dental practitioner if the patient has an acute medical emergency, or if the condition is beyond the practitioner's skill, competency or expertise [5]. Under section 30(3) the practitioner must explain this duty to the patient, or the patient's guardian or representative, so that they can make an informed decision about whether to refuse being referred. Section 30(4) says that if the patient, guardian or representative gives written notice consenting not to be referred, the practitioner is not obliged to refer [5]. NCCIH's guidance is not to use acupuncture to postpone seeing a health care provider about a health problem [2].
Safety. According to NCCIH, relatively few complications from acupuncture have been reported, but complications have resulted from nonsterile needles and improper delivery. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs and injury to the central nervous system [2]. The NHS lists two situations in which acupuncture may not be safe: taking blood-thinning medicine or being at increased risk of bleeding, and having a skin condition or skin infection [7].
When the sources say to get medical help
Each source below sets its own level of urgency.
Emergency. Malaysia's emergency line is 999 [9]. The regulator's numbering plan also lists 112 as the code for mobile phones routed to emergency services [10].
Contact a medical provider (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine) [8]:
- symptoms that last longer than 10 to 14 days, or a cold that gets worse after 7 days
- a severe headache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine
- a fever
- symptoms that remain after taking all of a course of antibiotics
- any change in vision during a sinus infection
Urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 (NHS, UK) [1], for someone with sinusitis symptoms who:
- is very unwell
- finds painkillers do not help, or whose symptoms get worse
- has a weakened immune system, for example because of chemotherapy
See a GP (NHS, UK) [1], for someone with sinusitis symptoms who:
- does not get better after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacy or GP
- does not get better after 3 weeks of treating symptoms themselves
- keeps getting sinusitis
- is a child aged 11 or younger
In Malaysia (Ministry of Health portals). Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur, a government health clinic, lists outpatient (Pesakit Luar) services. It lists its service hours as 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, with extended hours on weekday evenings and on weekends and public holidays, and says it is closed on some festival days [11]. Hospital Kuala Lumpur's emergency department says it provides 24-hour emergency medical services to people in Kuala Lumpur [12].
Find a clinic
The clinic directory lists acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine clinics across Malaysia by state and town.
Sources
- NHS. Sinusitis (sinus infection). Page last reviewed 31 January 2024.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), US National Institutes of Health. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety. Last updated October 2022.
- Rössberg E, et al. Comparison of traditional Chinese acupuncture, minimal acupuncture at non-acupoints and conventional treatment for chronic sinusitis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2005. PubMed 15907672.
- Wu AW, et al. Alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis: a systematic review utilizing a modified Delphi method. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, 2020. PubMed 32104974.
- Laws of Malaysia. Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775), English text published by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Sections 3, 25, 26 and 30.
- Federal Government Gazette P.U. (B) 118, 23 February 2021. Appointment of date of coming into operation, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016.
- NHS. Herbal medicines and complementary therapies. Page last reviewed 1 May 2026.
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. Sinusitis. Review date 29 April 2026.
- Malaysia.gov.my (MyGovernment portal). Malaysia Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999. Page updated 25 September 2025.
- Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Numbering and Electronic Addressing Plan, issued 26 January 2006. Schedule D.
- Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia. Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur.
- Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health Malaysia. Kecemasan & Trauma.