Optional Sinus Massage Tips
For any of the sinus massages you try, if you dont feel like your sinuses are clear, feel free to repeat the massages every hour or so. Additionally, try out these optional tips for an even more soothing, relaxing, and effective sinus massage.
- Place your hands on a heated-up microwavable hot pack or rub your hands together to warm them up a bit before massaging.
- Lay down and place a microwavable hot pack on your forehead or under the back of your neck while you give yourself the sinus massages.
- Add a drop of your favorite essential oils to your fingertips before massaging. Alternatively, try rubbing a drop of your favorite essential oil just below your nose for a calming effect. Menthol-based oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and spearmint work wonders for opening up your sinuses as their smell is a natural nasal decongestant.
Nicole Cutler Lac Mtcm Dipl Ac
Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM is a long time advocate of integrating perspectives on health. With a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute, Nicole has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. She has gathered acupuncture licenses in the states of California and New York, is a certified specialist with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has earned diplomat status with the National Commission of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. In addition to her acupuncture practice that focuses on stress and pain relief, digestion, immunity and oncology, Nicole contributes to the integration of healthcare by writing articles for professional massage therapists and people living with liver disease.
What Causes Sinus Pain And Pressure
Your sinuses are air-filled spaces connected to your nasal passages that help humidify air as you breathe in and produce mucus that helps trap bacteria and foreign particles. When nasal passages and their tissues become irritated, mucus can build up instead of draining normally. This build-up causes swelling and often causes pain and pressure in your sinuses. Swollen and inflamed tissues can also cause pressure on nerve endings around your sinuses. This leads to dull or throbbing pain and aches.
Several factors can cause nasal passage irritation and bring on sinus pressure symptoms.
- Environmental irritants Airborne pollutants such as those that cause allergies can trigger mucus build up and sinus pressure.
- A sinus infection Sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection, could be a cause of your sinus pressure and pain. If you think you may have a sinus infection, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
- The common cold Not every cold is the same but sometimes symptoms include mucus build up, which can mean sinus pressure and pain.
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Can You Put Vicks In Your Nose
Its not safe to use Vicks VapoRub inside your nose as it can be absorbed into your body through the mucus membranes lining your nostrils. VVR contains camphor, which can have toxic effects if absorbed into your body. It can be especially dangerous for children if its used inside their nasal passages.
Steps To An Effective Facial Sinus Massage
Throughout the day, a comprehensive massage can prevent the build-up of sinus pressure throughout the major sinus groups. Practice will allow the sinusitis sufferer to follow these steps in a couple of minutes.
- Begin the massage on the forehead and cheeks with gentle circles using the index fingers on the forehead and thumbs on the cheeks. The motion continues as the hands work upward.
- Locate the v-shaped notch between the eyebrows and use both thumbs to apply firm pressure for 10 full seconds. Release the pressure and repeat three times. Move the thumbs outward approximately 1 centimeter and reapply the pressure in this area in three repetitions.
- Using the middle fingers, locate the bony indentation on each side of the nose. Apply gentle pressure here for ten seconds.
- Use to fingers to apply gentle pressure to the top of the nose between the eyebrows. Immediately following this, move the same two fingers to the underside of the cheekbone for a count of ten.
- Create small circles of movement along the jawbone from the ears to the center of the chin. Relax the facial muscles with deep stretches, or yawing. Repeat this 10 times.
Low-grade headaches are the initial indicators that the sinuses require some gentle massaging. Use of these exercises will become habit and fewer medications will be required. Each person will devise a personalized approach to relieving sinus pressure throughout the day.
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Other Ways To Relieve Sinus Pain
People can relieve sinus pain by combining sinus massage with the following treatments:
- These medications help relieve congestion and sinus pain by reducing blood flow and swelling in the sinus membranes. Decongestants are available over the counter .
- Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays contain saline to help loosen and thin mucus that has become trapped inside the nose. Some sprays also contain a corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation in the sinuses. Nasal sprays are available OTC.
- Nasal irrigation: This type of personal hygiene practice involves using a nasal irrigation device or âneti potâ to flush saline solution through the nose. While most NIDs are generally safe, people should use them with caution. According to the
Sphenoid And Ethmoid Sinus Massage
Your sphenoid sinuses are located behind your nose and right between your eyes, while the ethmoid sinuses are in the bone that divides your nasal cavity from your brain, so these two are quite close together. Heres how to properly massage both your sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses to open up your sinuses, breathe better, and reduce sinus headaches in a pinch:
- Take your index fingers and place them on the sides of your nose bridge.
- Feel around for the area right between the corners of your eyes and your nasal bone.
- Put slightly firm pressure on that spot with your index fingers for around 15 seconds.
- Next, make a slow downward stroke down the side of your nose bridge.
- Repeat steps three and four once or twice.
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Sinus Pressure Points On The Hands
The soft tissue between your thumb and index finger may serve as a pressure point for sinus relief. If you cant find the area by touching it, place your hand flat on a table and bring your index finger and thumb together. The point is beneath where the skin rises up highest.
To access the point, open your hand up and use the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand to squeeze the area for a few minutes
Your fingertips may also be able to act as pressure points for sinus relief. To activate any of these points, simply press and momentarily squeeze each the end of each finger.
There are also pressure points along your hands right next to your fingernails. These points are just beside the nail, in the corners where the base joins the skin.
The specific points are as follows:
- Outside corner of the thumbnail
- Outside corner of the index finger
- Outside corner of the middle finger
- Inside corner the ring finger
- Inside and outside corner of the pinky
How To Drain Sinuses With A Massage According To Experts
A lot of people ask me how to drain sinuses with a massage. They just cant deal with the constant stuffiness, pressure, and nasal discharge. I get it. Ive been there. I started having sinus problems since I was nine years old.
At first, it started off with regular nasal discharge and puffiness. But, the older I got, the more my problems started to magnify. The occasional membrane inflammation turned into chronic sinusitis, and the constant runny nose was a pain to deal with.
Thats until I learned how to do a massage for sinus inflammation. Now, the whole sinus issues are more bearable. Plus, I can breathe through my nose which is something I couldnt even think of back in middle school.
If you want to learn the tricks to a facial massage for sinus problems, youve come to the right place. I decided to share all my knowledge and personal experience with you so that youll have a much easier time dealing with your sinuses.
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Neck Rotation Exercises Another Tried And True Method On How To Relieve Ear Pressure From Sinuses
Number five on our list for how to relieve ear pressure from sinus infection is doing neck rotation exercise. Specific neck movements may offer the benefit of reducing tension in the ear canal.
Among them are neck rotation exercises. In addition, to ease ear pressure and pain using this particular sinus infection treatment at home, do the following:
- On a chair, sit up straight with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
- Rotate your head so you are facing right. Go as far to the side as you can.
- Slowly return to your starting position.
- Do the same for the other side.
This is safe enough to do as many times as you want. However, if your neck is getting fatigued and you still dont have any relief, try another method.
How Does Massage Help Sinus Pressure
Before I can get to the good part, its important to start with the basics. You see, sinus problems are a pretty big deal. The CDC stated in 2018 that 28.9 million American adults were diagnosed with sinusitis. Thats a huge chunk of the U.S. population.
We all know that the sinuses are a small network of cavities located in the skull. They are just behind the forehead and cheekbones. Inside this nasal cavity are tissues responsible for producing all the mucus.
When these tissues fill up with fluid, they become inflamed or swollen. The inflammation makes it difficult for the cavities to drain properly. This results in plenty of mucus stacking up in the nose. This is what we call nasal congestion.
Sinus inflammation is the one that results in nasal congestion. When we are exposed to viral infections, irritants, or allergens, thats when we trigger nasal congestion.
A massage for sinuses can help with the pain by getting rid of all that pressure thats build up in the cavities. By relying on gentle movements, warmth, and pressure, you can speed up the circulation and help the mucus flow.
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Sphenoid Or Ethmoid Sinus Massage
Warm the hands and apply some oil. Then, with the middle finger, massage the nose along the side of the bridge. Move the fingers downwards to boost healthy drainage. Continue massaging the nose upwards all the way to the bridge. When you reach the top of the bridge, do a small circle and massage the corner of the eyes.
But dont touch the eyes. Simply move along the nose bridge to massage the sinuses. Repeat the same technique around ten times.
Acupressure And Acupuncture For Sinuses
Acupuncture is used to treat chronic sinus pressure and other symptoms.
Research from 2006 found that about 99 percent of acupuncturists in the United States treat sinus problems. Similarly, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using acupressure to relieve sinus pressure due to allergies.
While more research is needed on using acupressure to treat sinus symptoms, this practice may help improve blood flow, relax muscles, and help mucus drain from the sinuses.
You can do acupressure for sinus symptoms on yourself. It only takes a few minutes.
You can press on the acupressure points or gently rub or rotate your fingers in a circular motion over the area.
You can also get professional acupressure treatment from a certified acupuncturist. Some massage therapists may also use acupressure points.
Here are the main acupressure points for sinus relief and how to find them:
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Can I Massage While Sick With Flu
A massage is meant to relieve any tension and boost the immune system. But, when the body is already having trouble with an infection or a virus , it is not a good idea to get a massage. The pressure you apply can feel incredibly heavy and make you dizzy. This is not something you need when you are sick.
If you really need a massage while sick, try acupuncture. A lot of people wonder can acupuncture help sinus pressure? The truth is, many rely on acupuncture for blocked sinuses. Plus, it can relieve the symptoms of the flu, like headaches, fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
But, most importantly, it can help get your runny nose in check and soothe the congestion. These are all benefits that can come in handy when dealing with sinus problems.
Where Are The Sinuses
The sinuses are hollow spaces or cavities in the bones around the nose. Your sinuses make mucus or fluid. The mucus drains into your nasal cavity and down the back of your throat. This keeps your nose moist and gets rid of dust, allergens, and germs.
There are four pairs of sinuses connected to your nose:
- in the cheekbones on each side of your nose
- above your eyes near the forehead
- between the eyes and the bridge of your nose
- behind your eyes
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Traditional Chinese Medicine For Sinuses
Acupuncture and acupressure are both used to treat sinus pressure and other symptoms.
Acupuncture points can help treat chronic sinus issues. In addition, you can get relief from sinus pressure due to allergies if you perform acupressure. In fact, acupressure is also used to get relief from toothaches, headaches, and so on. However, more research is necessary for acupressure treatment. But this practice can help relax muscles, improve blood flow, and allow mucus to drain from the sinuses.
Effects Of Sinusitis On Daily Life
A picture of the sinuses reveals the extensive network of air-filled spaces that lie within the bone structures of the human face. When working properly, the sinuses protect the body from airborne germs, disease and pathogens that would bring infection into the lungs. Natural mucous is produced to protect the inner lining of each sinus cavity.
Common health problems exacerbate the sinus blockages:
- Bacteria Unhealthy levels of bacteria in the sinuses damage the lining of the noise and block the natural drainage channels.
- Allergies Particles in the air, such as pollen, pet dander and dust, irritate the nasal tissues and cause inflammation, which results in blockage in the drainage channels.
- Nasal polyps The presence of polyps in the nasal passages cause blockages that result in extensive sinus issues.
Problems in this delicate system lead to blocked sinuses that become painful without treatment. Traditional treatments have included drugs that dry out the sinuses instead of correcting the actual problem. Constant pain is the companion of people who succumb to daily battles to find the right combination of medications that will provide relief.
Facial sinus massage could provide relief without taking medications that cause drowsiness or other side effects. Techniques can be embraced to tailor the perfect massage routine for the individual. Hope inspires the sinusitis sufferer to embrace different approaches to massage that will become part of the daily routine.
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How Can I Permanently Cure Sinusitis
TreatmentNasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies.Oral or injected corticosteroids. Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis.Jun 1, 2019
How To Do Acupressure For Sinuses
You can perform acupressure for sinus issues on yourself. This method may only take a few minutes of your time.
- Use a mirror to see the pressure points on your face.
- Use your fingers, thumbs, or a small, blunt item, such as the eraser tip, to apply firm pressure on the targeted areas. Do this for at least 3 minutes each.
- Then, repeat throughout the day for a couple of days.
Furthermore, you can gently press, rub, or rotate your fingers in a circular motion over the acupressure points. Some people with tooth pain also use this method to ease their pain symptoms. However, remember that this technique should not replace a dental visit. You can likewise get professional treatment from a qualified and experienced acupuncturist. In any case, know that a few massage therapists may also use acupressure treatment.
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Causes Of Sinus Pressure
Whenever there is a breach in this security wall such that an irritant finds its way into the respiratory system, the smooth sinus drainage is bound to get disrupted. Respiratory infections such as the common cold as well as seasonal allergies can lead to an irritation or inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the insides of your nose. Subsequently, the bodys natural defenses go into overdrive to flush out the culpable irritants, and this results in an increased amount of mucus secretion. The swelling of the mucosal lining makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain out the excessive mucus, leading to nasal blockage and subsequent buildup of sinus pressure.
Performing A Basic Sinus Massage
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