Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Perform a basic sinus massage
• Method 2 of 3: Tackle specific cavities
• Method 3 of 3: Combine massage and steam treatments
• Warnings

If you are suffering from sinus pressure or blockage, massaging your sinuses can help relieve some of your irritation. Massaging the sinuses and the surrounding tissue can help relieve pressure and deflate mucus-filled sinuses. There are several types of massages you can try, including a basic full-face massage or massages designed for specific areas of your face. Keep in mind that you can mix these techniques together and massage just one or all of your cavities.

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Method 1 of 3: Perform a basic sinus massage

1. Rub your hands and fingers together to warm your fingers. Warm hands and fingers are more reassuring to the sinuses than cold hands and fingers. Cold hands and fingers can cause muscle tension.
   • One option is to pour a small amount of oil on your palm (about the size of a 20 cent coin). The oil helps to reduce the friction caused by your hands rubbing against your face. The scent of the oil can also help promote relaxation. Good oils to use for a sinus massage are almond oil, baby oil or castor oil. Just be careful not to get this in your eyes when massaging close to those areas.
2. Locate the cove of the eye sockets. The inlets of the eye sockets are on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the edge of the eyebrows. When pressure is applied to this area, it can help relieve colds, sinus headaches, and eye strain.
   • Use your thumbs. The thumbs are recommended as they are often stronger than other fingers. For other people, the index finger can be easier. Do whatever feels most soothing and comfortable to you.
3. Press with your finger directly on the recess of the eye sockets. Do this for a minute. The amount of pressure you apply should be somewhere between pleasant and firm.
   • Then press your fingers on the spot and move them in a circular motion for two minutes.
   • Keep your eyes closed while massaging this area.
4. Press your cheeks. Move your thumbs, or else your index and middle fingers so that they are placed on either side of your cheeks, just next to both nostrils. When pressure is applied to this area, it can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pain.
   • Apply firm and steady pressure on your cheeks for one minute.
   • Then move your fingers in a circular motion for two minutes.
5. If you feel pain, stop massaging. If there is a build-up of pressure in your sinuses, this base massage can feel quite intense, and this is normal. However, if you really feel pain, then you should stop and try an alternative or contact your doctor.

Method 2 of 3: Tackle specific cavities

1. Massage your forehead cavities. Your forehead cavities are in the area of ​​your forehead. Rub lotion or massage oil into your heated hands to make sure your fingers glide over your face without rubbing. Place both index fingers between your eyebrows in the center of your forehead. Make circular movements, moving your fingers from between your eyebrows outwards towards your temple.
   • Repeat this movement 10 times, using a constant and firm pressure.
   • Make sure your hands are warm before starting this massage. Rub your hands together to create a little friction and heat.
2. Try to massage your sieve bone / sphenoid cavities. These are your nasal passages. Pour a small amount of massage oil or lotion on your hands and rub them together to warm them up. Use your index fingers to swipe down the side of your nose bridge; this will promote drainage. As you work your way up to the top of your nose (the bridge), make small circles with your index fingers next to the corners of your eyes.
   • But be careful not to touch your eyes or let oil get into your eyes. The oil won't harm your eyes, but it can sting.
   • Repeat this movement 10 times, applying steady and firm pressure each time.
3. Learn how to massage your jaw cavities. Again pour lotion or massage oil on your hands and rub them together to warm them up. Apply downward pressure with your index fingers on both jaws at the outer corners of your nostrils. Work your fingers along your jaw bones towards your ear in small circular motions.
   • Repeat this movement 10 times. Again, you have to press firmly here to maximize the lighting.
4. Air sinuses with the nose rub technique. The technique is recommended for individuals with sinus problems, a dirty nose and nasal congestion. Rub oil into your hands. Use the palm of your hand to rub the tip of your nose in a circular motion, repeating this motion 15 to 20 times.
   • Change direction and rub your nose in reverse rotation, 15 to 20 times. For example, if you first rubbed your nose clockwise, now rub your nose counterclockwise for the next 15 circles.
5. Try to deflate your sinuses through massage. Pour a small amount of lotion into your hands and rub them together. Then use your thumbs to massage with moderate pressure from the center of the forehead to your ears. Repeat this movement two or three times.
   • Put your thumbs on the center of your nose and start massaging outwards towards your ears. Repeat this movement two or three times.
   • Place your thumbs under your jaw and slide your thumbs down the sides of your neck to your collarbones.

Method 3 of 3: Combine massage and steam treatments

1. Steam before or after a sinus massage. By combining the steam method described below with the massage techniques already described, you can greatly improve the drainage of your sinuses. While increased sinus drainage isn't great, draining excess mucus can quickly and effectively relieve pressure in your sinuses.
   • Steaming is an old method of relieving sinus pressure without chemicals or drugs. The steam helps open the nasal passages and thin the sometimes thick mucus, allowing it to be drained from the sinuses.
2. Fill a pan with a liter of water. Boil the water on the stove for one or two minutes, or until vigorous steam. Then remove the pan from the stove and place it on a heat resistant mat on a table.
   • You want the steam to enter your nasal passages and down your throat, but not at the cost of potentially burning yourself.
   • In addition, keep children away from the pan while it is cooking and while it is steaming. Try to do a steam treatment when there are no children around.
   • This method is for adults only - don't try this on children.
3. Hang a large, clean, cotton towel over your head. And then hang your head over the steaming pan. Close your eyes and keep your face at least 35 cm away from the water so you don't burn yourself.
4. Inhale through your nose and then out through your mouth. Do this for five seconds. Then reduce the inhale and exhale to a count of two. Do this for 10 minutes, or while the water is still steaming. Try to blow your nose during the treatment and then afterwards.
5. Steam up to every two hours. You can use this technique often, up to every two hours. You can give yourself a steam treatment every two hours, or as often as you like, by holding your head over the steam of a hot cup of tea, or bowl of soup while you work or on the road.
6. Add herbs to your steam treatment. You can also add herbs and essential oils (one drop per liter of water) to your steaming water. Some people think that oils and herbs can relieve symptoms, but these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.
   • Spearmint or peppermint, thyme, sage, lavender, and black lavender oil are all great choices to start with.
   • If a sinus fungal infection is found, add a drop of black walnut, tea tree, oregano, or sage essential oil to your steaming water. These are said to have anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.
   • Test your sensitivity to the herb you want to use before doing a full steam treatment. Try each herbal oil for a minute and then take your face away from the steam for 10 minutes and then judge how you feel. If you don't have any adverse reactions (such as sneezing or a skin reaction such as a rash), heat the water again and do the full treatment.
   • If you don't have the essential oils, replace it with 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb per gallon of water. With dried herbs, after adding them, boil it for another minute, then turn off the stove, take the pot to a safe place in the house and start steaming.
7. Take a hot shower. Taking a long, hot shower can have a similar effect to the steam treatment above. The hot water in the shower provides warm, moist air that helps to clear blocked nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure. Try to blow your nose naturally. The heat and steam will help moisten and liquefy the secretion in the cavities, making it easy to remove.
   • You can achieve a similar beneficial effect by applying a warm compress to your face to help open your nasal passages and relieve any pressure you feel in your sinuses. Warm a damp washcloth in the microwave for two to three minutes. Always be careful not to burn yourself.

Warnings

• If you don't feel relief within five to seven days of trying these remedies, call your doctor.
• Do not press any area in an abrupt, strong, or shocking way. You want to use firm but gentle pressure.
• Do not work directly on an area with a burn, scar, or ulcer.