If you have nasal congestion, a sinus massage can help relieve irritation. Furthermore, extended to the tissues surrounding this area, it can help reduce the pressure caused by the obstruction of the sinuses and, consequently, free them. You can try different types of massages, from the simplest ones, which affect the whole face, to those aimed at specific areas of the face. Keep in mind that you can combine the techniques proposed in this article and massage only one area or all of those in which the sinuses are located.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Performing a Simple Sinus Massage
Step 1. Join your hands and rub them to warm your fingers
The warmth from your hands offers more relief than when they are cold. In fact, if they are not hot, they risk contracting the muscles.
Try applying a small amount of oil to the palm of your hand (to cover a quarter of it). The oil helps decrease the friction caused by the hands as they rub the face. In addition, its scent helps you relax. To massage the sinuses, the best choices include almond oil, baby oil, or castor oil. Just keep it from coming into contact with your eyes while massaging the area around your eyes
Step 2. Locate the indentation of the eye sockets
It is located on either side of the joining point of the nose with the brow line. When pressure is applied to this area, colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches, and eye fatigue can be relieved.
Use your thumbs. The use of these fingers is recommended because they are stronger than the others. Some people find it more practical to use the index. Proceed in the way that is most comfortable for you and that can offer you relief
Step 3. Press your fingers directly on the indentation of the eye sockets
Do it for a few minutes. The pressure you are going to apply must be pleasant and constant.
- Press your fingers in this area for two minutes making circular motions.
- Keep your eyes closed as you massage this area.
Step 4. Press on the cheeks
Move your thumbs, or index and middle fingers, to either side of your cheeks, just outside each nostril. When pressure is applied to this area, nasal congestion and sinus pain can be relieved.
- Apply firm, constant pressure to your cheeks for about a minute.
- Then move your fingers in circular motions for a couple of minutes.
Step 5. Stop the massage if you feel pain
If pressure builds up on the sinuses, this massage can be quite intense, but it is normal. However, if you experience severe pain, you should stop and seek alternative remedy or see your doctor.
Part 2 of 3: Target Specific Areas
Step 1. Massage the frontal sinuses
The frontal sinuses are located in the forehead region. Rub a lotion or massage oil on your warm hands to eliminate friction and make it easier for your fingers to slide across your face. Place both index fingers between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead. In a circular motion, pass them between the eyebrows reaching the temples.
- Repeat this movement 10 times, maintaining firm and constant pressure.
- Make sure your hands are warm before starting this massage. Rub them so that the friction between them releases heat.
Step 2. Try massaging the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses
They are the sinuses located in the nose area. Pour a small amount of lotion or massage oil on your hands and rub them to keep them warm. Use the index fingers to rub the bridge of the nose with movements that proceed from top to bottom in order to favor the nasal discharge. When massaging the top of your nose, make small circular movements with your index fingers near the corners of your eyes
- However, do not touch your eyes and do not let the oil penetrate. There is no risk of damage, but they could get irritated.
- Repeat the movement 10 times, continuing to apply firm and constant pressure.
Step 3. Learn to massage the maxillary sinuses
Again, apply a lotion or massage oil to your hands and rub them to keep them warm. Using your index fingers, press on each cheek going down, near the outer corners of the nostrils. Using small circular motions, bring your fingers over your cheekbones towards your ears.
Repeat this movement 10 times. Again, you need to apply firm pressure if you want maximum relief
Step 4. Relieve sinuses by rubbing your nose
This technique is recommended for people suffering from sinusitis, stuffy nose and nasal congestion. Rub the oil between your hands. Use the palm of your hand to rub the tip of the nose with circular movements, repeating the operation 15-20 times.
Change direction and rub your nose in the other direction making circular motions 15-20 times. For example, if you rubbed your nose clockwise 15 times, scrub it counterclockwise another 15 times
Step 5. Try to free your sinuses by massaging them
Pour a small amount of cream on your hands and rub them. Applying moderate pressure, use your thumbs to massage from the central area of the face to the ears. Repeat this movement two or three times. After that:
- Place your thumbs in the center of your nose and start massaging towards your ears. Repeat this movement 2 or 3 times.
- Place your thumbs under the jaw and slide them down the sides of the neck to the collarbones.
Part 3 of 3: Combining the Massage with a Steam Treatment
Step 1. Use the steam before or after the massage
By combining the fumigation method described below with the massage techniques described so far, you can greatly facilitate sinus drainage. While it is not very pleasant to increase the production of nasal secretions, draining the excess mucus will allow you to relieve the pressure you feel in the sinuses quickly and effectively.
Suffumigation is an ancient method used to relieve pressure caused by sinus obstruction without the use of chemicals or drugs. The steam helps to open the nasal passages and to reduce the sometimes thick mucus, thus allowing it to escape from the sinuses
Step 2. Fill a quarter of the saucepan with water
Leave it for a minute or two on the stove until it boils or until you see the steam rising. Then remove it from the heat and place it on the table, on top of a heat-resistant cover.
- The vapor must penetrate the nasal passages and throat, without burning.
- Be careful not to let children near the pot while the water is boiling and steaming. Try to smoke when there are no children around.
- This method is suitable for adults. Do not apply it to children.
Step 3. Cover your head with a large, clean cotton towel
Then place your head over the boiling pot. Close your eyes and keep your face at least 30cm away from the water so you don't get burned by the steam.
Step 4. Inhale through the nose and exhale using the mouth
Do this by counting to five. Then, reduce the time by inhaling and exhaling to two. Do this for 10 minutes or until steam is still rising. Try blowing your nose during and after smoking.
Step 5. Do the fumenti every two hours
You can use this method frequently, such as every two hours. You can do this every two hours or as often as you like, perhaps by placing your face over the steam given off by a cup of hot tea or a bowl of soup when you're at work or away from home.
Step 6. Add herbs to the fluff
You can also add herbs and essential oils (one drop per liter of water) to the boiling water. According to some people, they relieve symptoms, although there is no scientific evidence to confirm this.
- You can use spearmint or peppermint, thyme, sage, lavender, and black lavender oil.
- If you have been diagnosed with a fungal sinus infection, add a drop of black walnut essential oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, or sage to the boiling water. They are believed to have antifungal and antiseptic properties.
- Before making a fluff, test your sensitivity to the herbs you intend to use. Try each essential oil for about a minute, then take your face away from the steam for 10 minutes and evaluate how you feel. If you experience any unwanted reactions (such as sneezing or skin reactions, such as rashes on the skin), heat the water again and start the treatment again.
- If you don't have essential oils available, replace them by using half a teaspoon of dried herbs for a quart of water. Extend the boil for a minute after adding them, turn off the heat and move the pot to a safe area of the house and start the wheat.
Step 7. Take a hot shower
It can produce an effect similar to that of fumigating. Hot water from the shower creates warm, humid air that relieves obstruction of the nasal passages and sinus pressure. Try blowing your nose as you usually do. The heat and steam will help moisten and thin the secretions making it easier to escape.
You can achieve a similar soothing effect by applying a warm compress to your face to help open the nasal passages and decrease the pressure you feel in your sinuses. Heat a damp cloth in the microwave for two to three minutes. Always be careful not to burn yourself
Warnings
- If after trying these remedies you don't feel any relief within 5-7 days, call your doctor.
- Do not press any area abruptly or strongly or with movements that can cause irritation. You need to apply firm but gentle pressure.
- Do not massage any area with burns, scars and ulcerations.
