Self-Care

Drain the Sinuses and Breathe Easier

By Heath and Nicole Reed
May/June 2024
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Besides contributing to every aroma you smell and flavor you taste, your sinuses influence several unique features about who you are: from the sound of your voice to the shape of your face to how easily you breathe (and how healthy you feel).

When feeling healthy, mucus flows freely and air circulates with ease through the paranasal sinuses (small, air-filled extensions of the nasal cavity). In fact, nasal breathing is shown to generate the miracle molecule "nitric oxide," which contributes to a host of immunological, respiratory, and circulatory advantages (see "Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times," from Massage & Bodywork November/December 2020 to discover more about the regenerative properties of nitric oxide and the deleterious outcomes of being a mouth breather).

A close-up of a women's face with acupoints to drain sinuses highlighted.
Unsplash.

When battling an infection, or in response to an allergic reaction, the mucus membranes may swell and become obstructed. The once easy and taken-for-granted act of nasal breathing becomes labored and painful. It may exacerbate symptoms like headaches, runny noses, itching, watery eyes, and sneezing fits or could make breathing altogether impossible.

Massaging, pressing, and/or holding points along meridians called acupressure points (a.k.a. acupoints and marmas) can offer relief and comfort and help soothe and drain the sinuses. Acupressure is an ancient healing tradition hailing from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to relieve pain, tension, and stress by restoring the natural, free flow of qi (pronounced "chee") or life force in the body. There are specific points found along meridians used in TCM you can use for yourself and your clients to help relieve sinus pressure and pain caused by congestion, colds, and allergies.

Apply gentle pressure and massage to the following acupressure points a few times throughout the day to help relieve sinus pressure.

Bladder 2 (BL 2) "Drilling Bamboo"

Located where your eyebrow meets your nose; relieves frontal headache and opens the nose

Stomach 3 (ST 3) "Facial Beauty"

Located under the cheekbones, directly below the center of the eyes; relieves sinus congestion and eye ache

Large Intestine 20 (LI 20) "Welcome Fragrance"

Located at the nostril flare; relieves sinus pressure, runny nose, and sinus congestion

Try one or all three of these approaches to discover which is best for your body:

  • Apply a comfortably deep press upward for 30 seconds on each point or for at least three breaths.
  • Gently massage the point in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
  • Hold each point until you feel a gentle pulsing.

Resource

Teach Me Anatomy. "The Paranasal Sinuses." Accessed April 2024. bit.ly/4a9Csk0.

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