Sinus pain and pressure can be very unpleasant and debilitating, and the buildup can often lead to infection, which may cause further symptoms such as sore throat and headache. The sinus passages need to stay clear to avoid such problems. Luckily there are some easy exercises to naturally drain the the sinuses and keep the passages open.
Causes of Sinus Pain and Pressure
Pain and pressure in the sinuses are caused by mucus buildup in the sinus passages. Allergies are often the main cause of mucus buildup. Draining the sinuses is a natural way to prevent this problem.
Sinus Massage Techniques
Heat a pot of water until it begins to boil. Remove water from stove and allow to cool just long enough so that steam is not scorching hot.
Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot of water, as close as you comfortably can to the steam, and inhale. This will open your sinus cavities.
Start with your middle fingers in the center of your forehead above your eyebrows. Begin to massage, gradually increasing and releasing the pressure in a gentle rhythmic motion for at least a minute.
Next, move your fingers sideways down towards the temples, massaging for another minute, then sweep your fingers down to the sides of your nose and repeat the technique with your middle fingers, applying and releasing pressure.
Now with your index fingers at the top of your nose, apply pressure alternately with each finger, moving down the entire length of the nose. Repeat for one minute.
The goal is to move mucus down to the nasal passages. Once you have finished the massage, gently blow your nose to remove any mucus that has been moved down.
Repeat the process again, starting with the inhalation of the steam and following with the massage.
Extra Techniques
Massage both sides of your neck right below your head to prevent tension and sinus pressure.
Massage the web of skin between thumb and index finger for 1 to 2 minutes to relieve sinus pressure and pain.
Tags: with your, your nose, middle fingers, mucus buildup, releasing pressure, sides your, sinus passages