I live in Austin, one of the allergy capitals of the world.
And every few years, particularly when our cedar trees bloom, I bloom too – into sinus infflammation.
What is sinusitis? Sinusitis is usually a response to allergens or viruses. Our sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of the head – the maxillae, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal bones.
When you have a sinus issue, first the nasal passages swell, then become somewhat blocked. When the mucus can’t flow, it becomes more susceptible to infection.
For these problems, sinus rinses can be helpful both as a preventative and as part of your self-care during a flare-up. I enjoy the plastic bottle and salt packages available from NeilMed Pharmaceuticals.
Here are some key pressure points for sinus pain – although they will not necessarily cure the underlying condition, they offer tremendous relief from the associated pain.
- Place your fingers to either side of the nostrils – “smelling perfume”
- to the middle of forehead, just above and between your eyebrows
- the undersides of each brow near the nose “drilling bamboo”
- to either side just inside of the bones alongside your eyes
- to the place where your index finger and your thumb come together, usually in the “V” part of your palm.
Slide your finger into the depressions you find at these places and apply pressure.
With pain, the tissues surrounding the pain tense up. Therefore, massage may be very helpful applied to the neck, face and cranium. Use light to medium pressure to relieve tensions in the neck, face, jaw and scalp. Self-massage can be very effective if you create a relaxed atmosphere. And, of course, if you can visit a massage therapist who is acquainted with sinus treatment, you will receive even more expert care.
Although many sinus problems will resolve themselves naturally within a week, for any pain that is severe or persists for more than a week, consider seeing a health professional.