Pressure Points and Massage for Sinus Headaches

I have written many articles trying to explain the reasons behind nasal congestion and stuffiness and the problems it can cause including facial pain and pressure. In addition to both prescription and over-the-counter medications, there are some techniques that may provide more immediate relief. The practice of acupuncture has been performed successfully for over 1,000 years. Putting tiny needles into specific areas of pain can provide significant reduction or even full resolution. However, a needle is not absolutely necessary, as massage and pressure to the same specific points is also effective.

Here are three specific areas where massage has been shown to be helpful:

Frontal Sinus Massage 

Your frontal sinus is in the center of your forehead and sits right above each eye. Before starting, you should rub your hands together to warm your fingers. Once your hands are warm, place your index and middle finger just above your eyebrow and softly rub in a circular outward motion. You want to work your way to your temple, still going in a soft circular motion. Do this for about 30 seconds to a minute and repeat twice.

Maxillary Sinus Massage

Another sinus massage that will help relieve sinus pressure is the maxillary sinus massage. The maxillary sinuses are on both sides of the nose, below the cheeks but right above the teeth. We recommend using your thumbs for a much deeper massage for the best results. But to start, you can do the following.

Using your index and middle finger, apply light pressure near your nose between your cheekbones and upper jaw. Move your fingers in a circular outward motion. Work your way toward the ears. Repeat this for about 30 seconds to a minute and repeat the whole massage twice.

Ethmoid Sinus Massage

The ethmoid sinuses are in the ethmoid bone that divides the brain and nasal cavity. This massage will also address your sphenoid sinuses, which are on the sides between the eyes and behind the nose.

With this massage, you want to place your index and middle fingers near your nose between your upper jaw and cheekbone and apply slight pressure. Move your fingers in a circular motion, then move toward the top of your nose. Slowly work your way down to the bottom of your nose. Repeat this motion two to three times for 10 to 15 seconds.

Addressing your sinus blockages and pressures with different methods can help temporarily reduce the pain. But if you suffer from sinus diseases and chronic pain, you should make an appointment with my office or with my colleagues at other offices of Allergy & ENT Associates.