Use Acupressure to Relieve Sinus Pressure
Autumn Leaves and Allergies
Fall may be your favorite season of the year. You may enjoy the fantastic foliage, football, the World Series, apple cider, hunting, hot cocoa on a crisp night…and allergies! If you suffer from migraines, fall may be your worst time of year. Many people have plugged up sinuses and assume the sinus pressure is what triggers the headaches. However, many experts contend true sinus headaches are rare. Your sinus headache may just a pattern of your larger migraine problem. The general inflammation the allergies produce may be your migraine trigger. The pain around your sinuses may just be secondary to your general inflammation. For more information about sinus headaches, check out information from the American Migraine Foundation at https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/sinus-headaches/.
Acupressure Point Large Intestine 20
Acupressure can relieve your headache, whether your headache is classified as a migraine, tension headache or an actual sinus headache. The point Large Intestine 20 can reduce sinus pressure you feel, even if you don’t have a headache. “Welcome Fragrance” is another name for this acupressure point which relieves congestion in the nasal passages and sinus area to permit better air flow. “Welcome Fragrance” is a much more romantic name for this point than “Large Intestine 20.” You can see the location of the pressure point in these beautiful diagrams by artist Patrick McRae.
How do I use acupressure to relieve sinus pressure?
Firstly, find the point which is about two thumb widths from the nostril. Secondly, use your thumbs to apply pressure to the point by pushing up diagonally at about a 30-degree angle to hit the point under your cheekbone. Do not stray too far from the nostril. Finally, rest your elbows on a kitchen table or your thighs to stabilize your forearms to maintain steady pressure on the point. You can hit both left and right points simultaneously with this method. Hold the pressure for 15-60 seconds. Remove the thumb pressure when the treatment is concluded, and you should feel a pressure melt away from your sinus. Nasal drainage will often occur after the technique is used.
How can I be sure I am on the right point?
You may miss the point if you do not go deep enough under the cheekbone. If you apply pressure straight on without angling your thumbs properly, there may be less tenderness and your finger or thumb may be too high up. The target point is more tender than the surrounding area. Take your thumbs off your face and a relief of sinus pressure confirms that you got it!
When does the point not help to relieve sinus pressure?
If you are afflicted with the flu or another systemic ailment the point will not help to relieve pressure. The acupressure points work spectacularly well for some people. Others have not much reaction at all. Some people obtain good relief from the point but find that when the pressure is moved the congestion and sinus pain soon returns. Your individual benefit is difficult to predict. If you are an acupressure responder to one point, you are a good candidate to respond to other points. Check with your doctor if you are on blood thinners or other conditions that would cause bruising before you use acupressure points.
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACUPRESSURE?
Check out my “Calming the Headache Storm” book. Over the past 30 years, I have learned acupressure points that are great self-help treatments for various afflictions. Large Intestine 20 is one of those easy-to-use points you might like!
-You understand that if not done properly, some techniques and exercises described in this blog could harm you. Any activities you perform are at your own risk, and you expressly agree to waive any claims against the author for any harm that may arise from your own actions. By reading this blog and conducting these exercises, you accept this risk. This blog provides content related to physical and/or mental health issues. As such, your use of techniques described acts as your acceptance of this disclaimer. Consult Chapter 2 in my book, “Calming the Headache Storm” to make sure the headache is not the sign of a more serious problem. The techniques, advice and strategies contained in this blog may not be suitable for every individual and should be abandoned if your headache increases. Seek the advice of your physician.