8 Sinus Pressure Points All Over the Body
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Medically reviewed by Jordana Haber Hazan, MD
Sinus pressure is an uncomfortable complication of nasal congestion or sinusitis. Many medications are available to help treat congestion and dry your sinuses. Pressure point manipulation is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice that may be able to offer you immediate, natural relief.
This article will explore some methods for relieving sinus pressure using pressure points, with guidance on how you can treat sinus pressure at home.
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Sinus Pressure Points: Where Are They?
Pressure points are areas of the body that correspond to various sensations, either at that point or somewhere else in the body. Acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, and reflexology are all types of CAM therapies that use pressure points for pain relief and the treatment of various conditions.
There are hundreds of pressure points throughout the body, but only a few seem to correspond to nasal sinus pressure.
The sinus cavities in your face can accumulate fluid, resulting in congestion. This can occur with an upper respiratory infection or seasonal allergies or be a chronic (long-term) problem. This fluid buildup can create pressure in these open spaces that can be difficult to relieve. Applying pressure with your fingers at specific areas throughout the body may help.
Cheeks
The maxillary sinus is located around the area of your cheekbone and your nose. There is a pressure point at the level of the bottom of your nostrils, in a vertical match to the center of your pupil. Simultaneous pressure applied to this point is aimed at reducing inflammation and stimulating sinus drainage.
Nose
There are several sinus cavities behind and around the nose, and there are also a few pressure points in this area that can help you get relief. One option is to apply gentle pressure on either side of the base of your nose. You can also stimulate sinus relief by applying pressure in the hollow area where your bridge of your nose and eyelids meet on either side.
Lips
There is another pressure point between your upper lip and the bottom of your nose. When pressure is applied here, it's believed to help relieve nasal congestion and control nosebleeds.
Forehead
Large sinus cavities are located in the forehead, so it makes sense there are corresponding pressure points there. The main pressure point of the forehead is also known as a third eye, and pressure here is said to be associated with a wide range of benefits.
Gently pressing the space between your eyebrows on your forehead may help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure, as well as help with problems like headaches, anxiety, and mental clarity.
Base of the Neck
The base of the back of your neck houses another pressure point believed to offer relief for nasal and sinus congestion. To access this point, find the groove between the muscles on either side of your spine at the base of your hairline and apply pressure.
Feet
Your feet have several pressure points that can offer all types of relief, but the pressure point here that corresponds to nasal congestion is on the top of the foot near the big toe. To access this pressure point, find the depression or groove just under the big toe and your second toe on the top of your foot and apply pressure.
Hands
There are two main pressure points on your hands that may correspond to your sinuses. One is located in the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. The other can be found at the inner base of your hand, on the side closest to your thumb.
Arms
There is also a pressure point on the inside of your elbow, where your forearm meets the elbow. Find a small depression in this area with your thumb, and apply gentle pressure. This site is associated with relief of cough, and nasal or chest congestion.
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How to Stimulate Sinus Pressure Points on Yourself
You can stimulate these sinus pressure points yourself. Apply gentle to moderately firm pressure to the areas listed above. You can experiment with massaging or circular motions, as well as pulsating and constant pressure.
Natural Remedies for Sinus Pressure
Aside from using pressure points, there are other natural remedies you can use to try and relieve nasal and sinus pressure or congestion.
These include:
Staying well hydrated
Using a humidifier
Sleeping with your head elevated
Sinus Pressure Release With an Acupuncture Practitioner
If you are interested in having more in-depth therapy, you may decide to visit a complementary and alternative medicine therapist that specializes in treatments like acupuncture, acupressure, and reflexology. These therapists are well-versed on the pressure points in the body, how to use them, and where to apply pressure for relief in different areas of the body.
You can ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a local therapist, or visit the website of one of the national organizations that certifies these therapists like:
Summary
There are hundreds of pressure points scattered all over your body that correspond to different body systems and functions. In alternative medicine, pressure applied in these areas is believed to stimulate nerve responses in that area or another area of the body.
Alternative practitioners address a variety of conditions (including the relief of sinus congestion) by manipulating pressure points. Talk to your healthcare provider or an alternative medicine therapist to learn more.
