5 Natural Sinusitis Remedies

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses due to infection (viral or bacterial), allergy, or autoimmune issue. It includes swelling and/ or pain in one or more nasal passages and can last for days, or even weeks.

5 Natural Sinusitis Remedies for Congestion and Pain

It is the most common chronic illness in America, therefore massage therapists are learning lymph drainage techniques in order to help clients, family, and friends relieve sinus pain and pressure.

It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies or autoimmune disease. Occasionally, structural abnormalities (such as a deviated septum), dental infections or nasal polyps (which can hold infected mucus) can cause the disorder.

Symptoms often include pain, congestion, and pressure in the sinuses, but can also include:

• Headaches
• Fever
• Chills
• Green or yellow mucus
• Inability to smell
• Red, painful eyes
• Coughing
• Ear pain
• Pain in teeth
• Tiredness
• Swelling around the eyes

Treatment Options

Your physician may prescribe antibiotics or bed rest if he/she does not see signs of infection. Antihistamines may also be prescribed or over-the-counter drugs suggested.

Marble facial massage stones are a natural treatment option for relief of pain and congestion associated with chronic sinus issues.

5 Natural Sinusitis Treatments include:

1. Essential oils -eucalyptus or peppermint  or a menthol blend (inhale them in the shower or using a diffuser)
2. Use marble facial massage stones or self-massage techniques of sinuses to reduce inflammation and swelling in nasal passages
3. Natural herbs - Echinacea and Goldenseal are both powerful herbs for fighting infection
4. Herbal Tea - lemon, peppermint or orange are great
5. Inhale steam in a shower or use a Neti Pot  - Neti Pots are a great way to inhale steam and loosen mucus within nasal passages to encourage release of congestion and pressure.

Sinus issues fall into three categories: acute, chronic and allergenic (which could be both acute and chronic).

Acute sinus problems are usually from seasonal allergies and are temporary.

Chronic sinus issues are long term. They can be due to allergies, climate changes, food, or something unknown. Sinuses are usually inflamed for long periods of time.

Sinus pressure and headaches are often the hardest part of any sinusitis issues.

Allergic sinusitis occurs when sinus inflammation is caused by a reaction to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This inflammation can block sinus openings, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, pressure, and pain. 

If you can do self-massage, concentrate adding pressure along nasal passages, eyebrows and between eyebrows at the upper corners of the eyes.

Try adding sustained, specific, and direct pressure around eyes, ears, neck, head and jaw to facilitate congestion movement, but be sure no essential oils are on your hands when working around eyes..

Consultation with a doctor should be sought if symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days.

Benefits of Massage for Sinusitus

Sinus massage can offer relief from sinusitis by gently relieving pressure and potentially helping to drain mucus buildup. It can be a helpful way to manage symptoms like facial pain, congestion, and headaches associated with sinusitis, according to several health sources. 

How Sinus Massage Helps:

• Relieves Pressure:Sinus massage can help reduce pressure in the sinuses by applying gentle pressure to specific areas. 
• Promotes Drainage:The massage may help to encourage the drainage of mucus, which can be a common cause of congestion and pressure. 
• Increases Circulation:Gentle pressure and warmth from massage can increase blood circulation to the area, which may help with inflammation and pain. 
• Muscle Relaxation:Massaging the face and surrounding areas can help relax facial muscles, which can contribute to sinus-related pain. 
• Symptom Relief:Sinus massage may be particularly helpful for those with allergies, colds, or asthma 

Specific Techniques:

• Frontal Sinus Massage: Gentle circular motions or pressure along the forehead, above the eyebrows, can help drain the frontal sinuses. 
• Maxillary Sinus Massage: Massaging the cheeks along the cheekbones, towards the nose, can help drain the maxillary sinuses. 
• Sphenoid/Ethmoid Sinus Massage:Gentle pressure at the corners of the eyes and the sides of the nose bridge can help drain deeper sinuses. 
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage:This type of massage focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system to help drain excess fluid and waste, which can be beneficial for sinus relief. 

Important Considerations:

• Not a Cure: While sinus massage can help manage symptoms, it's not a substitute for medical treatment for sinus infections or other underlying conditions. 
• Consult a Doctor:If you have persistent or severe symptoms, consult a doctor to rule out infections or other conditions that require medical attention. 
• Combining with Other Treatments:Sinus massage can be used in conjunction with other home remedies like warm compresses or steam inhalation. 

Pressure point to release sinuses

The main sinus pressure point rests just below where your cheekbones meet your nose on each side of it. They can be pressed on simultaneously  with circular motions of massage therapy, to soothe swelling and stimulate drainage from sinusitus.

Read more about sinusitis on Healthline.

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