Sinusitis
and Benefits of Massage Therapy

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.

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.

Natural Sinusitis alternative treatments include:

• Steam-a hot shower or bath tends to break up congestion
• Essential oils-eucalyptus or peppermint  or a menthol blend (inhale them in the shower or using a diffuser)
• Use marble facial massage stones to reduce inflammation and swelling in sinuses
• Natural herbs - Echinacea and Goldenseal are both powerful herbs for fighting infection
• Herbal Tea - lemon, peppermint or orange is great
• Face Massage techniques -to facilitate break up of congestion
• 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, 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.

Benefits of Massage 

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.

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