Promote sinus wellness this season!

‘Tis the season for sniffles, sinus pressure, and congestion, but with the help of a few pressure points, you can better support your sinuses and be able to breathe clearly again! Don’t let sinus pressure get in the way of your workouts this season.

Pressure points stem from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — heard of acupuncture? Acupressure (pressure points) were actually the precursor to needles! Acupressure is a noteworthy method to promote sinus health, and is a quick and efficient method that you can do right in your own home. 

The Center For Disease Control (CDC) reports that roughly 28 million adults are diagnosed with sinus issues, making this health issue a concern for many. Additionally, many acupuncturists commonly see patients who are managing sinus problems and seeking relief. 

The great news is, you can perform acupressure on yourself using your hands and fingers to find pressure points along certain places on your face and body. 

Why Acupressure for Sinus Support?

Acupressure on specific sinus points supports blood flow, mucus drainage, and promotes muscle relaxation. Consistent use of pressure points not only can clear up your sinuses quite quickly, but it’s an extremely cost-effective practice that is pharmaceutical-free — it’s natural and easy for anyone to do.

Sinus Anatomy

If you struggle with your sinuses, you likely know exactly where they are. The sinuses sit on each side of your nose and are hollow cavities that normally produce mucus to mitigate allergens, dust, germs, and debris. This mucus sweeps the harmful particles away and down the back of your throat or through your nose. 

Beyond the sinus cavities in your cheeks, you also have them behind your eyes, between the bridge of your nose and eyes, and near the forehead above the eyes. 

What Causes Sinus Pain?

When the tissue within your sinuses become inflamed from a cold or allergies, additional mucus builds up and can clog the sinus passages. As a result, your sinuses can’t drain, so you may feel pressure or discomfort. 

Sinus pressure points help facilitate mucus drainage to relieve pressure and unblock the sinus cavities. It’s important to note that acupressure does not treat a sinus infection, it simply helps relieve some of the inflammation. 

Using Acupressure

Acupressure is a simple technique where you use gentle pressure from your fingers and apply it to the point. You can gently massage the point, or put direct pressure on it — whichever you prefer. 

Acupressure is gentle and you don’t need an uncomfortable amount of pressure — bruising should not occur. 

You can repeat acupressure points as often as needed, to support sinus drainage. 

6 Pressure Points To Promote Sinus Wellness

• LI20 – This is a point that is on each side of the nose, in the space where your nose and cheeks meet. Place a finger on one or both sides and gently apply pressure.
• BL2 – These points are located on your upper face, where the bridge of your nose and the inner side of your upper eyelid meet. Apply pressure to one or both sides. 
• Yintang – Also known as the third eye, Yingtang is located between your eyebrows. Apply pressure or with a couple of fingers.
• SI18 – These are points on both sides of your face, just below your cheeks. Place a finger on the edge of the corner of your outer eye and follow it down to your cheeks — this is SI18. 
• LI4 – LI4 or He Gu is located on the back of your hands. These points are between your thumb and index finger. With your thumb close to your hand, find where the muscle bulges out from your thumb and index finger. Relax your hand and place pressure on this point — it’s typically a sensitive spot so you’ll know when you’ve found it.
• GB20 – These points lie on the back of your head, right where your head and neck connect. Find these points by placing your hands at the bottom of your neck and gently move your head back. Find the grooves that are next to your spinal cord, and place pressure. 

 

Try Acupressure Today!

At Proven 4, wellness is a non-negotiable, and as an athlete or someone who trains hard — when you feel your best, you perform your best. So, if you feel a cold coming on or you have a little extra sinus congestion try acupressure!