Best Acupressure Points to Relieve Sinus Pain
With temperatures dropping, winter is in full swing and with it comes cold and flu season. For anyone suffering from sinus problems, this can be one of the most frustrating times of year. The sinuses - or the hollow cavities surrounding the nose - can create stuffy noses, sore throats, and headaches that send people running for over the counter medications that leave them feeling even more tired or drained.
Many people would welcome alternative methods to relieve sinus pressure and pain in a more natural manner. Fortunately, acupressure can help serve as an organic alternative to taking over the counter medications. Acupressure is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that utilizes pressure points in the body to provide relief for a variety of symptoms. There are many different acupressure points that can be used to help provide relief for sinus issues. Let’s take a look at their location and how to activate them.
- Edge of the Lower Nose
Known as the Ying Xiang pressure point, which translates as “Welcome Fragrance”. This pressure point is excellent for opening clogged sinuses and nasal passages, one of the most common complaints associated with cold and flu season.
This is also one of the easiest acupressure points to locate. It resides on both sides of the base of the nose where your nose attaches to your cheeks. This is also one of the easiest acupressure points to trigger.
To trigger this point, simply place a finger on each side of your nostrils where your nostrils. Next, press firmly into your face for a minute or two. The direction is important as you are not pinching your nose closed but rather pressing inwards towards the back of your head. You may also choose to press in a circular motion, which can have a better effect for some people.
If you are only experiencing congestion in one nasal passage, simply press only the point on the side where you are experiencing congestion. This pressure point is one of the most effective for relieving nasal congestion and is often effective with colds, allergies, and sinusitis among other ailments.
- Between the Eyebrows
This point is referred to as Yintang or sometimes called the third eye because it is located directly between the eyebrows in the middle of your head. It is an easy point to find and trigger.
For the Yintang point, place either one or two fingers directly between your eyebrows. They should rest just above the ridge of your nose where the skull widens. Press firmly for roughly two minutes and, if desired, pair pressure with a circular motion.
This acupressure point is helpful for relieving a variety of factors. It is commonly used to relieve a stuffy or runny nose, one of the most annoying aspects of cold and flu season. Additionally, it is often useful in providing relief for sinus headaches.
- Interior of the Clavicle
This point is known as Shufu. It can be found towards the interior of the clavicle, or collarbone. It can take a moment to locate, but can be found with a little patience. Simply run your fingers down the edge of your lower collarbone moving towards your sternum. When you feel a divot or depression, you’ve found this point.
To trigger the point, either firmly tap or massage for one to two minutes. You can trigger these points at the same time or separately. This acupressure point serves to stimulate the kidney and the lungs.
Activating this point is said to provide a boost to the immune system and can be particularly useful for people that are prone to upper respiratory infections. It can also relieve coughing and shortness of breath while providing additional energy.
- Wrist, Below the Thumb
This acupressure point is known as Taiyuan, which translates to “Great Abyss.” It can be located on the inside of each wrist just below where the thumb connects to the hand. The process for finding this point may take a bit more work than some of the others, but is simple if you know what to do.
First, hold your hand out with your palm facing upwards. Place a finger below your thumb and find the crease where the palm connects with the wrist. This is the point and activating it puts pressure on the radial artery. Press firmly for a few minutes on one hand; then repeat on the other.
This acupressure point is effective in relieving a variety of throat-related symptoms from colds. It is helpful in reducing phlegm and can also improve symptoms such as sore throat.
- Lower Foot, Above Big Toe
It may surprise you that this acupressure point is effective at responding to sinus issues given its location. It is known as Tai Chong which translates to “Great Surge.” It is relatively easy to locate and trigger.
First, sit down with your knees bent and feet in front of you. Place a finger in the crease between your big toe and second toe. Next, place two fingers from your other hand parallel to this finger as if they are crossing your foot. Move your finger these two finger widths up towards your ankle. You’ve found this point. Press firmly for a minute. It is often easier to activate these points one at a time.
Activating this point is useful for relieving headaches and pain around the eyes. It can also help with issues such as vertigo and facial swelling.
Final Thoughts
While there are many different acupressure points that can help relieve symptoms related to cold and flu season, these five are some of the most effective and easiest to activate. For those interested in trying alternative natural healing options to medication, these points can help to provide relief to sinus pain. Additionally, Aculief is proud to offer a wearable acupressure clip that can help further relieve many symptoms related to sinus problems, such as headaches. Pair it with our My Relief Essential Oil Roll On Stick for even more headache relief and relaxation.
