Sinus Congestion

Sinus pressure and congestion are common complaints. Whether your nose is dripping from a cold/flu or allergies, it’s never fun! To best treat your congestion, its important to understand what’s going on. 

We’ve got four pairs of sinus cavities (eight total): 

  • Maxillary: Under your eyes and cheekbones
  • Frontal: Above your eyebrows
  • Ethmoid: Behind your nose/eyes
  • Sphenoid: Behind your eyes, near your temple

Where does sinus pressure/congestion come from?

Sinuses are interconnected, like a network of tunnels that open to the outside world. These tunnels vary in size but are essentially pockets of “empty” space lined with tissue. When you come in contact with an allergen, the tissue lining these pockets gets inflamed and swollen. This makes it hard for mucus to drain and causes build-up.

Sinus Infection vs Allergies

With many symptoms shared between sinus infections and allergies, it can be hard to distinguish between the two. Here are a few differences:

Allergies

Allergy symptoms may come and go throughout the day, and often you'll have drainage either from your nose or down your throat. Some allergy symptoms are:
  • Runny Nose
  • Itchy Eyes
  • Tickling in Throat
  • Sneezing
Please note, this is not an extensive list! Always refer to your health care provider with any questions.

Sinus Infection

Sinus Infections are generally consistent throughout the day and last more than one week. Some symptoms include:
  • Feeling of Pressure in Face
  • Pain in Face
  • Headaches
  • Post-Nasal Drip
  • Reduced sense of smell
These are infections, and may require antibiotics to treat. Please refer to your health care provider.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Sinuses

Maxillary:

  1. Place your middle fingers at the corner of your nose, and apply gentle pressure inwards and away from your nose
        • Your nostrils should look flared
  2. Hold this for 15 seconds. 
  3. Ease up on your pressure, and slowly drag your fingers up to your temple. 
        • Keep your pressure light! The fluid sits near the skin, so deep pressure will not be effective.
  4. Repeat this motion 3-5 times.

Ethmoid:

  1. Place your middle fingers at the inner corner of your eyes, and apply gentle pressure to the nasal bridge (similar to pinching the bridge of your nose)
  2. Hold for 15 seconds
  3. Gently sweep your fingers down to the corners of your nose, and draw up to your temple

Frontal and Sphenoid:

  1. Using your thumb or your middle finger, gently apply pressure to the bridge of your nose. 
  2. Drag your finger up along the top of your eyebrow towards your temple
  3. Repeat 3-5 times
  4. Do this motion again, but move a few centimeters above the eyebrow. Our goal is to get the upper part of the sinuses.
  5. Repeat these 2 motions 3-5 times
  6. Use your thumb and pointer finger to gently squeeze your eyebrows, holding 3-5 seconds and moving from end-to-end
        • Optional: when gently squeezing, pull your eyebrows slightly away from your face

Finishing moves:

  1. Gently pull your ears down and away from where they sit. Hold for 10-15 seconds (or longer if you enjoy the feeling!)
  2. Place your palms right below your collar bones, and apply pressure in and down. Tilt your chin up until you feel a stretch along the front of your throat
  3. Hold for 10-15 seconds
        • This is a myofascial release that will help the drainage down your throat

Additional Tips and Tricks

  1. Ice works to decrease inflammation. Use the back of a frozen spoon, a chilled gua sha tool, or simply an ice cube to complete the lymphatic massage above.
  2. A sinus rinse is a great way to manually remove mucus. Neti Pots are a cheap and accessible solution that can be found at most general stores.
  3. Schedule a massage! We can do lymphatic drainage during your session.
Book Now