Pressure point to get rid of sinus headache

• Where are the sinuses located?
• Pressure points for sinus relief 
  • LI20
  • BL2
  • Yintang
  • SI18
  • GB20
  • LI4
  • LU9
  • Liv3
• How to use pressure points to relieve sinus pressure?
• Final words

Where are the sinuses located?

The hollow spaces or cavities in the bones around the nose are known as sinuses. The sinuses are responsible for the production of mucus or fluid. The production of mucus is important to keep the nose moist and get rid of dust, allergens, and germs. 

There are mainly four pair of sinuses that are connected to the nose-

• Inside the cheekbones on each side of the nose, also known as Maxillary sinuses
• Frontal sinuses are present about the eyes near the forehead
• Located between the eyes and the bridge of the nose, these sinuses are known as Ethmoid sinuses. 
• Medically known as Sphenoid sinuses, these are present behind the eyes and around the upper nasal bone. 

Pressure points for sinus relief 

The following are the main acupressure points that can alleviate sinus symptoms including headache. 

LI20

Found on the face, the large intestine (LI20) pressure points can be located on the face, on both sides of the base of the nose. Here’s how to locate them-

• Try to place the area where the nose joins with the cheeks
• Press one finger on the face on either side of the nostrils

BL2

The full form of BL2 is bladder 2. These pressure points are between the bridge of the nose and the inner side of the upper eyelid. Here’s how to alleviate the pressure from these sinuses-

• Place both the index fingers above the bridge of the nose with both hands.
• Slide the fingers into the little spaces between the eyebrows and nose.
• Keep the fingers here for a couple of minutes. 

Yintang

Also referred to as the third eye point, it is located between the eyebrows. This pressure point is an important one in relieving out sinusitis symptoms including stuffy nose or runny nose along with a headache. Yintang is actually the acupressure point GV24.5. To find this type of sinuses-

• Between the eyebrows, place one or two fingers.
• Locate the space between the bridge of the nose, where the forehead connects to the nose.
• Rub the area for a couple of minutes

SI18

Also known as the small intestine 18 (SI18) points, this type of sinuses are located on both sides of the nose, just below the cheekbones. SI18 can help soothe out swelling of the sinuses as well as a runny nose. Here’s how can you locate-

• Start with placing both the index fingers near the outer edge of each eye.
• Slowly slide the fingers until you can locate the bottom of the cheekbones.
• This area should be in level with the lower edge of the nose.
• Press on the points simultaneously. 

GB20

Located in the grooves at the back of the head, the location where the neck muscles attach to the head. For getting relief from sinus pressure symptoms such as headache, teary eyes, cold and flu symptoms, this gallbladder 20 (GB20) can help.

LI4

The large intestine 4 (LI4), also known as He Gu, are the pressure points on the back of the hands. As the name signifies, these are linked to the large intestine. The pressure point helps to soothe out the headache and facial pain. 

LU9

In order to ease out throat symptoms due to sinus infection, the lung meridian (LU9) is located on each side of the wrist. 

• Hold the hand up in such a way that the palm faces you.
• Find the crease where the hand connects to the wrist.
• After this, keep the finger on the crease just below the thumb.
• Repeat this a couple of times alternatively. 

Liv3

The liver 3 pressure point on the feet is located back from big toes. This type of pressure point is connected to the liver that can relieve headaches and pain around the eyes. To find this pressure point:

• Bend your knees and sit down and place your feet in front of you.
• Between your big toe and the next toe, place your finger in the area.
• Slide the finger up your foot about two finger widths. This is where the pressure point is located.
• Apply pressure on both feet at the same time or one at a time.

How to use pressure points to relieve sinus pressure?

To relieve sinus pressure, one can try acupressure themselves. 

• Sit in front of a mirror to locate the pressure points on the face.
• Then, gently apply pressure on the points for at least 3 minutes. If you feel your fingers are not doing the job correctly, then you can use the eraser tip of a pencil.
• For better results, repeat this a couple of times for a few days. 

Read More: How to treat sinus at home?

Final words

Acupressure is one of the methods of relieving out sinus symptoms. However, if the sinusitis has got infected, this won’t help. Under such circumstances, you need to meet the ENT specialist who can prescribe antibiotics.

If the allergies have triggered sinusitis, avoid such allergens. For repeated infections, consult with the ENT doctor for a permanent solution.

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