Acupressure has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, with the practice mentioned in books written more than 2,000 years ago. Japanese people further developed this technique to create shiatsu. Shiatsu techniques focus on the stimulation of active points to achieve positive effects, such as improving health, enhancing a sense of emotional well-being and reducing pain in specific parts of the body. A shiatsu practitioner applies direct pressure with her thumb, palm, forearm or even her knee to the same pressure points stimulated in acupressure and acupuncture. According to Tom Swiss of Earth Touch Shiatsu, shiatsu also includes soft tissue manipulation, or massage, in addition to stimulating pressure points.
Nose
Acupressure works by massaging, pushing or stroking particular points on the human body, sometimes called meridians. Use these same points in shiatsu. There are several meridians effective in reducing sinusitis. One set of points sit alongside each nostril. Using your fingers, massage either side of your nose, holding your fingers at a 90-degree angle, for four to five minutes. This action drains the sinus cavities and reduces congestion.
Eye Socket
There is another set of shiatsu pressure points in an indentation in your inner eye socket, just where the bridge of your nose meets your brow. Press your thumbs into these indentations and hold for four to five minutes to reduce sinus congestion and its associated symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, headache or pain behind the eyes. Make small circles with your thumbs and fingers to stimulate relief.
Hand
Not all shiatsu pressure points are located in your head. Acupuncture.com suggests pressing on a certain spot in the webbing between your thumb and index finger to relieve sinusitis but warns that pregnant women should not stimulate this point. To find this spot, bring your thumb next to your index finger and note the highest point in the muscle between the two. Put the index finger of your other hand on this spot and move your thumb away. Apply steady pressure by pinching the webbed area between your thumb and index finger until you feel relief from sinus congestion.
Head and Neck
Sinus headaches are caused by congestion and pressure in the sinus cavities. Encourage draining of mucus by massaging the muscles in the back of your neck. Employ shiatsu deep tissue massage to relax these muscles. Using both hands, massage your neck muscles starting at the top of your neck and working your way downward. Massaging these muscles should reduce your headache.
Considerations
Engage in any one of these shiatsu techniques or combine them for optimal comfort. Enhance the effect by inhaling steam to thin secretions and lessen congestion during shiatsu treatments. Gently blow your nose before and after shiatsu treatments to clear out nasal passages and reduce the amount of post-nasal drip you experience as your sinuses clear.
