5 Things You Need to Know About Using Shiatsu to Relieve Sinus Headaches

1. Much More Than a Stuffy Nose

The sinuses are nothing more than tiny air-filled cavities which connect the back of the nose; however, these small openings can cause big pain. Causes of a sinus headache are generally allergies or colds which result in congestion and even infection in the nasal passages, but may also be caused when the nose is injured or malformed in a way that hinders proper nasal drainage. As pressure builds in a stuffy nose, it begins to cause a sinus headache which is characterized by pain around the eyes, cheeks and forehead.

2. How Shiatsu Can Bring Relief

Shiatsu is a form of massage which focuses on various acupressure points on the body to increase blood circulation and relieve tension, making it a great alternative remedy for sinus headaches. Based on multiple Japanese healing techniques, full-body shiatsu massage must be performed by a qualified individual; however, you can learn some of the basic techniques to use shiatsu for a sinus headache.

3. Take a Few Deep Breaths

Breathing is an extremely important part of shiatsu massage, as it helps to soothe the mind and body. Throughout your self treatment for a sinus headache, keep your breathing slow and deep, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Of course, if your sinuses are too plugged to inhale through your nose, breathe through your mouth until your sinuses are relieved enough to facilitate nasal breathing.

4. Fingers to the Forehead

Begin by placing your thumbs at the top of your nose where it meets your brows. Hold gentle pressure on that point for at least 3 full breaths. Now, move your thumbs up about 1/2 an inch until you reach the ridge of the brow, again holding for at least 3 full breaths. Move your thumbs across the brow ridge to the temples, stopping to hold every 1/2 inch or so. When you reach your temples, use your index and middle fingers to hold the pressure, this time remaining for at least 5 breaths.

5. A Runny Nose Means Relief

Place your index fingers on each side of your nose where the cheekbones meet the nasal bones and hold for at least 3 full breaths. Continue the same shiatsu techniques moving a one half at a time around the base of the cheekbones. Follow the cheeks up to the temples and hold again for at least 5 breaths. Repeat these shiatsu techniques for a sinus headache, and you should soon begin to notice nasal drip and relieve from your headache.