One option is to place a small amount of oil on your palm (about a quarter-sized amount). The oil helps to lessen the friction caused by your hands rubbing against your face. The scent of the oil may also help to promote relaxation. Good oils to use for a sinus massage include almond oil, baby oil, or castor oil. Just make sure to not get any of it in your eyes while you massage close to those areas.
Use your thumbs. The thumbs are recommended because they tend to be stronger than other fingers. For other people, using the index finger may be more comfortable. Do whatever feels the most soothing and comfortable for you.
Then, press your fingers into the area and move them in a circular motion for two minutes. Keep your eyes closed as you massage this area.
Apply firm and constant pressure on your cheeks for about a minute. Then, move your fingers in a circular motion for two minutes.
Repeat this movement 10 times using constant and firm pressure. Make sure your hands are warm before beginning this massage. Rub your hands together to create a bit of friction and heat.
However, do not touch your eyes or get oil into your eyes. The oil won’t harm your eyes but you may experience stinging. Repeat this movement 10 times, all the while applying constant and firm pressure.
Repeat this movement 10 times. Again, you should use a firm pressure here to maximize relief.
Change directions and rub your nose the other way in a circular movement 15 to 20 times. For example, if you rubbed your nose clockwise for the first 15 movements, rub your nose in counterclockwise circles for the next 15 movements.
Place your thumbs on the middle of your nose and begin massaging out towards your ears. Repeat this movement two or three times. Place your thumbs under your jaw and run your thumbs down along the sides of your neck to your collarbones.
Steaming is an old method of relieving sinus pressure without chemicals or drugs. The steam helps open up the nasal passages and thin out the sometimes thick mucus, thereby enabling it to drain out of the sinuses.
You want the steam to enter into your nasal passages and your throat but not at the cost of potentially burning yourself. In addition, keep any children away from the pot while it is boiling and while it is steaming. Try to do a steaming treatment when there aren’t any children around. This method is for adults only — do not try it on children.
Spearmint or peppermint, thyme, sage, lavender, and black lavender oil are all great options to start with. [5] X Research source Kamatou GP, Vermaak I, Viljoen AM, Lawrence BM. , Menthol: a simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties. Phytochemistry. 2013 Dec;96:15-25. [6] X Research source Fournomiti M, Kimbaris A, Mantzourani I, Plessas S, Theodoridou I, Papaemmanouil V, Kapsiotis I, Panopoulou M, Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou EE, Alexopoulos A. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of cultivated oregano (Origanum vulgare), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2015 Apr 15;26:23289. [7] X Research source Sienkiewicz M, Głowacka A, Kowalczyk E, Wiktorowska-Owczarek A, Jóźwiak-Bębenista M, Łysakowska M. The biological activities of cinnamon, geranium and lavender essential oils. Molecules. 2014 Dec 12;19(12):20929-40. If you have been diagnosed with a fungal sinus infection, add a drop of black walnut essential oil, tea tree oil, oregano or sage oil to your steaming water. These are thought to have antifungal and antiseptic properties. [8] X Research source Sienkiewicz, M. ,Łysakowska, M. , Ciećwierz, J. ,Denys, P. ,Kowalczyk, E. Antibacterial activity of thyme and lavender essential oils. Med Chem. (UAE); 7(6): 674-689, 2011. [9] X Research source Hammer, KA. , Carson, CF. , Riley, TV. Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. [10] X Research source Özcan,M. , Boyraz,N. , Antifungal properties of some herb decoctions. European Food Research and Technology December 2000, Volume 212, Issue 1, pp 86-88. Test your sensitivity to the herb you want to use before doing a full steam treatment. Try each herb oil for about a minute and then take your face away from the steam for 10 minutes and assess how you feel. If you do have any adverse reactions (such as sneezing or a skin reaction like a rash), reheat the water and do the full treatment. If you don’t have the essential oils, substitute a 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb per quart of water. For dried herbs, boil for another minute after adding, turn off the heat and move the pot to a safe area in your home and begin steaming.
You also achieve a similar beneficial effect by placing a warm compress on your face to help open up your nasal passages and relieve any pressure you might be feeling in your sinuses. Warm a moist washcloth in the microwave for two to three minutes. Always take care not to burn yourself. [12] X Research source
