Your sinuses are air pockets located in your forehead, between your eyes and in your cheekbones. They are connected to your nasal passages by small channels, which allow the air to flow from your nose into your sinuses, and for your mucus to drain from your sinuses into your nose. If there is too much mucus build-up in the sinuses, the air will not be able to freely flow from the sinus to the nasal passage, resulting in sinus pain.
Acupressure History
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese treatment derived from acupuncture. It is based on the belief that life energy, called qi, runs through your body along 14 main channels, or meridians. If any of these meridians become obstructed, our qi becomes blocked, resulting in pain or illness. Acupuncture and acupressure stimulate specific points along the meridians, called acupoints, which stimulate the body to heal itself. The modern Western view is that acupuncture and acupressure work by stimulating your central nervous system, which causes your body to release biochemicals that aid in the process of healing.
Acupressure Treatment Method
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, except physical pressure is used on the acupoints instead of needles. Physical pressure may be applied by a hand, elbow or certain devices designed for acupressure, such as an acu ball or energy roller.
Acupressure for Sinus Pain
There are hundreds of acupoints in the body, including on either side of the nostrils, the middle of the forehead between the eyebrows, and the sides of the bridge of the nose. Treating sinus pain with acupressure involves applying physical pressure to these acupoints. If you feel pain in one of these areas, this is likely where you have excessive mucus build-up.
Acupressure for sinus pain is not limited to the face; there are other acupoints on the body, such as the back of the neck or tops of the hands, that practitioners claim are effective in relieving sinus pain.
Cautions
Many people who have tried acupressure for sinus relief says it has worked for them, but it does not work for everyone. It is advisable that you consult your doctor before undergoing acupressure treatment. If you have no experience with acupressure, see a licensed acupressure practitioner rather than attempt self treatment.
Efficacy
Acupuncture and acupressure are alternative medical treatments that have been widely accepted by the Western medical community. Most of the evidence that acupressure relieves sinus pain is anecdotal. Though studies have proven that acupuncture can help reduce pain, there has been no conclusive scientific study done that proves that acupressure relieves and reduces sinus pain.
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