How can massage help a sinus blockage?

You are correct in that the sinuses are cavities, however they are lined with mucous membrane and are not dry hollows so therefore have a blood and lymph supply. It would really depend on what was causing the blockage. Generally speaking massage will stimulate the blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the area. This will help revitalise the area and could improve removal of mucus. I personally find that this is best done with appropriate essential oils and followed by the application of cold stones.

Hope that helps a little. I'm sure there are others with additional light to cast on the subject.

nice explanation Earthbabe. at first i don't agree but when i read your whole explanation, i think you have a point. thanks for sharing those knowledge.

Thanks Burnz.

I must admit if someone comes to me asking for help with sinus congestion I will usually suggest Hopi Ear Candles with aromatherapy head, face and neck massage with hot stones to the neck and shoulders and cold stones to the face. Obviously if they are also running a temperature and have active infection this may not be appropriate.

I would then usually give the remaining blended oil to the client for them to use with steam inhalations. If they are actually unwell as above I would just recommend steam inhalations, plenty of fluid and rest.

I personally will not use products containing pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient in many otc products) but would be happy to take paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if I felt it necessary, however I do try not to.

Hi Aromajo

Like Aromababe, I would use ear candles and work very specific acu-points on the face, head, hands and feet. Massaging the lateral & medial sides of the 2nd and 3rd toes is very useful from both a reflexology and Chinese medicine point of view. Also work on adrenal, lung, large intestine, and ileo-caecal valve reflexes if you are a reflexologist.

Massaging around the occupital and the face will help at least short term, but if the symptoms keep reoccurring then prehaps acupunture, herbs, cranio-sacral therapy may be more suitable.

May be it's an allergic reaction to certain foods or environmental issue.

From a psychological point of view, it may be a sign of "some one getting up their nose" or "tears that haven't been shed".

I know someone who tried many forms of therapy and ended up having an operation.

Best Wishes

RP

acupressure is great for unblocking sinuses, i also use pressure points along the side of the nose, and along the eyebrows. If it is really bad I also use pressure points starting in between the eyebrows, right up over the centre of the skull and finishing on the occipital.

Thanks Reikipixie. You reminded me that I normally give clients instructions on working the sinus reflexes on the hand as ongoing self help.

As a quick fix for blocked sinuses, try cornmint essential oil. It's not one I was originally trained with - in fact, I'd never heard of it - but it was recommended to me on a one-day course, and my wife and I both use it now.

Just try a sniff up each nostril!