Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are known to be filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Many conditions can cause sinus blockage such as the common cold and allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose. The main symptoms include facial pain or facial pressure, stuffy or runny nose, loss of smell, cough, fever, bad breath, etc.1

 

RESEARCH


It is well known that a variety of acupuncture/acupressure points are useful for sinus problems. The most common acupoints for sinusitis are located in places such as the sinuses of the face themselves, the arms, legs, neck, back and abdomen. The following recommended points are found in the face and head GV-23, ST-2 and BL-2.2 Now, regarding acupressure points for sinusitis the following are suggested from another successful treatment BL-2, BL-7, BL-10, LI-20, ST-3, GV-20, GV-24.5, GV-25, GV-26, LI-4.3

There are other options for acupressure including the relieve of your upper or frontal sinuses, using B-2, located at the bridge of your nose. Then, opening the maxillary sinuses in the cheek, using the following acupressure points: LI-20 and ST-3, underneath your eyes. It is recommended to hold these acupressure points, described above, on both sides. Then, to apply pressure gradually. After holding each of these points for about 2 to 3 minutes, end by lightly holding the points as you breathe slowly and deeply.4 It is very important to lightly touch on the points at the end to start the energy flow and to seal the acupressure points. Another point to stimulate is LI-4 located between your thumb and index finger. Since the sinuses resemble packets or valleys, when either the upper or lower sinuses are congested or inflamed, pressure is built causing pain, headaches, toothaches, etc.5

Another treatment includes stimulating LI-4, LI-11, BL-12, LU-7 and GV-23 for improving stuffy nose, nasal discharge, headache and fever. Moreover, acupoints LV-2, GB-43 and LU-7 are recommended for yellow discharge, eye problems, red face, etc. In addition, LI-4, LI-11 and GV-14 are suggested to improve nasal discharge, tender sinus area and heat signs in the face. Finally, acupoints CV-12, BL-20, LI-4, LI-11, SP-9 and BL-22 are recommended to resolve dampness in heavy feeling in the head, frontal headache, etc.6

Footnotes

  1. What Is Sinusitis? – webmd.com – 2017, https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#1
  2. Acupuncture Points For Sinusitis – acupuncturemoxibustion.com – 2015, http://www.acupuncturemoxibustion.com/acupuncture-points/sinus-points/
  3. Acupressure Points For Sinus Problems – smarterhealing.com – 2017, https://www.smarterhealing.com/acupressure-points-for-sinus-problems/
  4. Acupressure Points for Sinus Problems & Nasal Congestion – acupressure.com – 2015, http://www.acupressure.com/blog/index.php/acupressure-points-for-sinus-problems-nasal-congestion/
  5. Acupressure Points for Sinus Problems & Nasal Congestion – acupressure.com – 2015, http://www.acupressure.com/blog/index.php/acupressure-points-for-sinus-problems-nasal-congestion/
  6. Acupuncture for Sinusitis – theory.yinyanghouse.com – 2017, https://theory.yinyanghouse.com/treatments/acupuncture_for_sinusitis