Built up sinus pressure is a pain in the butt. Typically resulting from seasonal allergies or the common cold, inflammation in the sinuses can result in head pain, nasal passageway irritation, and facial discomfort. Why? Because the nasal passageways become blocked, and without the ability to drain, they’ll start to trigger unwanted symptoms… Unwanted symptoms that you’re bound to find a cure for.
Though OTC medications are the easiest go-to solution, there are much more effective, natural ways to rid your head of sinus pressure. Check ‘em out below.
Flush out those nasal passageways
Mmm, sounds like a good time, loosening up that thick mucus that oh-so-stubbornly doesn’t want to come out. Even though the process itself may feel uncomfy and look entirely gross, the end result is magic. You’ll be able to breathe better and feel pressure release from your head.
Try one of these to get that gunk out:
- Neti pot
- Bulb syringes
- Squeeze bottles
- Battery-operated pulsed water device
Generally speaking, if you follow the directions and keep the devices clean, they’re safe to use. Just beware, you’ll need to use distilled or sterile water – that is, water that does not harbor bacteria.
Keep warm compresses on standby
Warm compresses aren’t #1 on the list when it comes to providing relief, but they do ease pain and relieve pressure temporarily.
To make an at-home warm compress, all you need is a face cloth and some hot water. Run the cloth under the faucet until it’s hot enough to steam but not too hot where it’ll burn your skin. Then, ring out all the loose water and place it on the affected areas of your face.
Hot steam gets the job done, too
While we’re in the “warm” and “hot” suggestions of the blog, we’d like to give some attention to hot steam. It operates on the same principle as the warm compress suggestion above.
Head to the kitchen, dig out a medium-sized pot, and boil some water on the stovetop. Once the bubbles start to appear, drape a towel over your head and the pot so that you can breathe in the rising steam. Just don’t get too close to the water, you’ll want to be aware of your distance so that the H2O doesn’t splash up and accidentally burn your face.
Another route to go: Stand in a hot shower for a few extra minutes after you’re done washing. You’ll quickly notice that the humid steam will dislodge some of the mucus, allowing you to blow your nose and feel relief.
Participate in some yoga
Strange… but effective.
Do you remember feeling congestion at night when you lay down on your pillow? If you turn from your left side to your right, the nasal passages switch congested sides. In just a few moments, you can feel all the tension go from one nostril to the other.
Well, if you participate in yoga – in specific positions – you can alleviate some of the congestion just like that! Except, more often than not, the relief is granted to both nostrils.
Try popular positions like the downward dog and supported bridge for your best results.
Try sleeping elevated
Most people understand that the more rest you get, the better odds you have at beating a sinus infection. But what everyone may not know is that you can get a more restful sleep if you prioritize elevation.
Put an extra pillow under your head at night and position yourself so that your head is above your heart. This will easily prevent sinus buildup and promote efficient sleep until you fend off the pressure.