(Video demonstration with Elizabeth)

This year it felt like spring started in February. At MAS, we were treating allergies and sinus congestion in the weeks leading up to the first day of spring and before our temporary closure due to the viral pandemic. Speaking of which, let's make sure we can tell the difference between the two patterns of illness:

(h/t Wei Laboratories)

We know you are at home still struggling with sinus headaches and stuffy noses, because we are right there with you. We are going to give you three good acupressure points, located on the face that you can massage to get some relief for your seasonal allergies. Just be sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after you do this.

In addition to relieving sinus congestion and discomfort from seasonal allergies, all of these points are good points to stimulate for someone who is experiencing facial paralysis. If you know someone who is struggling with this issue, please pass this information along to them.

The nice thing about acupressure points for sinus congestion and seasonal allergies is that points are practically instinctual. Wherever you feel pressure on your face, apply pressure to that area. For example, If you get a sinuses headache in between your eyebrows that makes you want to squeeze that exact spot, great, go ahead and do that.

Which leads us to our first point, Bladder 2, on the inside end of each eyebrow. You can press down and massage each point, or you can pinch each point between your two fingers. After that, you can even pinch and massage, working your way along each eye browns. This is a great way to relieve some tension from a frontal headache. Bladder 2 is not only a good point for a runny nose and sneezing, it benefits the eyes and can relieve pain or itchiness of the eyes or twitching eyelids, usually caused stress.

Our second point for sinus congestion is for sinus congestion in your cheeks, which is exactly where this point is located. Stomach 3 is located directly below the center of your eyes, along the cheekbone. After you apply pressure to this point, you can massage along the entire cheek bone. You might find some other areas of tenderness that can open your sinuses and ease some tension in your face and jaw.

Our last point is also along the cheekbone, on either side of your nose, Large Intestine 20. In addition to alleviating nasal congestion, this point is good for a runny nose, sneezing, and loss of sense of smell.

We hope this is helpful to all of you. My sinuses are much more open now that I have had the chance to sit down and practice some acupressure on myself.

 - MAS acupuncturist Elizabeth Ropp

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We all miss all of you. We hope to see you again and in good health.

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Thank you very much for your support and solidarity.