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Sinus Pressure Tapping Method

Sinus pressure can happen to anyone at any moment. It can cause severe pain throughout the head, make you feel tired and can be the result of a sinus infection. Whatever the case may be, relief is the primary goal when you are experiencing sinus pressure. While there are many over-the-counter medications that can help with relief, they may have adverse side effects---and many times they don't even alleviate all the pressure.

  1. Prepare Your Sinuses

    • Before you begin a tapping method to relieve sinus pressure, you want to prepare the sinus cavity. Drink plenty of water an hour before you plan on tapping. Place your head over a humidifier, or take a hot shower. The humidity will loosen any clogged areas throughout the nasal cavity and will provide relief if your sinuses are inflamed. Next, place one hand on the back of your head, just above your neck. With your other hand on your forehead, press as hard as you can and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat this four times with a 30-second rest between each press. The pressing will squeeze the sinuses, causing them to break up any clogged areas.

    Tap

    • After the sinuses are prepared, you are ready to tap. Place your index fingers on both temples at the side of your head. With a little force, begin to tap or peck your temples. Create a rhythm with your fingers and begin following your cheek bone all the way down to the sides of your nose. Once you reach the sides of your nose, keep tapping. Then return to the temples. Rub your temples lightly for 30 seconds. Wait five minutes and assess the pressure relief. If you feel like more can be done, repeat this process until the pressure subsides.

    Maintain

    • The tapping method will work to relieve sinus pressure, but you must maintain the relief. Apply vapor rub to your chest to help keep the nasal cavity clear. Vapor rub contains eucalyptus oil and thyme oil, which naturally open up air passageways. Sleep with a humidifier at night at 40 percent humidity to keep your sinuses moist and healthy. Spray saline up each nostril three times a day: morning, afternoon and before bedtime. Saline spray is a natural way to maintain proper humidity in the nose. Continue to drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water daily, and avoid any mucus-producing foods or beverages such as dairy, chocolate and soy products.

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