Using acupressure to remedy a stuffy nose
Getting a bunged up nose isn’t fun — especially during the winter. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t do anything about it. Natural and tried-and-tested treatments for a stuffy nose are readily available, with one of them being acupressure.
Acupressure refers to the activation of acupoints across the meridians using the fingers or other similar hand-held devices. It’s known to be a safe and easy form of therapy, making it one of the most well-known forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the world. The practice, in particular, originated in ancient China as a derivative of acupuncture. Both are based on the principle of the activation of acupoints across the meridians, but acupressure is used to balance the flow of physiological energy by applying pressure on specific points using the hands. Acupressure is also similar to reflexology, only the latter applies pressure on a predetermined reflex zone. In general, the practice is a manually operated, needle-free, non-invasive, and cost-effective treatment that improves a person’s well-being.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is considered to be a cluster of pressure points, called acupoints. When pressure is applied to an acupoint, it results in a physical effect on the area the corresponds to the pressure point. This is especially helpful in people who are suffering from conditions such as a clogged nose since acupressure can open up these zones and restore the body’s natural flow and improve blood circulation in the affected area.
To get rid of a stuffy (or even runny) nose using acupressure, massage the following pressure points regularly:
• Nostril points. These are found on the hollow space on the nostrils. To activate these points, apply pressure on the side of the nostrils to close them. Hold your breath, then release them slowly. Do this for at least five to 10 times.
• Bridge of the nose points. Activating this pressure point is essential to ridding yourself of a stuffy nose. The pressure point is located on the nose bridge — just under the eyes. Gently apply pressure to these points on a daily basis to relieve yourself of a stuffy nose, as well as a headache. Repeat at least twice a day for best results.
• Behind the earlobe point. Apply pressure behind the center of your earlobe to provide relief from a clogged nose. If this method is done regularly, you will feel greater relief from your stuffy nose.
• Earlobe point. Massaging the earlobe one at a time for at least five to 10 minutes a day can quickly relieve a stuffy nose.
• Third eye point. The acupoint is located between the eyebrows. Apply mild pressure on the point with two fingers and massage the area for at least two minutes.
• Below the cheekbone point. This is also another important pressure point for getting rid of a stuffy nose. Apply gentle pressure on the area for at least four minutes to get relief from a congested nose.
Natural home remedies to relieve a stuffy nose
Aside from acupressure, here are some natural treatments that can help you shake off a stuffy nose.
• Use a humidifier – A humidifier spreads moisture in the room, keeping the nose hydrated and soothing irritated sinuses.
• Take a steam vaporizer – Breathing in steam, especially if it’s infused with chamomile and eucalyptus, can gently relieve a clogged nose.
• Drink in some medicinal plants macerate – Drinking a cup of ginger macerate at least twice a day can clear up a stuffy nose quickly.
• Apple cider vinegar works – A solution of apple cider vinegar with water and honey can help a person recover from a runny nose.
yogaesoteric
January 22, 2020
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