Sinuses

In the space of only this last week, amongst my friends, family and within many online social groups, I have seen a number of posts all about tension headache or sinus issues. This has prompted me to share a bit more of my personal experience with sinuses that can often lead to constant pain and this post is bit of a time stamp too.

Nationally we have been rolling out Covid vaccines for a few months now and people who have actually had the virus too have reported to me their sinuses and headaches have been unbearable. To a point where they are either stuck in bed or medicated to try to get rid of the pain. Many of the people have reported, it was like someone pushing the space between their eyes and forehead (third eye) constantly causing tension and the pain not just here but anywhere in the head too.

Whilst not everyone has a cold right now, but it does seem strange that a high number of people have reported these feelings this week. Not all were related to having a vaccine or a virus but perhaps it could be something else? Could it be the weather, general climate or the season? Today in the UK it is rather chilly, where I am it is about 2c and in Scotland 1c. Many of us have had our heating on for much of the day and it is relatively cloudy outside as I post this.

Why do I tell you this? This time of year we have had our heating on for months, then we have been housebound with many lockdowns and this all affects our body. Drier air means your sinuses can become bunged up or congested. The sinus passages are behind your eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead and when these become blocked, pressure builds up which can cause pain.

Sinus headaches can happen not just seasonally but also if you have allergies, or occasionally when your sinuses become triggered for some other reason. Some times we develop allergies at a later stage too. In any case, it is important to determine what is the cause of your congestion.

Throughout the year my sinuses are put to the test constantly. In the summer I have hayfever and then I have menieres as well. I have had hayfever since I was kid, but the menieres and sinus challenges only really started around 15 years ago. At first I was prescribed nasal sprays, then when that didn’t work I was put on to medication and that didn’t work either. I always strive for natural ways with health issues (which explains my enthusiasm for holistic health) and I researched ways to help myself. Nowadays, anybody that asks for my help on dealing with their sinuses I always say the same thing because I have had 15 years of it myself and not just in the last week!

My top tip is to use the age old method of steam inhalation. I put salt into the water and then peppermint and/or eucalyptus, anything menthol will be just as good. After doing this some (not too forcibly) try blowing your nose which should hopefully provide bit of relief.

A diffuser in the room during winter time is also a good idea but not solely for the purpose of clearing your sinuses, but it gives a bit of moisture into the air.

Another method is encouraging circulation in the muscles of your face and using massage or acupressure to stimulate a physical response. You will probably be doing this as a natural response when the pain may be unbearable.

For me using a nasal rinse is also especially great when I have been experiencing hearing issues, I often get a muffled ear and this is my body telling me my sinuses are blocked (as I often don’t realise it). In my experience the nasal rinse is good for more severe blockages.

You also need to assess your diet and lifestyle and what has lead you to have sinus issues. For me it means limiting or taking out certain foods and drinks, such as too much diary or salty foods can all contribute to getting sinus congestion. I also include ginger into my food or make ginger tea with it. Trying to cut down or eliminate caffeine has also helped too. I have occasionally taken herbal remedies and choose Gingko to help when I have nausea.

Trying to take time out to destress is also very important because in my opinion, a stressed life leads to a stressed mind and body. I personally find these methods ease my symptoms and luckily for me as a Healer I can combine all of this with my healing practices. I can do this remotely as well, so feel free to get in touch if you would like to book Distant Reiki or once out of lockdown a Reiki session.

Some great resources can be found online to help you as well, I recommend healthline

#sinus #sinusrelief #sinuscongestion #headache