Locations:
Search IconSearch

Try This Easy 6-Minute Acupressure Exercise for Allergy Relief

Relieve allergy symptoms, sinus pressure

woman doing acupressure on herself

If you have sinus pressure related to allergies, here’s a remedy you may not have considered before: acupressure.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Many of us are familiar with the concept of acupuncture, the ancient Chinese method of healthcare involving thin needles, which are inserted into various points in the body to treat or prevent illness. But far fewer have heard of acupressure, a complementary treatment to acupuncture. But it doesn’t involve any needles.

Both acupuncture and acupressure rely on stimulating hundreds of “acu-points” along the body’s 14 meridians, or energy-carrying channels. People use them as an adjunct to traditional medicine or seek out these therapies if medication doesn’t work. They can be used to treat stress and anxiety, migraines, allergies, nausea, vomiting, pain and more.

You can do acupressure yourself, at home or work. You simply apply pressure with the fingers or another small object to the same points targeted through acupuncture.

Acupressure for allergies

If you have allergy or sinus problems, using acupressure only takes about six minutes.

The video below shows exactly where to press with a simple demonstration. There are two places on your face where you can apply gentle, firm pressure.

The first one involves using the index fingers of each hand and pressing at the base of your nose. This relieves pressure in your sinuses. The second involves pressing at the top of each of your inner eyebrows. Doing this helps relieve pressure in your forehead.

Advertisement

You should spend about three minutes holding each point. Watch this video to see how to do it.

Acupressure is easy to learn, safe, effective and costs nothing. It can help relieve symptoms of sinus pressure and allergies.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person lifting small dumbell weights
October 10, 2024/Chronic Pain
Options for Natural Pain Relief

Always seek medical advice for pain — but exercise, stretching, guided imagery and deep breathing may help in the meantime

Arms of person standing outside, scratching a dotted red rash on arm
October 1, 2024/Allergies
Things You May Not Know You Could Be Allergic To

Water, touch, sunlight, physical activity and cold are some of the rarest allergies

Person with eyes closed, rubbing fingers on their temples
August 12, 2024/Wellness
What Is EFT Tapping? Your Guide To Emotional Freedom Technique

It involves tapping specific points on your body while focusing on an emotion or issue you want to release

Person sneezing into their elbow
August 7, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
What Causes the Sniffles? Here’s How To Stop Them

Take care of your runny or stuffy nose by staying hydrated, using a humidifier and considering a medication

Reiki being performed by practitioner, with hands hovering person's abdomen
July 16, 2024/Wellness
What Is Reiki? And Does It Actually Work?

Reiki is an energy-healing practice that many people describe as deeply calming and therapeutic — but it shouldn’t be used in place of conventional treatments

Black seed oil in bottle, with seeds in wooden spoon and bowl
June 26, 2024/Nutrition
Black Seed Oil Benefits: Are They Real?

Far more research is needed to support the many touted health claims

Person holding bottle and dropper, adding droplets into glass of water
June 11, 2024/Diet, Food & Fitness
Is Colloidal Silver Safe?

Supplements with colloidal silver offer no proven health benefits and could be harmful

Person coughing into a tissue by window during sunny, summer day
June 4, 2024/Primary Care
Summer Sniffles: Winter Isn’t the Only Time You Can Catch a Cold

Enteroviruses are often to blame for summer colds, leading to a runny nose, sore throat and digestive symptoms

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad