Instant Sinus Relief: Pressure Points & Massage to Clear Congestion

By Jenny Smith Mattfeldt

Published December 17, 2025

Raise your hand if this year's allergy season is doing you in. Because, same.

There’s no pain quite as stubborn and unending as sinus congestion (and the headaches that come with it.) You’re mouth-breathing, rubbing your temples, doing the neti pot, taking the allergy meds, and still not getting real relief. That’s usually the point where people forget one simple fact: you can treat your sinuses the same way you treat any other tight, overloaded area of the body.

As a massage therapist, I’ve seen (and felt) how quickly congestion responds to the right pressure points and hands-on techniques. When you know where to press and how to move fluid, everything starts to clear. This guide walks you through the fastest, most effective ways to get things moving again using only your hands. Let’s get straight into it.

Massage Hacks for the Quickest Sinus Pressure Relief

You don’t always have time for a warm compress, but if you do, it gives a noticeable jump-start. Lay it across your nose, cheekbones, and eyebrow bones for a minute or two. The warmth loosens everything so the massage works faster.

Prep: Use a little facial oil or moisturizer. You’ll be applying more pressure than you expect, and the glide helps everything move without dragging your skin.

1. Drain the sides of your nose and cheeks

• Using your thumbs or your pointer-finger knuckles, press firmly at the very top of the bridge of your nose.

• Slowly glide down along each side of your nose.

• When you reach your cheekbones, sweep outward toward the mid-eye area.

• Repeat several times using steady, deep pressure.

This helps break up that stuck, puffy feeling and encourages the sinuses to open.

2. Eyebrow “squeeze and sweep”

This one’s harder to explain, but here’s the cleanest version:

• Place your thumbs at the bridge of your nose, right between your eyebrows.

• Bring your pointer-finger knuckles to rest on top of your eyebrows.

• Gently squeeze the eyebrow between your thumb and knuckle.

• Maintaining that pressure, glide outward along the full length of the eyebrow.

• Continue the stroke all the way to the temples and release.

• Repeat a few times.

This technique melts the tension across your brow line and helps relieve pressure behind the eyes—one of the main culprits of sinus headaches.

Find Those Pressure Points

These are some of the most effective pressure points for congestion—especially if you feel pressure building or a headache coming on. Use firm pressure at each point and hold for about 20 seconds, using small circular movements if it feels good. One of the coolest things about using acupressure are the little notches you will feel in the bone where some of these points are located. You might feel a little dip and a little extra sensitivity that's exactly how you know you’re in the right spot.

1. Large Intestine 20 (LI20)

Located at the base of the nose, on either side. Press firmly here to relieve nasal congestion and open up airflow.

2. Small Intestine 18 (SI18)

Found in the center of your cheeks, just under the cheekbones. You’ll often feel a small notch in the bone—press here to ease sinus pressure and facial tension.

3. Yintang

Right between the eyebrows, at the bridge of the nose. This point is amazing for calming pressure that builds across the forehead and behind the eyes.

4. Bladder 2 (BL2)

At the very inside edge of the eyebrows, just above the nose. This point is a go-to for headaches and frontal sinus congestion.

5. Suborbital Notch

Located under the middle of the eyebrow, on the underside of the brow bone. Another spot where you’ll likely feel a small notch in the bone—this one is incredible for both headaches and sinus pressure.

Eucalyptus is the Main Character

Turn your shower into a mini steam room. Hang a bundle of eucalyptus from the shower or drop a eucalyptus shower melt on the floor (one that dissolves slowly) and let the steam build while the oils open everything up. It’s the quickest way to loosen congestion and calm that tight, heavy pressure.

Let eucalyptus oil work its magic: grab a clean washcloth, run it under hot water, add a drop of eucalyptus oil, and drape it over your face for a few slow, deep breaths. It softens tension, clears your sinuses, and feels instantly soothing. Or, for an all-over effect, mix a drop or two with your favorite body oil and massage it across your chest to open up airflow and calm congestion.

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You can use this routine (especially the pressure points) anytime, for as long as you need. For a little extra indulgence, try the facial massage before bed as part of your skincare routine. Take a deep breath, inhale a drop or two of Breathe or Past Tense essential oil (maybe rub a little onto your chest), and let it works its magic. It’s a simple way to give your sinuses a reset and feel a little more human again.

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