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

Graphic of a woman blowing her nose.
March 14, 2023/Allergies
Allergy Season Is Here To Stay

Every season comes with its own set of allergens

seed pods exploding in spring
February 27, 2023/Allergies
Why Are My Allergies So Bad?

Time of day, time of year and weather patterns can all make your allergies worse

taking sheets off bed to wash them
February 16, 2023/Skin Care & Beauty
How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (and the Gross Reasons Why)

You’re sharing your bed with dust mites, bacteria and lots of dead skin

allergic woman washing sheets
December 8, 2020/Allergies
Don’t Let Allergies Ruin Your Sleep

3 allergy relief tips to stop tossing and turning

woman sneezing due to allergies
June 2, 2020/Allergies
A Seasonal Allergy Survival Guide

Your best ways to get seasonal allergy relief

Person holding their head and grimacing
December 5, 2014/Wellness
Stressed? Try This Easy 9-Minute Acupressure Exercise

Targets acupuncture points without any needles

female on couch, holding mug, under blanket, blowing nose, cat on couch
January 22, 2024/Allergies
Why Are My Allergies Acting Up in Winter?

Indoor allergens know no season!

Aspirin poured onto table from bottle
December 7, 2023/Allergies
Why You’re Sensitive to Aspirin

A reaction to the medication may trigger preexisting asthma and result in sinus or skin reactions

Trending Topics

Sliced beets.
5 Health Benefits of Beets

This ruby-red root is chock-full of vitamins, fiber and more

6 Myths About Joint Pain and Arthritis

Getting the facts straight about osteoarthritis

variety of food allergens such as eggs, milk, wheat, shellfish and nuts
Warning Label: The Big 9 of Food Allergens

More than 90% of allergic reactions can be linked to these foods

Ad