How to have happy sinuses
“for the first time in forever, I can breathe out of my nose”
What are Sinuses?
You can find your sinuses behind your cheekbones and forehead. They are tiny, air-filled interconnected cavitites found in your skull, there are four sets. One of the sinus points can be found by your nose, healthy sinus is filled with air but when the lining becomes irritated and inflamed, the level of mucous increases which interferes with the natural drainage into the throat. The viscosity of the mucous is normally thin but when inflamed ( ie during a cold),l this becomes thicker and begins to increase pressure.
There are natural methods to calm and clear sinus inflammation (although please, if your sinuses are infected, you must see a doctor).
drink plenty of water - this helps to keep the mucous thin
use a humidifier or vapouriser - add 2 drops of our “help me, i’m feeling under the weather” blend
steam - add some salt
warm and cold compresses
A gentle facial massage helps to relieve the pressure and improve drainage. Use your ring fingers and begin by placing your hands, palm down, over your face
place your hands at your eyebrows - use your ring finger - with circular movements down towards your nose
return to the eyebrow and using circular movements, work outwards over the brow and round under the eye area, once back at the eyebrow, a very gentle press and repeat 1 & 2
next, move down your nose to your cheekbones and, using circular movements, work out under your cheekbones to your ear, up and over your ears moving down towards your clavicle.
place your fingers on your jaw and gently, with circular movements, massage your entire face up to your hairline and repeat 3-5 times
place your hands at the back of your head, near your neck. Find two indentations and very gently press x 3 times
Why do sinuses become blocked and inflamed?
When sinuses become inflamed and, in some cases, infected, this is called sinusitis usually as a result of a cold or flu virus but there are other irritants too
dust, pet or pollen allergy/intolerance (hayfever)
a dry environment
strong perfumes, air fresheners
stress
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Scent of the Month
“help me, i’m feeling under the weather”
As the season changes from summer to autumn, our immune system comes under strain as seasonal coughs and colds numbers rise due to holidays, the return of schools, colleges and universities. You can prepare your body by following these tips:
eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Includes as many vegetables as possible and cook from scratch as many processed foods contain immune blocking additives. Maybe invest in a slow cooker to enable you to cook soups, casseroles, and currys. Maybe make a big batch, eat some and freeze some for next time.
take a food grown vitamin supplement to help your body. In the Uk, too many people are deficient in vitamin D, which is made by sunlight so as the days shorten this can become low in our bodies. Vegetables such as kale, spinach, soybeans are good sources of vitamin D (along with vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc which are essential for vitamin D absorption) . Try to avoid having tea, coffee, or fruit juice as they can prevent the absorption of vitamin D. with your meal, drink water instead.
use essential oils at home and at your workplace to create a bubble. Tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender are all powerful antibacterial, antiviral essential oils, they also have anti microbial properties so by including them into your daily life, you will be inhaling their protective scent. Plus they are brilliant at opening your airways.
get outside as much as possible. Fresh air and exercise is THE best way to boost your immunity and lymphatic drainage. We discussed how your lymphatic system works differently to your circulatory system in our blog last autumn, read it here for tips to strengthen your lymphatic flow
by staying positive really does help your body stay strong. So sing, dance, practise mindfulness, yoga and whatever makes you happy, you will feel better for it.
try tapping to relieve sinus pressure. Begin by tapping just above your eyebrow with your middle fingers, then tap under your cheekbone and finally tap either side of your nose. Tap for a count of 6 - 10 at each point
Put a 3 inch piece of wood, book under the back legs of the bed base to create a minor incline, this prevents that dreadful morning pool.
So what is happening in October?
October 1st is World Vegetarian Day - i have been a vegetarian since i was young enough to know. Whether you eat a plant based diet for animal welfare reasons or for your health, eating plant based is good for us, the animals and our wonderful planet.
I think everyone now is aware that our wildlife is in great need, so on October 6th, give a thought to our beautiful badgers. They are having a torrid time so please send an email to your MP and demand that the cull stops now
October is expected to be a fabulous time to see the Northern Lights. I stare at the sky every night in hope, so fingers crossed this month!
Our Christmas Gift Guide is available for you to browse.
Pure organic essential oils are blended with a vegan base oil, natural reeds in a 250ml diffuser bottle
And finally ….
“Pure, mindful, smelling means letting go and soaking up all of the different layers of aromas that wash over you. Try it for one minute per day”
