Massage — Maxillary Sinus

Move the thumbs to the indented notch at the inner edge of the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. Apply firm, steady, inward and slightly upward pressure for 30 seconds. While not directly over the maxillary sinus, this point is neurovascularly connected to frontal and ethmoid sinus drainage and aids overall decongestion.

Locate the canine fossa—the soft depression on the cheek about one finger-width lateral to the ala (wing) of the nose and two finger-widths below the infraorbital rim. Place the pads of the index and middle fingers on this point bilaterally. Using gentle to moderate pressure (a 3-4 on a 10-point pain scale), make small, slow circles (approximately 1 cm in diameter) for 30-60 seconds. The pressure should be directed slightly upward and inward, toward the medial canthus of the eye (the inner corner). This is the core maneuver for mobilizing contents within the sinus. maxillary sinus massage

The are pyramid-shaped cavities located behind the cheeks, extending from below the eyes to the roof of the mouth. They are the most commonly infected sinuses. Move the thumbs to the indented notch at

Reduces the "heavy" feeling in the face and behind the eyes. Locate the canine fossa—the soft depression on the

Before beginning, ensure your hands are clean and you are in a comfortable, seated position. Using a small amount of facial oil or moisturizer can help your fingers glide smoothly without pulling the skin.

The Cleveland Clinic and other healthcare providers recommend these standard methods: Sinus Massage To Drain and Relieve Pressure

While generally safe, maxillary sinus massage is not without risk. include: known facial cellulitis or erysipelas (massage can spread infection), acute facial fractures or recent facial surgery, deep vein thrombosis of the facial vein (rare, but pressure could dislodge a clot), and known malignancy in the region. Relative precautions apply to patients on anticoagulant therapy (risk of bruising), those with active, severe dental infections (where pressure might force bacteria), and individuals with severe osteoporosis of the facial bones (rare). Practitioners must also adhere to red flags that warrant immediate medical referral rather than massage: unilateral, severe "thunderclap" headache, high fever (>101.5°F/38.6°C), vision changes, periorbital swelling or erythema (potential orbital cellulitis), or neck stiffness. Crucially, massage should never be painful; sharp or worsening pain indicates inappropriate technique or an underlying pathology that requires medical evaluation.