Allergies?
Achoo! Have allergies ever ruined your day? Have you ever suffered from sinus pressure and/or headaches? You are not alone! The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology claims 54.3% of people ages 6-59 demonstrate positive response to at least one of the ten most common allergies. Massage and chiropractic care have given millions of people relief from these symptoms.
There are six major sinus cavities in the face. These sinus cavities are hollow spaces that allow for the exchange of air and mucus. They are located inside each cheekbone, behind the eyes, behind the bridge of the nose, and forehead. Irritants due to allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in “…opening(s) into the nasal passage are obstructed stopping normal drainage causes backup and pressure” (accai.org). When drainage is backed up it can cause pain in the face and headaches.
Many modalities of massage help build the diminish allergy pain and symptoms while improving the immune system. “A 2004 study published in The Journal of Psychosomatic research demonstrated that regular massage sessions improve immune system function” (intergrativehealthcare.org). The study concluded that massage can reduce depression and hostility, as well as increasing dopamine levels, serotonin values, and lymphocytes. Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, and cranial sacral therapy are fantastic at battling allergies and pain. These modalities can focus on allergy drainage and decongestion. Swedish massage uses soft tissue manipulation of the facial muscles to alleviate tension and aid in decreasing inflammation to diminish pain and pressure. Lymphatic drainage helps with flushing of toxins from the body. This can reduce fluid retention in the face, drain the sinuses relieving pain from allergies or colds. Aromatherapy is the blend of essential oils and massage. Essentials absorbs through the skin to help provide relief each having a unique effect. The top five oils to battle allergies is peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, lemon, and tea tree. These great oils can act as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, dilation of airways, improve circulation, immune support, and can destroy pathogens that cause allergies. Cranial Sacral Therapy involves the cranium, spine, and sacrum. The certified therapist checks for disturbances in the cerebral spinal fluid. “Light, gentle touches on bones of the face as part of cranial sacral therapy can help reduce sinus pressure and alleviate pain caused by seasonal allergies” (medicalmassagespecialties.com).
Using massage and its many techniques paired with chiropractics can help decompress the facial bones increasing drainage, pressure, and pain. Give Elite Performance Chiropractic a call at 972-542-2277 to try any of these techniques!