P. Sze 
Sinus pressure and congestion can make everyday activities feel exhausting. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers Gua Sha as a natural, non-invasive technique to relieve sinus pain and pressure. By using a Gua Sha tool on specific points of the face and neck, you can stimulate circulation, promote drainage, and ease sinus discomfort. If you’re new to Gua Sha, our guide to the basics will provide everything you need to get started.
Here are the top seven Gua Sha tips for relieving sinus pressure and congestion.
1. Use Gua Sha on the Brow Bone for Frontal Sinus Relief
Frontal sinus pain often shows up as a heavy or throbbing feeling around the forehead and brow bone. To relieve this, gently scrape your Gua Sha tool along the brow bone, from the center of the forehead out toward the temples. This technique helps release tension and encourages lymphatic drainage in the frontal sinus area.
How to do it:
- Start in the center of your forehead, just above the eyebrows.
- Hold the Gua Sha tool at a 15-degree angle and slowly drag it outwards toward the temples.
- Apply light pressure, repeating this motion 5–7 times on each side.
- Use short, gentle strokes to avoid irritating the delicate skin around your eyes.
2. Target the Cheekbones to Relieve Maxillary Sinus Pressure
The maxillary sinuses, located on either side of the nose, often cause discomfort in the cheeks and under-eye area. By using Gua Sha on your cheekbones, you can stimulate the lymph nodes and encourage drainage from this sinus area.
How to do it:
- Place your Gua Sha tool near the side of your nose, just above the cheekbone.
- Slowly pull the tool outward toward the ears, following the cheekbone’s curve.
- Repeat this 5–7 times on each side, using light to moderate pressure.
“For the sinuses, gently move the Gua Sha tool along the sides of the nose and under the cheekbones, using a vibrating motion to loosen tension,” advises Ms. Mai Sogawa, a senior TCM therapist. This gentle approach can help reduce pressure while also promoting drainage and easing discomfort.
This technique helps release fluid buildup and improves circulation, reducing congestion in the maxillary sinuses.
3. Massage the Nose Bridge to Alleviate Nasal Congestion
The nose bridge, where many sinus pathways meet, can be a focal point for congestion. Massaging this area with Gua Sha helps open up the nasal passages and can relieve that “stuffy nose” feeling.
How to do it:
- Place the Gua Sha tool at the top of your nose, right between the eyes.
- Gently drag the tool downward along the nose bridge, ending near the nostrils.
- Use light pressure to avoid sensitivity in this area.
- Repeat 5–7 times for optimal results.
This technique also helps relieve tension in the upper nasal cavity, where sinus pressure can build up.
4. Focus on the Jawline to Release Tension in the Sinuses
Sinus infections can cause jaw tension, especially if the pain spreads down from the face. By applying Gua Sha along the jawline, you can ease muscle tightness and improve lymphatic flow in the area.
How to do it:
- Start at the center of the chin and move the tool along the jawline, toward the ears.
- Apply moderate pressure, adjusting as needed to avoid discomfort.
- Repeat 5–6 times on each side.
This technique is especially helpful if you experience jaw pain or tension as a secondary symptom of sinus congestion.
5. Use Gua Sha on the Neck for Lymphatic Drainage
Stimulating the lymph nodes in the neck can assist in draining fluids from the sinus area, promoting relief from pressure and congestion. Neck scraping helps clear lymphatic pathways, which is essential for clearing congestion in the sinuses.
How to do it:
- Start at the base of the neck and gently drag the Gua Sha tool upward toward the jaw.
- Repeat this motion along both sides of the neck, focusing on the sides where lymph nodes are located.
- Perform 5–7 strokes on each side, applying gentle pressure to avoid discomfort.
Ms. Mai Sogawa explains, “For therapeutic purposes, like relieving sinus congestion, applying slightly more pressure with Gua Sha may lead to mild discomfort, but this helps improve the condition. In cosmetic applications, gentler pressure is used to avoid marks, while therapeutic use prioritizes relief even if some marks are left.”
This technique is particularly helpful if you’re dealing with postnasal drip or sinus fluid retention.
6. Work on the Forehead to Relieve Overall Sinus Pressure
The forehead is a major area for sinus pain and can hold a lot of tension. By gently scraping the forehead, you can stimulate circulation and reduce overall sinus pressure.
How to do it:
- Start in the middle of your forehead, just above the eyebrows.
- Glide the Gua Sha tool upward toward the hairline and then outward toward the temples.
- Use gentle, sweeping motions, repeating 5–6 times.
This technique is especially beneficial when you feel general sinus pressure that affects multiple areas of the face.
7. Apply Gua Sha Along the Sides of the Nose for Quick Nasal Relief
If you’re experiencing intense nasal congestion, a quick Gua Sha massage along the sides of the nose can offer almost instant relief. This technique targets small but essential lymphatic pathways around the nose.
How to do it:
- Place the Gua Sha tool beside the nose, right above the nostrils.
- Gently scrape the tool down along the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth.
- Repeat this motion 5–7 times on each side with light pressure.
This method helps clear nasal pathways and eases immediate congestion, making it a great option when you need quick relief.
Using Gua Sha regularly on these areas of your face and neck can offer effective sinus relief by reducing congestion, pressure, and discomfort. As you practice these techniques, remember to keep your movements gentle, as the face is a sensitive area. Combine these Gua Sha techniques with relaxation methods like steam inhalation or essential oils for an even more soothing sinus relief experience.
Try our Anti-Aging Gua Sha Tool designed to bring out your skin’s natural glow.
Best Gua Sha Product- Anti-Aging: The tool is designed to target 11 specific aging signs such as wrinkles and sagging skin. By following the 7-step routine, users can improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines naturally.
- Enhances Skincare Routine: It works effectively with serums and lotions, boosting absorption and efficacy of skincare products.
- Visible Skin Improvement: Users can expect a smoother complexion, reduced puffiness, and a more youthful appearance.
