Some people seem to have allergy issues year-round and I am one of them. Ever since I was a child I have been allergic to a range of substances, especially dust and cat hair. Although I do receive weekly allergy shots, one of the most effective methods of relieving nasal congestion and sinus pressure, especially just after waking up is a method that was shown to me many years ago, when I was a teenager.
The method that I am referring to basically entails splashing warm water on the face but it should be done in a specific way.
If you are like me and you normally wake up with nasal congestion present, the congestion can make you feel stuffy and under pressure. The simple method of splashing water into your nostrils while blowing out can alleviate the stuffiness and pressure almost immediately. This method reminds me of using a neti pot but it is quicker and easier to do.
The splashing water in the face method was shown to me by the boss at one of my first jobs and I have been regularly practicing it almost every day ever since.
When you practice this method simply run some warm water then cup your hands together. Let some of the water gather in your hands then bring your hands up to your face. At first, it is best to splash some of the warm water on the outside of your nose to help loosen things up.
After the initial splash, continue to cup the hands while letting them fill up with warm water. Bring your cupped hands up to your nose and splash the water into your nostrils while blowing air out of the nostrils. Essentially you are exhaling forcefully through the nostrils into the water.
The first time you do this it won’t loosen-up everything but it will begin to make everything in your nostrils loose enough to expel easily.
Usually after I have done the initial splash I wait for a few minutes then splash again. By the time I splash for the second time the mucus and other matter in my nostrils is loose enough to come out quite easily.
When you see and feel how much ‘stuff’ comes out of your nostrils, you’ll probably not only be surprised at the volume but chances are you’ll also feel much less stuffy and less full of sinus pressure.
On a daily basis I practice this method and I just don’t feel right if I don’t do it. It takes only a few minutes to perform this method which to me is completely worthwhile. Normally I repeat the splashing process several times including in the shower which works really well.
In addition to splashing the water and exhaling through the nostrils I also drink small amounts of warm water which helps to loosen-up any mucus that may be in the chest. If you’re a smoker, this practice can be particularly helpful.
At night I usually repeat the water-splashing method a couple of times, especially before going to bed. If you suffer from sinus problems or if you just develop nasal congestion while you sleep, this simple method can prove to be very helpful.
Sources :
Personal experience with this nasal congestion relief method
