Posted by Dr. Anil R. Shah
Getting congestion after a massage is possible due to the pressure applied during the session
Massage therapy is a great way to relax and improve your overall health. It can help reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and even relieve muscle tension. However, it can also cause a stuffy nose after the massage session, especially after a Swedish massage. This is due to the increased pressure on the face during deep tissue massages or when lying face down on the massage table.
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage congestion after a massage session. In this article, we will discuss some of these methods so you can enjoy the benefits of massage without having to deal with a stuffy nose afterward.
Why do you get congested after a massage?
Massage therapists often apply pressure to the face during a massage session, which can cause congestion in the maxillary and frontal sinuses. This is because the pressure applied to the soft tissues of the face can block or restrict airflow through these sinuses. As a result, you may experience a stuffy nose for some time after your massage session.
In some cases, this congestion may even lead to a runny nose. To help reduce congestion and prevent further irritation, it is important to drink plenty of fluids before and after your massage session. Here are some tips on how to treat a stuffy nose after a massage.
1. Use a compress
Applying cold or warm compresses to the face and around the nose can help alleviate sinus pressure and congestion caused by massage. This can reduce inflammation and temporarily help open up the nasal passages for easier breathing.
In addition to using a compress, you can also try using nasal sprays or decongestants to help reduce congestion. These medications can provide temporary relief from stuffy noses and facial pain. If your massage therapist applies gentle pressure during the massage session, this may also help reduce congestion.
However, if moderate pressure is applied, it may cause more inflammation and worsen the congestion. In such cases, it is best to speak with your massage therapist about adjusting the pressure accordingly. Lastly, if you experience sore muscles after the massage session, applying a warm compress or taking a hot bath can help alleviate any discomfort.
2. Apply essential oils
Applying essential oils is a good way to manage congestion after a massage
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that includes using essential oils for various therapeutic benefits, including relieving congested sinuses due to massage. Many essential oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, swelling, and blockage in the nasal passages.
In addition to applying essential oils, gentle massage of the collarbone area can also help reduce congestion. This is because the collarbone area is connected to the nasal canal, which can be blocked due to pressure during a massage session.
Eucalyptus essential oil is especially beneficial for relieving flu-like symptoms such as stuffy nose and sinus congestion after a massage. Applying this oil directly to the skin or inhaling it through a diffuser can help open up the nasal passages and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, gentle massage of the nasal canal can also help reduce congestion by stimulating circulation in this area.
3. Stay hydrated
It is important to stay properly hydrated after a massage as it can help thin out the mucus that may be causing stuffy noses and sinus congestion due to massage and to eliminate metabolic waste.
Warm liquids such as clear broth or warm lemon water before bedtime encourage drainage of sinuses during sleep at night and may offer relief from a stuffy nose after a massage therapy session.
4. Use Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers are one way of releasing essential oil vapors into the air giving off medicinal properties helping relieve blocked sinuses due to allergies or a cold virus – its aromatherapy effect works especially well for relieving stress caused by uncomfortable tight muscles! As these oils have potent antifungal/antiseptic properties like tea tree/eucalyptus/peppermint etc–they can help rid yourself of any infection temporarily whilst tackling symptoms associated with them such as stuffy noses!
5. Catch up on rest
Although it may contradict our initial reaction, sleeping after the massage is extremely beneficial since rest helps your body recover much faster than staying awake all day long would do!
6. Try steam inhalation or saunas
Steam inhalation or going into a sauna afterward can promote drainage of mucus by promoting sweating and helping clear mucus from the nasal cavities more efficiently, thus clearing out congested areas quickly!
Another way to manage stuffy noses after the massage is to use a neti pot. This device helps to flush out the sphenoid sinuses, which are located behind the eyes and can become blocked due to firm pressure during massage. The neti pot can help clear out any nasal discharge that may be present in these pairs of sinuses. Additionally, using a saline solution or warm water with a pinch of salt can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from congestion.
7. Practice Pranayama breathing
Pranayama breathing exercises are a type of yoga exercise that helps promote better airflow to all areas of your body including the nasal Cavity hence reducing nasal congestion caused due to Massage sessions significantly!
Avoid a stuffy nose when getting a massage
If you’re getting a massage and you have a stuffy nose, there are a few things you can do to keep it from becoming worse after the massage. First, make sure that your licensed massage therapist is aware of your congestion. This will help them adjust their techniques and the form of massage accordingly to accommodate your heightened sense of touch and awareness.
To prevent excess mucous, stay away from cold drinks, dairy products, and smoking before getting a massage. Consider using special massage oils or balms that can open up and soothe congested areas like maxillary sinuses. Oils like lavender and eucalyptus are known to be helpful in this regard, as they open up nasal passages while still providing relief through the massage.
Finally, keep some tissue or a handkerchief with you during the session just in case – this way if your nose starts running during the massage, you can take care of it without having to disrupt your comfort levels. With these few simple tips and tricks, you should be able to enjoy a stress-free and restful massage even with a stuffy nose.
If you are experiencing persistent stuffy nose after massage sessions, it may be worth considering Chicago nose job as an option for relief. Rhinoplasty can help to open up the nasal passages and reduce congestion, allowing for easier breathing.
Make an appointment with us!
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to your stuffy nose after a massage, consider visiting a plastic surgeon for a rhinoplasty Chicago. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can help open up and reshape the nasal passageways, allowing for better airflow and reducing congestion. With the help of an experienced plastic surgeon, you can get the relief you need from your stuffy nose and enjoy the benefits of massage without any discomfort. Contact us today to learn more about how a nose job in Chicago can help improve your quality of life!
