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Fitness & Health

03rd Feb 2019

Do you have a blocked nose? This handy trick could help relieve you

Alan Loughnane

tips for unblocking nose

The curse of a congested nose…

There’s plenty of colds and flu doing the rounds at the moment with the HSE warning this week that flu season is at its peak in Ireland, although it’s not thought to be as serious as other years.

There’s very few things more inconveniencing than a blocked nose and general congestion while in work or school. Aside from the fact that it’s going to adversely affect your mood and turn you into a grumpy bastard, the nasal tone and constant use of tissues will be enough to drive anyone mad.

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There are some decongestants available on the market, which vary in effectiveness, but other than that, the masses of people just have to grin and bear it while your immune system wages war on your cold/flu at the expense of your nasal passage.

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But, this technique by Lisa DeStefano, D.O., an associate professor at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, could be the answer to your congestion problems.

Speaking to Men’s Health, she revealed what she believes is the quickest way to get rid of a congested nose.

She revealed that using your thumb and your finger, you should press gently press the area between your eyebrows for three to four seconds, then press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Alternate between the two actions for 20 seconds and it will make breathing through your nose easier.

She also proposed another technique that may help you, but it’s not one you’re going to want to attempt in view of other people.

Insert your right baby finger into the back left of your mouth, and reach as far back behind the molar as you can and press upwards on the fleshy area there towards your eye and cheekbone.

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According to her interview with Men’s Health, if you do this for three seconds, it will stimulate a group of nerves in the area and cause your nasal cavity to drain out fluid. If repeated every few hours, this technique should prove effective.

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