While spring is the time of year many people suffer severe allergy symptoms, autumn is not much fun either. The constant wind which accompanies autumn storms means there are plenty of allergen spores currently moving through the air. The mobile allergens mean yet another season of sinus congestion, watery eyes and sneezing. As someone newly diagnosed as suffering from seasonal allergies, you already know that medication plays a part in reducing the impact of the allergens. However, did you know that massage is another helpful tool to reduce the effects of allergy symptoms? Here's what you need to know before you pick up the phone to book yourself in for a massage.

Drainage relief provided by facial massage

One of the annoying and painful irritants about allergies is the build-up of fluid around the nose and eyes. The fluid buildup causes sinus pain and headaches. One non-medicated way to reduce this pressure is to have a facial massage.

A facial massage involves a lightly heated towel placed across the face for a few minutes. The heat from the towel softens the facial muscles and also softens the mucus sitting under the skin. The masseuse applies pressure with their fingers in a circular motion move the mucus so it can drain away. As the mucus drains, so does the tension which has built up under the skin. After the facial massage is complete, it is time to move onto the rest of the body.

The relief provided by body massage

While allergy irritations mostly involve the head, the rest of the body feels the pressure when your sinuses are blocked up. For example, the continual sneezing caused by allergies means the muscles in your chest, shoulders and neck are moving constantly. This flexing puts the muscles under strain and tires them. Additionally, allergies cause inflammation within the body, and this swelling puts extra stress on your muscles which makes them ache even more.

A full body massage helps to reduce the impact of the inflammation. Massages increase the movement of your bloodstream, and this also moves oxygen through the blood vessels. Oxygen helps to open up the blood vessels which then reduces the amount pain that emanates from them.

Finally, a massage makes you feel good because your brain releases endorphins as the tension leaves your body. The happy feeling from the endorphins combined with relief from facial and body pains means you're able to get more done in your day. That relief is reason enough to be picking up the phone to organise an appointment for a massage or remedial massage.