Many with sinus headaches, pain or pressure automatically reach for an over the counter decongestant medication to relieve their symptoms, but there are quite a few natural remedies that do the trick as well.

• To keep sinuses clear of excess mucus, use a neti pot - an ancient Asian device used to wash out nasal passages with a saline solution. The washing procedure helps reduce mucus buildup and bacteria in your sinuses. A neti pot allows you to easily pour the salt water into one nostril and let it flow out the other. Then gently blow your nose. Repeat this process with the other nostril, followed by again blowing your nose. It may take some practice before you become proficient at the technique. Some people prefer to use a nasal spray bottle to force the saline solution into each nostril. If you get a cold, you can clear your sinuses daily by either using a neti pot or nasal spray bottle.

The recipe for your neti pot or nasal spray bottle is simple:
1 cup spring water or distilled water -- NOT chlorinated tap water
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt -- do not use iodized table salt
1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda

Mix the ingredients until the salt is fully dissolved, heating the solution gently if needed. Be certain to COMPLETELY COOL the solution to room temperature before using it in a neti pot or nasal spray bottle.

• Massage the muscles in your neck, head, jaw, and face, focusing on the deeper muscles attached to the eustachian tubes and near the sinuses. Massaging will often cause the sinuses and eustachian tubes to open and drain, relieving pain and pressure.
• Moisture is essential. Drink plenty of water. This will help thin sinus secretions so they drain more easily. Use this remedy if your ears are blocked - drink water while holding your nose. It creates a vacuum that may open eustachian tubes. Take a hot shower and breathe the steamy mist or place your face over a bowl or pan of hot water. Place a towel over your head so you can breathe the trapped steam.
• The dark, warm and moist atmosphere of the sinus cavity is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria...and infections. If you have a green or yellow discharge, most doctors prescribe antibiotics. However, some holistic physicians treat sinus infections with high doses of vitamin C, beta-carotene, garlic, echinacea and vitamin E supplements.
• Aromatherapy. Essential oils also work very well in keeping your sinuses clear. Peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary are all good for stimulating circulation and drainage. Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) is considered a very good oil for cleaning and clearing the breathing passages in your nose and sinuses. Tea tree oil or pine can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic or expectorant when you're suffering from a cold. Hyssop, juniper, lavender, lemon and sandalwood are also good for the sinus.

Another tip: Clean out your home ventilation systems and change your furnace or air conditioning vent filters regularly. Have your ducts sucked. There are professional businesses that specialize in home duct cleaning. Trapped animal dander, dust and other allergens keep recirculating in your home, particularly in the winter months. A thorough cleaning can benefit your respiratory system, especially your sinuses.

In addition, some have found relief from their sinus problems, allergies and asthma by exploring the traditional Chinese medical therapies of acupuncture, combined with T'ai Chi and Qigong. Practitioners believe that when the flow of your body's natural energy systems gets blocked (like your sinuses) your physical health can break down. And you need that like you need a hole in your head.