Ear + sinus drainage: using one finger, go straight back on the hard pallet of the mouth, going back as far as it feels soft + squishy [where the hard pallet meets the soft pallet] and sweep straight out to the side, towards the ear. This helps drain the nasal sinuses. Then, to drain the ear specifically - follow the top gum line along the teeth, and sweep down the cheek line until you hit a little, firm ball [a gland with fluid in it]. This will help the middle ear fluid drain. We do this one kids 1x. *Eliciting a gag reflex is okay - that's how you know you went back far enough [and why we do this one sweep at a time].
For any ear + sinus congestion: tap lightly above the eyebrows, under the eye on the cheek bone, + rub both of those areas out to break up sinus congestion + encourage drainage. You can also gently massage from behind the ear, down the neck, to encourage lymphatic drainage!
Helpful Home Remedies:
- tea tree oil
- garlic mullein drops
- hot water rinse
- breast milk