Yes, you can massage areas around your ear and jaw to help pop it by opening the Eustachian tubes, often by finding the groove behind your earlobe and tracing it down with gentle pressure, sometimes combined with jaw movements or pulling the earlobe to encourage drainage and pressure relief.
Eustachian tube massage can release fluid buildup and should be performed about three times per side, three times a day.
Another way to do it is to get you to “pop” your ears on a more regular basis, about 20 times per day, often by closing your nostrils with your hand and blowing gently against that pressure. The pressure should help force the Eustachian tube to open a bit, draining pressure and any fluid that's in that space.
Chewing, yawning, and sucking hard candy can all help the ears to pop. However, if the ears feel as though they need to pop but will not, a person should wait to see if they improve on their own. If they do not, they should speak with a doctor. It is important not to force the ears to pop.
If you pop your ears too much, you can stretch your eardrum, which can, in turn, cause other problems. If you are experiencing nasal congestion, post-nasal drip or seasonal allergies with pressure in your ears, using nasal saline rinses and an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray – such as fluticasone – can be helpful.
The forbidden points—LI4, SP6, BL60, GB21, and CV3—are traditionally avoided during pregnancy due to their potential to induce labor or stimulate strong physiological reactions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using acupressure to ensure both the safety of the mother and the baby.
Simply use your fingertips to massage the skin beneath and behind your ear gently. Ensure you only massage the outside of your ear, not the inside.
Here are a few safe and effective ways to help relieve pressure and get your ears to pop:
Massage therapists must also be aware of endangerment sites where deep pressure should be avoided:
Ear massage techniques offer a natural, convenient way to ease sinus-related discomfort, reduce headaches, and improve nasal breathing. By stimulating targeted pressure points around the ear and supporting lymphatic flow, these simple massages may help unblock sinuses and encourage healthy drainage.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
To relieve ear pain or discomfort, you can take steps to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure, such as:
It's when your body is setting up for the development of your baby. Even minimal external stressors like pressure during a massage can increase the risk of miscarriage at times. This is why many experts, including the American Pregnancy Association, advise against back massages during the first trimester.
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is when your eustachian tubes don't open and close as they should. These tubes connect your middle ears to the back of your throat. The tubes equalize air pressure and help drain fluid from your ears. Eustachian tube dysfunction is when these tubes become clogged.
Not all GP surgeries remove earwax build-up. Some can: flush the wax out with water (electronic ear irrigation) suck the wax out (microsuction)
Tilting your head to the side, gently pulling on your earlobe, or chewing can help drain trapped water. Why do my ears clog up during flights? Rapid changes in air pressure during air travel can affect your middle ear, especially during takeoff and landing.
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can be particularly helpful. The motion of chewing or sucking encourages swallowing, which naturally helps pop your ears and relieve pressure.
Common causes include excess ear wax, sinus congestion, allergies, changes in altitude, water trapped in the ear canal, upper respiratory infections and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective solution for relief.