Nasal congestion is a common symptom often caused by inflammation of the nasal mucosa and swelling of the turbinates (bony filters in the nose). It starts as a cold symptom and, if left untreated, can turn into chronic rhinitis (long-term nasal inflammation).

Since colds are usually the culprit behind nasal congestion, symptoms can be cured by promptly treating the cold. In other words, early treatment will avoid sequelae of long-term nasal congestion.

The concept of cold in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differs from that in Western medicine. Regardless of the presence of foreign bacteria or viruses, TCM focuses mainly on the symptoms of the whole body after the onset of the disease and treats the cold according to the type of syndrome instead.

In TCM, many diseases are believed to be caused by environmental forces. These forces are called the six exogenous evils and are divided into wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and fire. However, TCM believes that invading external pathogens can also cause a cold.

If one has fever and chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, no sweat, headache, and joint pains all over the body, the condition is considered a cold due to “wind and coldness” and can be cured by taking the prescription to dispel wind and coldness. If the symptoms are fever, nasal congestion, runny nose with yellow turbidity, dry mouth, and tongue discomfort, the condition is likely cold from “wind and heat,” which requires pungent, cool medicines or formulas to clear wind and heat.

When TCM practitioners treat chronic rhinitis, they prescribe medicines based on the individual’s physical constitution and localized symptoms around the nasal mucosa and turbinate to achieve the best results.

TCM posit that qi and blood are the essential substances that constitute the human body and maintain all its physiological activities. Both qi and blood circulate through the body to maintain the balance and stability of various tissues and organs. When there is an imbalance or deficiency of qi and blood, disease or other complications may occur.

In addition to excessive nasal discharge and hyposmia, people with chronic rhinitis often also have symptoms of headache, dizziness, obstructive nasal sound, and blocked ears. Generally, people with this condition can take decoctions for invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi.

In addition, TCM believes that prolonged illness will lead to blood stasis. Therefore, people with chronic nasal congestion, turbinate swelling and hypertrophy, and poor microcirculation should take decoctions to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and open orifices.

The good thing about TCM treatment for rhinitis is that it will not cause fatigue and lethargy as a side effect. Instead, it will improve physical and mental strength. Since chronic rhinitis is long-term, it will take time to be cured entirely. Taking Chinese medicine for a while is necessary to improve the physique and get the most benefits.

What should you do if your nose is still stuffy while waiting to be cured? Press two points around the nose to relieve nasal congestion temporarily.

Yingxiang is located near the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose, where it intersects with the nasolabial folds (laugh lines). Press and knead the Yingxiang on both sides with your fingers for two to three minutes each time.

After pressing and kneading the Yingxiang acupoint, bend the two joints of the thumbs of both hands vertically, and bend the palms of the other four fingers to form a hollow fist. Press the bent index finger tightly against the thumb to hold it firmly. Use both hands close to the sides of the first thumb knuckle to rub the sides of the nose up and down until your breathing becomes unobstructed.

TCM says the human body has a meridian system for transporting qi and blood. “Acupuncture point” is a term unique to Chinese culture and TCM that refers to a place with many nerve endings and blood vessels. According to TCM, acupoints are distributed in the viscera and meridians on the surface of the body. They are where qi and blood come together and are regarded as the body’s energy-gathering points. TCM physicians can treat diseases by stimulating the corresponding meridian points through massage, patting, acupuncture, etc.

Rhinitis and nasal allergies are related to lifestyle, so those who suffer from them should consider how their daily habits contribute to their symptoms. Here are four things one should keep in mind:

1. Consume cold drinks in moderation.
2. Eat sweets in moderation, as they impact metabolism and increase chronic inflammation.
3. Some children tend to sweat within half an hour of falling asleep. If this happens and the wet clothes go unchanged, the child can catch a cold. It’s best to wear sweat-wicking underwear to sleep. Then, even if the child sweats while sleeping, the body will stay dry.
4. Watch the weather. When it’s cold, ensure you have a warm-enough blanket. Children are especially susceptible to catching colds when they kick off blankets while sleeping.

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