Chronic Rhinitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Rhinitis
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis is a persistent inflammation of the nasal passages that can significantly affect quality of life. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose, persisting for months or becoming recurrent. Chronic rhinitis can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, environmental irritants, or underlying health issues. Understanding and treating this condition involves addressing both the symptoms and the root causes to improve nasal function and overall well-being.
How Does TCM View Chronic Rhinitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on chronic rhinitis, viewing it as a symptom of imbalance within the body’s energy systems. According to TCM, the proper flow and balance of Qi (vital energy) and the harmony of Yin and Yang are essential for health. Chronic rhinitis is often seen as a manifestation of disharmony in these elements, influenced by external pathogens or internal health issues. TCM practitioners focus on identifying the specific patterns of disharmony before crafting a treatment strategy, emphasizing a holistic approach to restoring health.
Causes of Chronic Rhinitis According to TCM
In TCM, chronic rhinitis is typically linked to patterns such as Damp-Wind, Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invading the Lungs. The presence of Damp-Wind implies an accumulation of moisture and pathogenic influences that stagnate and affect the body’s Wei Qi (defensive energy), leading to symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.
Wind-Cold, on the other hand, refers to the invasion of cold external forces that disrupt the Lung Qi, causing congestion and respiratory discomfort. Addressing these underlying causes involves techniques to expel the pathogenic influences and strengthen the body’s defensive mechanisms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Rhinitis
For the treatment of chronic rhinitis, TCM relies on a variety of herbal formulas that target specific disharmony patterns. Formulas such as Cang Er Zi San, which includes Cocklebur Fruits, are used to treat Damp-Wind due to their bitter, sweet, and warm properties.
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, containing Szechuan Lovage Roots, addresses Exterior Wind patterns by dispersing the Wind and relieving symptoms. For more severe cases involving Wind-Cold, Xin Yi San with Biond’s magnolia flowers can be effective. Each formula is chosen based on the patient’s unique symptoms and underlying TCM diagnosis to ensure the best outcome.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic rhinitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Cang Er Zi San, with cocklebur fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind" recommended for chronic rhinitis
External formulas for External disorders
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Bing Peng San, with borneol as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold affecting the sensory orifices, requiring warming and opening actions.
One such formula is Tong Guan San, with chinese honeylocust abnormal fruit as a key herb.
Acupoints for Chronic Rhinitis
In addition to herbal remedies, TCM recommends specific acupoints for the treatment of chronic rhinitis to enhance therapeutic effects. One key point is Dazhu BL-11, located near the spine on the level of the 1st thoracic vertebra. Stimulating this point can help nourish Blood, expel Wind, firm the Exterior, and descend the Lung Qi. By targeting this and other related acupoints, TCM practitioners aim to restore balance and alleviate the symptoms associated with chronic rhinitis, offering a complementary approach to the herbal treatments prescribed.
See more details below about Dazhu BL-11, an acupoint used to address chronic rhinitis.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Dazhu BL-11
On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Rhinitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic rhinitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs for external application
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Cang Er Zi San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for chronic rhinitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Cang Er Zi San | Xin Yi San |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Shen Qi Wan |
Herbs that open the Orifices
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Borneol (Bing Pian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Bing Peng San.
Herbs for external application
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Borax (Peng Sha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Bing Peng San.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Cocklebur Fruits (Cang Er Zi ), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Cang Er Zi San.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Shen Qi Wan.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Tong Guan San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic rhinitis, like Xin Yi San.