Nasal Dischargeaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Profuse Nasal Discharge Nasal Discharge In Children Thick Nasal Discharge
What is Nasal Discharge?
Nasal discharge, commonly referred to as a runny nose, involves the excessive secretion of fluids by the nasal tissues and blood vessels. This symptom can manifest as a clear, thin fluid or a thick, colored mucus, varying significantly based on the underlying cause. Causes range from infections such as the common cold or flu to allergies and sinusitis. Chronic or recurrent cases can significantly affect quality of life, leading to discomfort and social embarrassment. Understanding the nature and triggers of nasal discharge is essential for effective management and treatment.
How Does TCM View Nasal Discharge?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees nasal discharge as a symptom indicating imbalance within the body’s energetic pathways. In TCM, this condition is often associated with the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, or Heat, disrupting the normal functions of Qi—the vital life force.
The principle is that treatment should not only aim to stop the discharge but also to correct the energetic imbalances causing it. Identifying the specific TCM pattern underlying the symptom is crucial, as it guides the choice of treatment to restore harmony and health.
Root Causes of Nasal Discharge in TCM
TCM categorizes the causes of nasal discharge into several patterns, primarily involving the pathogenic influences of Wind and Cold. One common pattern is Exterior Wind, where symptoms like sneezing, aversion to cold, and clear nasal discharge indicate the body's surface is battling with invading cold. Treatment focuses on expelling the Wind and fortifying the body's defensive energy.
Another pattern involves Damp-Cold, where the discharge is often accompanied by symptoms of bodily heaviness, chills, and digestive upset, reflecting deeper systemic issues that require warming and drying treatments.
Explore below more details about what might cause Nasal discharge according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Wind
- Cold
- Heat
- View More Causes
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Nasal Discharge
Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Headaches Sneezing Itchy Throat Coughing Congested Nose Body Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Wind | Runny nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin... see more | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Wind-Cold | Runny nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more | Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San |
| Wind-Cold invading the Lungs | Runny nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San | Zhi Sou San |
| Wind-Heat | Runny nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm... see more | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Xiao Feng San | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan |
| Wind-Heat invading the Lungs | Runny nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nasal Discharge
To address nasal discharge, TCM uses specific formulas based on the identified pattern. For symptoms arising from Wind-Cold, such as a runny nose accompanied by sneezing and chills, Ma Huang Tang, which includes Ephedra, is commonly prescribed to expel Wind and release the exterior.
In cases where Wind-Heat predominates, presenting with yellow discharge and fever, Yin Qiao San or Cong Chi Tang may be used to clear Heat and expel Wind. These formulas are selected to align with the unique conditions of the patient, ensuring a targeted and effective approach to relieving symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nasal discharge, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Wind
- Cold
- Heat
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Wind:
Ma Huang Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause nasal discharge, such as Wind-Cold or Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Nasal Discharge Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ma Huang Tang | Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Cong Chi Tang | Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat |
| Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat |
| Yin Qiao San | Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs |
| Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan | Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs |
| Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San | Exterior Wind |
| Jing Fang Bai Du San | Wind-Cold |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Wind-Cold |
| Shi Shen Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jin Fei Cao San | Wind-Cold |
| Wu Ji San | Wind-Cold |
| Ge Gen Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Xin Yi San | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Zhi Sou San | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Sang Ju Yin | Wind-Heat |
| Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Wind-Heat |
| Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Wind-Heat |
| Xiao Feng San | Wind-Heat |
| Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Wind-Heat |
| Bing Peng San | Wind-Heat |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Wind-Heat |
Acupoints for Nasal Discharge
Acupuncture is another pillar of TCM treatment for nasal discharge. Key acupoints include Hegu LI-4 and Yingxiang LI-20, which are known to regulate the flow of Qi and blood, helping to alleviate nasal symptoms. Hegu LI-4, located on the hand, is particularly effective in treating issues related to the head and face, including nasal discharge.
Yingxiang LI-20, situated beside the nostrils, directly opens nasal passages and clears congestion. Stimulating these points can enhance respiratory function, reduce discharge, and improve the overall sense of well-being.
Explore below some acupoints used to address nasal discharge, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Bladder Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
Baihui DU-20
At the vertex, at the junction of a line connecting the apex of the ears and the midline, in the depression 7 cun above the posterior hairline and 5 cun behind the anterior hairline.
Qianding DU-21
On the midline, 1.5 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20 or 3.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.
Xinhui DU-22
On the head midline, 3 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20, 2 cun posterior to the front hairline.
Shangxing DU-23
On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
