What is Sneezing?

Sneezing is a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth. This reflex is typically triggered by irritation in the nasal mucosa and serves to expel irritants and allergens from the nasal passages. Common causes include dust, pollen, animal dander, or other environmental allergens. While generally benign, frequent sneezing can be symptomatic of underlying conditions such as allergies, colds, or sinus infections, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.

How Does TCM View Sneezing?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches sneezing as an indicator of external pathogenic factors invading the body, particularly through the Lung Channel which is believed to be most susceptible to external influences. TCM practitioners view symptoms as signs of underlying patterns of disharmony within the body, such as imbalances in the harmonious flow of Qi (vital energy) or the protective shield known as Wei Qi. Understanding these patterns is crucial, as they guide the customization of treatments to restore balance, not just alleviating symptoms but addressing their root causes.

Root Causes of Sneezing in TCM

In TCM, sneezing is most commonly linked to invasions of Wind, which may occur alongside imbalances of Cold or Heat. For instance, an Exterior Wind-Cold pattern is characterized by sneezing with chills, lack of sweating, and a preference for warmth, reflecting the body’s struggle against a cold invasion.

Alternatively, an Exterior Wind-Heat pattern might show sneezing accompanied by fever, sweating, and a preference for coolness, indicating heat trying to expel through the surface. Identifying these patterns allows practitioners to target the specific type of Wind and accompanying conditions, optimizing the treatment strategy to harmonize the body's defenses and expel pathogenic influences.

Explore below more details about what might cause Sneezing according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Lung
Detailed description of the cause

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 Sneezing

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Headaches Nasal Discharge Itchy Throat Coughing Congested Nose Anemophobia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Exterior Wind Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Anemophobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin... see more Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Greater Yang Attack of Wind Sneezing, Slight aversion to cold, Anemophobia, Low grade fever, Mild sweating, Stiff neck, Occipital headache... see more Gui Zhi Tang
Wind-Cold Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, 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 Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, 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 Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, 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
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Sneezing

Common Symptoms: Nasal Discharge White And Watery Sputum Chills Fever Aversion To Cold Lack Of Sweating Occipital Headache Shortness Of Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold Sneezing, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Greater Yang Attack of Cold Sneezing, Occipital headache, Aversion to cold, Low grade fever, Lack of sweating, Stiff neck, Nasal discharge, Shortness of breath... see more Ma Huang Tang
Wind-Cold Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, 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 Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, 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
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Sneezing

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Coughing Nasal Discharge Sore Throat Headaches Congested Nose Tonsil Swelling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Heat Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, 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
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Sneezing

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold Sneezing, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Sneezing

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Congested Nose Nasal Discharge Headaches Body Pain Itchy Throat Shortness Of Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, 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 invading the Lungs Sneezing, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sneezing

To treat sneezing effectively, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas depending on the identified pattern of disharmony. For sneezing due to Wind-Cold, the formula Gui Zhi Tang, which includes Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi), warms the body and expels cold from the surface.

For Wind-Heat, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), clears heat and disperses wind, alleviating symptoms quickly. These formulas are tailored to reinforce the body’s surface resistance, thus preventing the recurrence of symptoms and strengthening the body’s natural defenses.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sneezing, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
  • Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity

All Formulas Recommended for Sneezing 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
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San Exterior Wind
Gui Zhi Tang Greater Yang Attack of 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

All Formulas Recommended for Sneezing Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Tang Greater Yang Attack of Cold, Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Cold
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

All Formulas Recommended for Sneezing Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Heat
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

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for sneezing

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ma Huang Tang Greater Yang Attack of Cold, Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Gui Zhi Tang Greater Yang Attack of Wind
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
Ge Gen Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs

All "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind" recommended for sneezing

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San Exterior Wind
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xiao Feng San Wind-Heat

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for sneezing

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Jing Fang Bai Du San Wind-Cold
Bing Peng San Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for sneezing

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear wind-Heat" recommended for sneezing

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Sang Ju Yin Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang Wind-Heat

Acupoints for Sneezing

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a complementary treatment for sneezing. Points like Hegu LI-4 and Lieque LU-7 are frequently used to regulate the body's defensive Qi and expel pathogenic Wind. Hegu LI-4, located between the thumb and index finger, is particularly effective in boosting the immune system and alleviating respiratory symptoms.

Meanwhile, Lieque LU-7, located near the wrist, is used to open the lung meridian, which directly influences respiratory health. Utilizing these acupoints can enhance therapeutic outcomes, reduce sneezing, and help maintain nasal and respiratory health.

Explore below some acupoints used to address sneezing, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Lung Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Sanjian LI-3

Sanjian LI-3

Located on the radial side of the index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the 2nd metacarpal bone.

Hegu LI-4

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Yangxi LI-5

Yangxi LI-5

On the radial side of the wrist. When the thumb is tilted upward, it is in the depression on the wrist joint space (wrist crease) between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles.

Pianli LI-6

Pianli LI-6

3 cun above Yangxi LI-5, on the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Yingxiang LI-20

Yingxiang LI-20

In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.

Fengmen BL-12

Fengmen BL-12

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Chengling  GB-18

Chengling GB-18

1.5 cun posterior to Zhengying GB-17 or 4 cun posterior to the anterior hairline. Or 1 cun anterior and 2.25 cun lateral to Baihui DU-20, which is at the vertex of the head.

Lieque LU-7

Lieque LU-7

Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.

Shangxing DU-23

Shangxing DU-23

On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.

Tianyou TB-16

Tianyou TB-16

Posterior and inferior to the mastoid process, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with Tianrong SI-17 and Tianzhu BL-10.

Yintang EX-HN-3

Yintang EX-HN-3

Yintang EX-HN-3 is between the eyebrows and on the anterior midline.