Congested Noseaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms

Did you mean? Sinus Congestion

What is Congested Nose?

Nasal congestion, commonly referred to as a congested nose, involves the blockage of the nasal passages typically due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the sinuses. This inflammation can be triggered by infections such as the common cold, sinusitis, or allergies. When congested, the nose may feel stuffed or blocked, making breathing through the nose difficult. This condition not only affects breathing but can also impair sleep and sense of smell. Understanding the underlying causes of nasal congestion is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

How Does TCM View Congested Nose?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers nasal congestion not merely as a localized irritation but as a manifestation of broader imbalances within the body’s energetic systems. According to TCM, congestion often results from the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, or Dampness that disrupt the normal flow of Qi and Blood.

These disruptions can cause an accumulation of these elements in the nasal passages. Identifying the precise pattern of disharmony is vital, as it guides the approach to treatment, focusing on restoring balance and enhancing the flow of Qi and Blood to alleviate symptoms.

Root Causes of Congested Nose in TCM

In TCM, two common patterns associated with nasal congestion include Wind-Cold-Damp invasion with Qi Deficiency and Damp-Heat in the Stomach. The former pattern, characterized by symptoms like high fever, stiff neck, and chest distension, indicates an external invasion that overwhelms the body's defensive Qi, leading to congestion.

The latter pattern involves an accumulation of Heat and Dampness that can manifest as thick nasal discharge and face pain, reflecting an internal imbalance. Addressing these patterns involves not only expelling the pathogenic factors but also strengthening the body’s Qi to resist further invasions.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
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 Congested Nose

Common Symptoms: Headaches Coughing Aversion To Cold Fever Sneezing Nasal Discharge Body Pain Chills

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Nasal congestion, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Wind-Cold Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Ma Huang 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 Blocked 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 Xin Yi San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Zhi Sou San
Wind-Heat Blocked 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 Blocked 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 Congested Nose

To treat nasal congestion, TCM employs various formulas depending on the identified disharmony. For Wind-Cold-Damp patterns with Qi Deficiency, Ren Shen Bai Du San is recommended. This formula uses ingredients like Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) to expel the external pathogens while boosting the Qi.

For congestion arising from Damp-Heat in the Stomach, Lian Po Yin, which includes Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), is used to clear Heat and resolve Dampness, thereby relieving the symptoms of congestion. These targeted treatments help to clear the nasal passages and restore normal respiratory function.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Congested Nose Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
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
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Ge Gen Tang 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 Congested Nose

Acupuncture is another integral component of TCM treatment for nasal congestion. Specific acupoints can effectively reduce congestion and improve breathing. For example, Hegu LI-4, located between the thumb and index finger, is known for its ability to expel Wind and regulate Qi, making it a pivotal point for treating nasal symptoms.

Another important point, Yingxiang LI-20, situated in the nasolabial groove, is particularly effective in opening the nasal passages and clearing congestion. Utilizing these points, along with targeted herbal treatments, offers a comprehensive approach to managing and resolving nasal congestion.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
Baihui DU-20

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.

Xinhui DU-22

Xinhui DU-22

On the head midline, 3 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20, 2 cun posterior to the front hairline.

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.

Shenting DU-24

Shenting DU-24

On the head midline, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline.

Suliao DU-25

Suliao DU-25

In a depression on the tip of the nose.

Duiduan DU-27

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

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