Nasal Polypsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms
Did you mean? Nasal Swelling
What is Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that occur on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. These soft, painless, and often pear-shaped growths can develop when the nasal mucosa becomes swollen and inflamed over a long period, typically due to conditions such as allergies, asthma, recurrent infections, or immune disorders. While small polyps may not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can lead to nasal blockages, breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and frequent infections. Understanding and managing this condition effectively is crucial for maintaining nasal health and overall quality of life.
How Does TCM View Nasal Polyps?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nasal polyps are considered manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic systems. TCM does not view these growths merely as localized issues but as signs of systemic disharmony, often involving factors such as accumulated Dampness, Phlegm, or Heat.
Diagnosing the specific type of disharmony—be it from persistent Damp-Heat, Stagnation of Qi, or a Deficiency in vital substances—is essential for targeting treatment. This approach aims to not only shrink or eliminate the polyps but also to rectify the root causes preventing their recurrence.
Causes of Nasal Polyps According to TCM
In TCM, nasal polyps are frequently associated with disharmonies such as Toxic-Heat Stagnation or Wind-Cold invading the Lungs. Toxic-Heat Stagnation involves an accumulation of Heat and Toxins within the body that manifests physically as polyps due to the body's inability to clear and dissipate these harmful elements.
Conversely, Wind-Cold in the Lungs describes a condition where external Cold and Wind factors penetrate the Lungs, leading to the creation of mucus and Phlegm that can solidify into polyps if not resolved. Effective TCM treatment strategies focus on expelling these pathogenic factors and strengthening the body's defensive Qi to enhance mucosal health and resilience.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nasal Polyps
For treating nasal polyps, TCM advocates the use of specific herbal formulas based on the identified patterns of imbalance. Formulas like Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, which includes Biond’s Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), are employed to clear Toxic-Heat from the body, addressing the Heat and Stagnation that contribute to polyp growth.
Additionally, Xin Yi San is recommended for conditions involving Wind-Cold, utilizing the same key herb to disperse cold and relieve the congestion within the nasal passages. These formulas are part of a broader strategy that may include lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes to support the treatment and prevent future issues.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nasal polyps, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Nasal polyps can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Nasal polyps 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 Xin Yi San, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Acupoints for Nasal Polyps
Acupuncture is another critical component of TCM treatment for nasal polyps. Specific acupoints such as Shangxing DU-23 and Yingxiang LI-20 are targeted to benefit the nasal passages directly, helping to reduce inflammation and enhance local circulation. Points like Suliao DU-25 and Lieque LU-7 are utilized to clear Heat, expel Wind, and open up the sinus channels, facilitating easier breathing and alleviating symptoms associated with nasal obstructions.
Regular acupuncture sessions, combined with herbal treatments, can significantly improve symptoms and potentially reduce the size of the polyps by restoring the natural balance of Qi and bodily fluids.
Explore below some acupoints used to address nasal polyps, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Lung Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Shangxing DU-23
On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
Yingxiang LI-20
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
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.
Shangyingxiang EX-HN-8
At the upper end of the nasiolabial groove, at the junction of the maxilla and the nasal cavity.
TCM Herbs for Nasal Polyps
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nasal polyps, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs for external application
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs for external application
Nasal polyps 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 Realgar (Xiong Huang), which is directly recommended for nasal polyps.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Nasal polyps 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 nasal polyps, like Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Nasal polyps 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 nasal polyps, like Xin Yi San.