Nose Painaccording to TCM

What is Nose Pain?

Nose pain encompasses discomfort or soreness in the nasal area, which may include the bridge, nostrils, or the interior of the nose. This symptom can arise from various causes, such as sinus infections, trauma, or inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, commonly referred to as rhinitis.

Chronic conditions like allergies or frequent episodes of acute sinusitis might also lead to persistent nose pain. Effective diagnosis and management are crucial to alleviate pain and address the underlying issues contributing to this discomfort.

How Does TCM View Nose Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives nose pain as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic systems. TCM theory suggests that such symptoms are typically the result of disruptions in the flow of Qi, or vital energy, often caused by external pathogenic factors like Wind or Heat, or by internal conditions such as Excess Yang. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM, as treatments are tailored to correct these imbalances, thus alleviating the symptom and restoring overall health.

Acupoints for Nose Pain

In TCM, treating nose pain involves using specific acupoints to correct energy imbalances and alleviate symptoms. Points such as Xinhui DU-22, located near the front hairline, and Suliao DU-25, at the tip of the nose, are targeted to expel Wind and relieve pain directly.

Meichong BL-3 above the eyebrow and Yingxiang LI-20 beside the nostrils are used to reduce sinus pressure and open nasal passages by expelling Wind-Heat and clearing channel obstructions. Additional points like Juliao ST-3 and Naokong GB-19 help to subdue Liver Yang and clear Heat, offering a comprehensive approach to treating nose pain in TCM.

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

Xinhui DU-22

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

Suliao DU-25

In a depression on the tip of the nose.

Meichong BL-3

Vertically above the medial extremity of the eyebrow and medial canthus of the eye, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, between Shenting DU-24 and Quchai BL-4.

Qucha BL-4

0.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the junction of the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from anterior midline to Touwei ST-8.

Tongtian BL-7

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 4 cun within the anterior hairline.

Kouheliao LI-19

Directly below the lateral margin of the nostril, level with Renzhong DU-26.

Yingxiang LI-20

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

Juliao ST-3

Directly below Sibai ST-2, at the level of the lower border of ala nasi.

Naokong GB-19

Directly above Fengchi GB-20, level with Naohu DU-17, on the lateral side of the external occipital protuberance.