Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms
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.
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.
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.
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
"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
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 |
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
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 |
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.
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause sneezing, such as Wind-Cold or Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause sneezing, such as Greater Yang Attack of Cold or Wind-Cold
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause sneezing, such as Wind-Heat or Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause sneezing, such as Damp-Cold
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Greater Yang Attack of Cold or Wind-Cold.
One such formula is Ma Huang Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Exterior Wind.
One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Wind-Heat or Wind-Heat invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat.
One such formula is Cong Chi Tang, with scallions as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Cong Chi Tang | Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat |
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Wind-Heat.
One such formula is Sang Ju Yin, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Damp-Cold.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Wind-Heat.
One such formula is Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some sneezing-causing patterns like Wind-Heat.
One such formula is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
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.
Located on the radial side of the index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the 2nd metacarpal bone.
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
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.
3 cun above Yangxi LI-5, on the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).
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.
Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.
On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
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 is between the eyebrows and on the anterior midline.