The TCM practitioners at HHPCL have extensive clinical experience in treating nasal sensitivity. They can accurately differentiate and diagnose various types of nasal sensitivity, including lung qi deficiency, spleen qi deficiency, spleen-kidney yang deficiency, and lung meridian damp-heat, providing effective TCM treatments. It is a reliable recommendation for Traditional Chinese Medicine for nasal sensitivity.

If you have nasal sensitivity issues and are seeking an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine, HHPCL is the best choice. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive nasal sensitivity treatment to help improve your quality of life. Our TCM treatment for nasal sensitivity can be used in conjunction with Western medication to enhance the therapeutic effects.

Common symptoms of nasal sensitivity include:

- Nasal congestion

- Sneezing

- Runny nose

- Itchy or watery eyes

- Sore or itchy throat

- Headache

- Feeling of ear blockage

Concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Nasal Sensitivity

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is no specific term for "nasal sensitivity." Instead, nasal sensitivity is categorized under the concept of "allergic rhinitis" in TCM. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sudden and recurrent nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge. allergic rhinitis can occur chronically or seasonally. For chronic allergic rhinitis patients, symptoms persist throughout the year, while allergic rhinitis can also be triggered by climate changes, dust, and strong odors. According to ancient TCM literature, deficiency of lung qi with cold is one of the important causes of nasal sensitivity.

In contrast to Western medicine, which often focuses on alleviating nasal sensitivity symptoms through medication, TCM views the human body as a holistic entity, with close interconnections among organs and systems. Therefore, in TCM treatment for nasal sensitivity, besides directly addressing the symptoms of nasal allergies, TCM practitioners also emphasize improving the patient's overall immune function and body resistance. By adjusting the flow of qi and blood and restoring the balance of yin and yang within the body, TCM for nasal sensitivity can enhance the patient's immune system, making it more resilient against external allergens and reducing the frequency and severity of nasal sensitivity episodes.

TCM attributes nasal sensitivity to factors such as qi stagnation, dampness accumulation, and heat toxins, which are often caused by imbalances within the body. Therefore, in the process of TCM treatment for nasal sensitivity, TCM practitioners may choose appropriate herbal medicine, acupuncture, or acupressure techniques to regulate the flow of qi and blood, eliminate dampness and heat toxins from the body, and ultimately achieve the goal of treating nasal sensitivity.

Treatment Methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Nasal Sensitivity

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment methods for nasal sensitivity primarily involve the use of herbal medicine to regulate the patient's overall health while targeting the nasal sensitivity symptoms. Most nasal sensitivity patients have lung and spleen qi deficiency, resulting in low resistance to external wind and cold. Therefore, herbal medicine is used to enhance lung and spleen functions. The TCM treatment for nasal sensitivity focuses on supplementing qi, nourishing the lungs, strengthening the spleen, and tonifying the kidneys. Additionally, it aims to clear the nasal passages. Commonly used herbal formulas for treating nasal sensitivity include Yupingfeng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) and Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). Herbal ingredients such as Bai Zhi, Xinyi, Xi Xin, and E Bu Shi Cao are used to clear the nasal passages.

In addition to herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion are commonly used treatment methods in TCM for nasal sensitivity. Acupuncture points for nasal sensitivity often include Feishu (BL13), Dazhui (GV14), Dazhu (BL11), Shenyu (BL23), Piyu (BL20), and Yintang (EX-HN3). These points help regulate the flow of qi and blood, balance yin and yang, and improve the allergic constitution, thereby alleviating nasal sensitivity symptoms. Acupuncture not only directly affects the body's physiological processes but also regulates the neuroendocrine system and enhances immune function, thus improving the body's resistance to external allergens.

Furthermore, TCM treatment for nasal sensitivity may include techniques such as acupressure and tuina massage. Acupressure involves massaging specific acupoints to stimulate the meridians, promote the flow of qi and blood, and relieve nasal sensitivity symptoms. Tuina massage, on the other hand, involves massaging acupoints and meridians to regulate the flow of qi and blood, thereby improving nasal sensitivity symptoms. It also promotes the body's metabolism and enhances immune function.

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, TCM for nasal sensitivity recommends appropriate breathing exercises to patients. These breathing techniques help improve the flow of qi and blood in the body, enhance the body's resistance, and alleviate nasal sensitivity symptoms. TCM practitioners may also provide dietary recommendations to help patients improve their constitution and reduce nasal sensitivity symptoms.

Introduction to Dietary Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Nasal Sensitivity

Nasal sensitivity, also known as "allergic rhinitis," is not only caused by the poor air quality in Hong Kong but also attributed to the weakened lung defense and insufficient lung qi circulation from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. When the lung qi is obstructed, it can result in nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. Through targeted dietary therapy recommended by TCM practitioners based on individual constitutions, nasal sensitivity can be effectively improved.

TCM classifies nasal sensitivity patients into two types: "lung heat" and "lung deficiency."

For those with lung heat:

They prefer coolness over heat, experience varying degrees of nasal congestion with obvious congestion of the nasal mucosa, and have thicker and yellowish mucus. They may also suffer from constipation and frequently have a dry mouth, requiring increased water intake. It is recommended for them to consume foods with cooling properties in their daily diet, such as bitter gourd, bean sprouts, snow pear, and winter melon.

For those with lung deficiency:

They often experience symptoms during cold weather, have thin and clear nasal discharge, prefer warmth over coldness, and may have cold extremities. In addition to treating the lungs, it is important to regulate the spleen and stomach for individuals with lung deficiency. According to TCM, nourishing the "earth" benefits the "metal," and the lungs belong to the "metal" element, while the spleen belongs to the "earth" element. Therefore, it is recommended for them to consume foods that nourish the lungs and spleen, such as pig lungs, Chinese yam, Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen), Polygonatum sibiricum (Huang Jing), lotus seeds, and Cordyceps sinensis.

Dietary therapy recommendations in TCM for both lung heat and lung deficiency types of nasal sensitivity:

  • Dietary therapy for lung heat nasal sensitivity: Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Flower Tea

    Ingredients: 3 grams of mulberry leaves, 3 grams of chrysanthemum flowers, 3 grams of honeysuckle flowers, 1 gram of peppermint

    Instructions: Rinse the mulberry leaves, chrysanthemum flowers, and peppermint, then steep them in boiling water for five minutes. Add honey to taste if desired. This tea can be consumed as a regular beverage.

  • Dietary therapy for lung deficiency nasal sensitivity: Fragrant Solomonseal Rhizome, Codonopsis, and Lean Pork Soup

    Ingredients: 3 grams of Fragrant Solomonseal Rhizome, 5 grams of lotus seeds, 3 grams of Chinese yam, 3 grams of astragalus root (Huang Qi), 3 grams of fragrant solomonseal rhizome flowers, 3 slices of fresh ginger, 3 scallions (white part), and 120 grams of lean pork

    Instructions: Remove the core of the lotus seeds and rinse them. Put all the ingredients, including the medicinal herbs and lean pork, in a pot with water, and simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours.

In addition to herbal dietary therapy, combining it with acupuncture and other external treatments can effectively improve and treat the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nasal Sensitivity in Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Can TCM treat all types of nasal sensitivity?

TCM can be beneficial for various types of nasal sensitivity, but it is important to consult with a TCM practitioner who can diagnose and determine the most suitable treatment approach for your specific condition.

2. Why is nasal sensitivity more likely to occur in early autumn?

According to TCM, autumn is the season associated with the lungs. During early autumn, there is less rainfall, and the weather becomes drier with significant temperature differences between morning and evening. These factors can easily damage lung qi. Additionally, the dry weather during early autumn can cause allergens to disperse in the air, making it easier to inhale them and trigger nasal sensitivity.

3. What is the difference between nasal sensitivity and a common cold?

In TCM, nasal sensitivity is often attributed to underlying weakness in the body, particularly in the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. Individuals with nasal sensitivity may have a constitution that is more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity or allergens in the environment. On the other hand, a common cold is typically caused by external pathogens rather than internal weakness.

4. Is long-term treatment necessary for nasal sensitivity in TCM?

The need for long-term treatment for nasal sensitivity in TCM depends on various factors such as the individual's condition, constitution, and treatment effectiveness. Some individuals may experience significant improvement after a few treatment sessions, while others may require longer-term treatment to maintain the effect. TCM practitioners at HHPCL will monitor the progress of nasal sensitivity treatment and provide appropriate care.

5. Will taking Chinese patent medicine be effective in relieving nasal sensitivity symptoms?

Taking Chinese patent medicine can have a certain effect in relieving nasal sensitivity symptoms. However, different types of nasal sensitivity may require different Chinese patent medicines, and the dosage and administration methods can vary. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the recommendations and dosage instructions provided by a TCM practitioner before considering the use of Chinese patent medicine for nasal sensitivity relief.

6. How does TCM understand the causes of nasal sensitivity?

In TCM theory related to nasal sensitivity, the internal causes are often associated with weakness in the organs and imbalances in the functions of the spleen and lungs. The lungs are connected to the nose and are the main organs of the respiratory system, while the spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting fluids. Imbalances in dampness, heat, or phlegm accumulation in the body can lead to nasal symptoms. External causes of nasal sensitivity can be triggered by exposure to cold wind or pathogenic factors.

7. Is Chinese herbal medicine suitable for all nasal sensitivity patients?

Most nasal sensitivity patients are suitable for the use of Chinese herbal medicine. However, for certain individuals with special constitutions, such as pregnant women, caution should be exercised, and the use of Chinese herbal medicine should be done under the guidance and recommendation of a TCM practitioner specializing in nasal sensitivity.

8. What specific recommendations does TCM have for childhood nasal sensitivity?

Children generally dislike the bitterness of Chinese herbal medicine and may be afraid of acupuncture. For children with mild nasal sensitivity, TCM typically recommends adjustments in diet and lifestyle habits. Stimulating specific acupoints and meridians on their back can be beneficial in enhancing yang qi and improving nasal sensitivity symptoms. If the condition does not improve, it is advisable to seek consultation with a TCM practitioner specializing in nasal sensitivity. They may utilize milder herbal formulas for treatment.

9. Can nasal sensitivity be completely cured?

Nasal sensitivity can be improved and even cured through TCM by addressing the underlying constitutional issues. However, patients must also follow the lifestyle recommendations and dietary habits suggested by a TCM practitioner specializing in nasal sensitivity. Otherwise, it may be challenging to fully resolve nasal sensitivity.

10. How can nasal sensitivity attacks be prevented?

Preventing nasal sensitivity attacks can be achieved by avoiding allergens, such as regular cleaning to reduce dust mites and using air purifiers to filter pollen, among others. Additionally, TCM practitioners specializing in nasal sensitivity may introduce methods to enhance the immune system as a preventive measure. This can include incorporating TCM-recommended dietary therapy, engaging in appropriate exercise, ensuring sufficient sleep, maintaining regular daily routines, and reducing stress. Nasal sensitivity patients should also be mindful of their diet and avoid consuming cold or cooling foods, as well as avoiding ice-cold beverages and raw, cold foods.