Thick Nasal Dischargeaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms

Parent symptom: Nasal Discharge

Root Causes of Thick Nasal Discharge in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Thick nasal discharge according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"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

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Thick Nasal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Thick nasal discharge, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling hot, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

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

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Thick Nasal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Thick nasal discharge, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling hot, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Thick Nasal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Thick nasal discharge, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling hot, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Thick Nasal Discharge

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address thick nasal discharge, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that reduce food stagnation with tonification

All Formulas Recommended for Thick Nasal Discharge Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San Damp-Heat in the Stomach

All Formulas Recommended for Thick Nasal Discharge Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San Damp-Heat in the Stomach

Acupoints for Thick Nasal Discharge

See more details below about Chengguang BL-6, an acupoint used to address thick nasal discharge.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
Chengguang BL-6

Chengguang BL-6

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 2.5 cun within the anterior hairline. On the other hand, this point is at the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from anterior midline to the line vertically from Touwei ST-8. Chengguang BL-6 is also 1.5 cun posterior to Wuchu BL-5.