Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms

Did you mean? Sinus Congestion

Root Causes of Congested Nose in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Congested nose according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Lung
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

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

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Congested Nose

Common Symptoms: Headaches Coughing Aversion To Cold Fever Sneezing Nasal Discharge Body Pain Chills

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Nasal congestion, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Wind-Cold Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Ma Huang 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 Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Xin Yi San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Zhi Sou San
Wind-Heat Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Perspiration, 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 Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

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

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Congested Nose

Common Symptoms: Headaches Coughing Aversion To Cold Fever Sneezing Nasal Discharge White And Watery Sputum Body Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Nasal congestion, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Wind-Cold Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Ma Huang 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 Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Xin Yi San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Zhi Sou San
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs Stuffy nose, Headaches, Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more Xing Su 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 Congested Nose

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Sneezing Coughing Nasal Discharge Sore Throat Headaches Tonsil Swelling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Blocked nose, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, 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
Wind-Heat Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Perspiration, 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 Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
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 Congested Nose

Common Symptoms: High Fever Fever Without Perspiration Headaches Neck Pain Stiff Neck Painful Extremities Focal Distention Chest Distension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Nasal congestion, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Blocked nose, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, 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

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Congested Nose

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Nasal congestion, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Detailed description of the cause

Dryness

"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more

Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Congested Nose

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs Stuffy nose, Headaches, Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more Xing Su San
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

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

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Congested Nose

Common Symptoms: Headaches Aversion To Cold Fever Nasal Discharge Sneezing Body Pain Itchy Throat Shortness Of Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Xin Yi San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Zhi Sou San
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs Blocked nose, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs Stuffy nose, Headaches, Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more Xing Su 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 Congested Nose

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Blocked nose, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, 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 Congested Nose

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address congested nose, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that reduce food stagnation with tonification
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
  • Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten

All Formulas Recommended for Congested Nose Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
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
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Ge Gen Tang 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

All Formulas Recommended for Congested Nose Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
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
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Ge Gen Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Zhi Sou San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xing Su San Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs

All Formulas Recommended for Congested Nose Caused by Heat

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

All Formulas Recommended for Congested Nose Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San Damp-Heat in the Stomach

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for congested nose

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Jing Fang Bai Du San Wind-Cold
Bing Peng San Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for congested nose

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
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

All "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind" recommended for congested nose

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xiao Feng San Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for congested nose

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear wind-Heat" recommended for congested nose

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

Acupoints for Congested Nose

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

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Kidney Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Lung Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
Baihui DU-20

Baihui DU-20

At the vertex, at the junction of a line connecting the apex of the ears and the midline, in the depression 7 cun above the posterior hairline and 5 cun behind the anterior hairline.

Xinhui DU-22

Xinhui DU-22

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

Shangxing DU-23

Shangxing DU-23

On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.

Shenting DU-24

Shenting DU-24

On the head midline, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline.

Suliao DU-25

Suliao DU-25

In a depression on the tip of the nose.

Duiduan DU-27

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

Meichong BL-3

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

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.

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.

Tongtian BL-7

Tongtian BL-7

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

Luoque BL-8

Luoque BL-8

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 5.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline. Or 0.5 cun posterior to Baihui Du-20 at the vertex.

Tianzhu BL-10

Tianzhu BL-10

1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.

Fengmen BL-12

Fengmen BL-12

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Muchuang GB-16

Muchuang GB-16

1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.

Chengling  GB-18

Chengling GB-18

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.

Naokong GB-19

Naokong GB-19

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

Hegu LI-4

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Kouheliao LI-19

Kouheliao LI-19

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

Yingxiang LI-20

Yingxiang LI-20

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

Yintang EX-HN-3

Yintang EX-HN-3

Yintang EX-HN-3 is between the eyebrows and on the anterior midline.

Shangyingxiang EX-HN-8

Shangyingxiang EX-HN-8

At the upper end of the nasiolabial groove, at the junction of the maxilla and the nasal cavity.

Bulang KID-22

Bulang KID-22

In the 5th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Juliao ST-3

Juliao ST-3

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

Lieque LU-7

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.

Qiangu SI-2

Qiangu SI-2

On the ulnar aspect of the little finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx.