Some relief from Rhinitis...give it a try

If you read my post on Sinusitis you will get an idea of how Eastern medicine works to understand dysfunctions in the area of the nose and sinuses.  A similar assessment goes into understanding rhinitis.  In his article on rhinitis, Dr. Vaughn describes the difference between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, a super important distinction if you are going to avoid what is causing the problem.  Eastern medicine focuses less on this distinction, and much like with sinusitis, focuses more on how the body needs to change to eliminate the rhinitis response.

One tool we offer is a “massage” of the nose that involves two acupoints.  The first point is Ying Xiang.  Ying Xiang translates in English to “Welcome Fragrance” and is the foremost point for treating all disorders of the nose.  It is especially good at opening the nasal passage and helping one to distinguish “the fragrant from the foul”.  It’s located in the groove next to your nose at the midpoint of the flare of your nostril. (see diagram).  Its partner in this formula is a point called Bi Tong.  Bi Tong translates as “Penetrating the Nose” and is famously used for anything that involves the nose.  Bi Tong is located at the highest point of the naso-labial groove (see diagram).

The massage is really quite simple.  Using both pointer fingers, place the tips on Ying Xiang, bilaterally, and quickly bring them up to Bi Tong, bilaterally.  From speed and pressure, your fingers will likely cross over the bridge of your nose.  This is ok.  Do this movement, quickly, 100 times.  I did say 100 and I know that seems like a lot but you want to go very rapidly.  100 times should take less than a minute.  I recommend using some kind of liniment or oil to allow your fingers to slide between the two points quickly and with ease.  Within a few minutes of doing this “massage” your nose should open more and breathing should be easier.  Give it a try!!

I’d love to hear how this works from anyone that tries it.  Leave a comment after the blog and tell me about your experience.