Rhinitis, also known as nasal inflammation, is an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, various physical and chemical factors, as well as certain systemic diseases. The main pathological changes of rhinitis include nasal mucosal congestion, swelling, exudation, hyperplasia, atrophy, or necrosis.
Symptoms
(1) Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is characterized by intermittent blockage. Nasal congestion is relieved during the day, in hot weather, during physical labor or exercise, but worsens at night, when sitting still, or in cold weather. Another characteristic of nasal congestion is alternation. When lying on one side, the nasal cavity on the lower side is blocked, while the nasal cavity on the upper side has good ventilation. Nasal congestion may also cause occasional symptoms such as decreased sense of smell, headache, dizziness, and a closed nasal voice.
(2) Rhinorrhea: Rhinorrhea is often mucous or mucopurulent, occasionally becoming purulent. Purulent rhinorrhea is more common after secondary infection.
(3) Decreased sense of smell: Decreased sense of smell can be caused by two reasons. One is nasal mucosal swelling and congestion, preventing airflow from entering the olfactory area. The other reason is chronic inflammation of the olfactory mucosa due to long-term irritation, leading to decreased or loss of olfactory function.
(4) Headache and dizziness: Chronic rhinosinusitis is often characterized by a feeling of heavy head.
(5) General symptoms: Most people experience symptoms such as headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, decreased memory, and insomnia.
Below, we will introduce massage techniques that can relieve rhinitis.
1. Yingshang (Nose Passage)
Yingshang is the name of an external acupoint, as mentioned in the book "Yin Hai Jing Wei". It is also known as Yitong, Nichuan, and Chuanni. In modern times, it is located on the face, at the junction of the nasal ala and the nasal septum, near the upper end of the nasolabial groove. It is connected to the anterior ethmoidal nerve, the infraorbital nerve, and the facial artery and vein.
It is used to treat allergic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other conditions. The point is needled subcutaneously for 0.5 to 1 inch.
2. Yintang Point
Located at the midpoint between the eyebrows.
It is used to improve brain function, calm the mind, improve vision, and treat conditions such as headache, dizziness, eye disorders, cold, mental fatigue, insomnia, and rhinitis. Pressing on this point produces a sore and distended sensation.
3. Baihui Point
Located at the intersection of the midline of the top of the head and a line connecting the tips of the ears.
This point is used to treat conditions such as headache, heaviness in the head, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, hangover, dizziness, insomnia, and restlessness. It is one of the important acupuncture points along the Governing Vessel, with high medical research value.
4. Yingxiang Point (Nose Perforation) (Figure 2)
Located about one centimeter from the wrinkles on the side of the nostril (beside the midpoint of the junction between the nasal ala and the upper lip, in the nasolabial groove).
This point is used to clear heat, disperse wind, open the nasal passages, and prevent colds. It is suitable for conditions such as cold, rhinitis, nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and facial paralysis. Local pressure on this point produces a distending sensation. The sense of smell is not sensitive, but after pressing on the point, there is a sensation of "air passing through".
5. Hegu Point
To locate Hegu point, place one hand with the thumb's first joint directly opposite the other hand's tiger's mouth. Press down with the bent thumb, and the fingertip will be on the Hegu point.
Massaging the Hegu point can alleviate or eliminate the diseases of the tissues and organs along the course of the Large Intestine meridian to which the Hegu point belongs. Since the Large Intestine meridian runs from the hand to the head, it is effective for diseases of the face, such as toothache, headache, fever, dry mouth, nosebleed, neck pain, sore throat, and other diseases of the senses. However, it should be noted that patients with poor physical condition should not be given strong stimulation, and pregnant women generally should not massage the Hegu point.
6. Fengchi Point
When locating this acupoint, the patient should be in a seated, prone, or supine position to facilitate accurate location and smooth execution of the corresponding massage techniques. Fengchi point is located on the back of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the outer edge of the two large muscles. It is level with the earlobe (or just below the occipital bone, level with the Fengfu point, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle).
This point is used to treat conditions such as headache, heaviness in the head, eye fatigue, neck pain, stiff neck, insomnia, and hangover. It is one of the important points on the Gallbladder meridian of the human body.
Rhinitis patients may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and decreased sense of smell, which bring great distress to their daily lives and health. The above are massage techniques that can help relieve rhinitis. We hope they will be helpful to you.
