The nose, also known as Mingtang or Face King in ancient times, is located in the center of the face. It is the external opening of the lungs and an important gateway for gas exchange. The Neijing (Internal Classic) states, "The qi of the lungs communicates with the nose." The harmonious ascending and descending movement of lung qi can keep the nasal passages clear and the sense of smell sensitive. The nose also has certain connections with the spleen, stomach, and gallbladder. Correct nose massage can strengthen the body, eliminate diseases, and promote health.
Rubbing the Bridge of the Nose
Rubbing the bridge of the nose, also known as irrigating Zhongyue (Zhongyue refers to the nose). Place the index finger of your right hand on the tip of your nose and rub in a clockwise and counterclockwise motion, from the tip of the nose to the root of the nose, and then from the root of the nose to the tip of the nose, rubbing up and down repeatedly for about 20 to 30 times. Use your finger or the back of the bent thumb joint to rub the sides of the nose. Rub from the side of the nose towards the root while massaging.
This is suitable for people who feel nasal congestion or stuffiness, and for patients with allergic rhinitis. If done consistently every day before symptoms become severe, it can help alleviate the symptoms. It is not suitable for those with nasal bone fractures or injuries.
The Yangming large intestine meridian of the hand and foot, stomach meridian, and Yangming small intestine meridian of the hand all pass through the nose. Massaging these meridians can promote the circulation of qi and blood, harmonize yin and yang, and prevent and treat colds and nasal diseases. From the perspective of modern medicine, nasal congestion is often caused by blood vessel constriction and excessive nasal secretions. By increasing blood circulation and clearing nasal foreign bodies, symptoms can be relieved.
Pressing the Root of the Nose
The root of the nose, also known as the lower pole, is commonly referred to as the nasal bridge or nasal root. When performing this technique, if you wear glasses, remove them first and let the root of the nose relax for 5 seconds. Then, lightly pinch the root of the nose with your thumb and index finger. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, which is normal because the root of the nose has been under pressure from glasses for a long time, causing poor blood circulation. Then, use your index finger to quickly rub the root of the nose about 20 times until it becomes slightly red, and then stop.
This method is suitable for people who wear glasses. In addition, parents can gently pinch the nose of a baby with a flat nose, which can have unexpected effects. It is not suitable for those with nasal bone fractures or injuries.
Between the two eyes and above the nasal columella, there is a depression called Fangshang. It is the starting point of the Yangming stomach meridian. By massaging the surface of the skin, according to traditional Chinese medicine, the superficial meridians can help regulate the circulation of qi and blood and achieve the effects of preventing and treating colds and nasal diseases. From the perspective of modern medicine, a clear nasal passage often results from blood vessel dilation and increased nasal secretions, which accelerate blood circulation and clear nasal foreign bodies, thereby relieving symptoms.
Pinching the Nostrils
Pinching the nostrils, also known as forward pressing Shanyuan (Shanyuan refers to the nasal septum). Place your index finger inside the nostril and pinch the nostrils with your index finger and thumb, alternating between pinching and releasing, applying even pressure, about 60 times per minute, until a tingling sensation is felt in the nose. Use your index and middle fingers to gently pinch the nasal septum. This technique can be effective for allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion. It is not suitable for those with nasal bone fractures or injuries.
Normally, we breathe through the nose, and the nose hairs block dust and small microorganisms from entering the nasal cavity, which can easily lead to foreign objects in the nasal cavity. By clearing the nasal cavity of foreign objects before pinching the nasal septum, blood circulation in the nose can be promoted, allowing us to breathe sufficient air and obtain the necessary oxygen to maintain physiological metabolism.
Rubbing and Pressing Yingxiang
Yingxiang is located next to the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose and is taken from the nasolabial groove. Press Yingxiang with your fingertips and vibrate while applying pressure until a tingling sensation is felt. Do this for about 5 to 10 minutes each time. This massage point is effective for people with nasal congestion, loss of smell, facial swelling, facial spasms caused by evil wind, and itchy face as if there are crawling insects.
Yingxiang acupoint is the meeting point of the hand and foot Yangming meridians. Anatomically, it is located at the upper lip muscle, where the infraorbital nerve branches, facial nerve branches, and facial veins are distributed. By massaging and stimulating this acupoint, the meridians around the face and nose can be unblocked, and the circulation of qi and blood in the nose can be smooth. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that when qi and blood are not flowing smoothly, diseases may occur, so it is important to prevent and maintain health through proper care and maintenance, as the saying goes, "Maintain the upright qi and keep the evil out."
Rubbing, Pressing, and Pinching Renzhong
Shuigou acupoint, also known as Renzhong acupoint, is located at the junction of the upper third and middle third of the philtrum. Use your fingertip to lightly pinch Renzhong acupoint and rotate it clockwise 20 to 30 times, then counterclockwise 20 to 30 times, and then press it with your fingertip 10 times. For general health maintenance, apply gentle pressure, not too heavy. If this technique is used on someone who suddenly becomes unconscious, stronger force is needed, and medical attention should be sought immediately to avoid missing the golden treatment opportunity.
This method is helpful for people with mental fatigue, drowsiness, and involuntary facial twitching. Regularly massaging this acupoint can help alleviate symptoms and improve mental alertness. It is not suitable for patients with cleft lip undergoing repair surgery or those with damaged skin in this area.
Shuigou is an acupoint of the Du meridian, the meeting point of the hand and foot Yangming meridians. In terms of anatomy, it is located in the orbicularis oris muscle, with branches of the infraorbital nerve and superior labial arteries and veins. Its function is to calm spasms, dispel wind, and stimulate the mind.
Rubbing the Entire Nose
The nose is directly connected to the outside world. Strengthening the nose's adaptability to the external environment can improve its defense function. Rubbing the entire nose is similar to bathing the nose with cold water and exposing it to cold air. If practiced consistently throughout the year, it can effectively improve blood circulation in the nasal mucosa, enhance the nose's ability to adapt to weather changes, and prevent colds and other respiratory diseases.
The specific method is to rub and massage both sides of the nose with the index fingers of both hands or with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, from the inner corner of the eye (Jingming acupoint) below, to the root of the nose, the nasal bridge, the sides of the nose, and the sides of the nasal opening (Yingxiang acupoint), applying even pressure, for 100 times up and down. This is suitable for those who are prone to colds or nasal congestion, as well as patients with respiratory system diseases. By consistently rubbing the entire nose every day, the body's immune function can be enhanced and the chances of falling ill can be reduced. It is not suitable for those with nasal bone fractures or injuries.
Regularly rubbing both sides of the nose can promote blood flow in the nasal cavity, increase its temperature, and allow the inhaled air to become warmer, thereby preventing coughs and preventing colds. It can also enhance local blood circulation, keep the skin of the nose moist and glossy, and moisten the lungs.
