The nose, as a respiratory organ directly connected to the lungs, benefits greatly from regular massage, strengthening overall health and lung function.
The upper nasal cavity is adjacent to the cranial cavity. Within the inferior nasal meatus, the nasolacrimal duct connects to the eyes. The nasopharynx at the posterior nares links to the throat, where the trachea and esophagus diverge. The middle ear connects to the eustachian tubes on both sides. Consequently, many nasal disorders often affect the health of adjacent organs.Considering its functions, the nose serves as the gateway to the respiratory tract. It is not only a vital organ for metabolism but also the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms, dust, and contaminants. The nasal cavity contains nasal hairs and mucus membranes, which often harbor bacteria and impurities, potentially becoming a source of bacterial spread. Thus, nasal health maintenance is crucial and should be approached from multiple angles.
Additionally, the Nasal Health Exercise, derived from the Illustrated Manual of Internal Skills, is practiced in three steps. Rub your thumbs together until warm, then gently rub the tip of your nose 36 times. Next, calm your mind and focus your attention, clearing away distracting thoughts.Fix your gaze on the tip of your nose and silently count your breaths for 3-5 minutes. Before sleeping at night, lie prone on the bed without a pillow, bend your knees so the soles of your feet face upward, and take four deep breaths of fresh air through your nose followed by four exhalations. Finally, resume normal breathing. This method moistens the lungs, strengthens the nose, prevents colds and nasal ailments, and also promotes overall physical fitness.
Full Nose Rubbing
The nose directly connects to the external environment. Enhancing its adaptability to external conditions strengthens its defensive functions. Full nose rubbing serves a similar purpose to nasal bathing exercises, specifically cold water nasal bathing and cold air nasal bathing. Consistent practice throughout the year effectively improves blood circulation in the nasal mucosa, enhances the nose's adaptability to weather changes, and significantly prevents colds and other respiratory ailments.
Specific method: Use the index fingers of both hands, or the thumb and index finger of the right hand, to rub both sides of the nose. Starting from below the inner canthus (Jingming point), move along the nasal root, bridge, and wings to the sides of the nostrils (Yingxiang point). Apply even pressure and rub up and down 100 times.Suitable for those prone to colds, nasal congestion, or respiratory conditions. Daily full-nose massage enhances immune function and reduces susceptibility to illness. Avoid if nasal bridge is fractured or injured.
Regular rubbing of the nasal sides promotes blood circulation in the nasal cavity and increases its temperature. This warms inhaled air, preventing cold air from irritating the lungs and reducing coughing, thereby helping to prevent colds. It also enhances local blood and qi circulation, making the nasal skin moist and radiant while nourishing the lungs.
Nasal Bridge Massage
Massaging the nasal bridge is also known as irrigating the Central Peak (the Central Peak refers to the nose).Place the pad of your right index finger on the tip of your nose. Alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise circular motions, moving from the tip toward the bridge and back again. Repeat this up-and-down motion 20 to 30 times. Use your finger or the knuckle of your bent thumb to rub the sides of your nose from the Yingxiang point to the bridge, then press and rub the Yingxiang point.
Suitable for nasal congestion, stuffiness, or allergic rhinitis. Perform 10-20 times daily before symptoms worsen to alleviate discomfort. Avoid if nasal bone fracture or injury is present.
As cited in "The Origin of Nasal Disorders" from "Insights into the Origins of Miscellaneous Diseases," quoting "The Book of Nurturing Vitality": "Regularly rub the sides of the nasal bridge with the middle finger twenty to thirty times until both the surface and interior feel warm.This is called irrigating the central peak to nourish the lungs." The Large Intestine Meridian of the Hand-Yangming, Stomach Meridian of the Hand-Yangming, and Small Intestine Meridian of the Hand-Taiyang all traverse the nose. Massaging these areas promotes the circulation of qi and blood within the meridians, harmonizes yin and yang, and helps prevent and treat colds and nasal disorders. Modern medical perspectives suggest that nasal obstruction often results from vasoconstriction and excessive nasal secretions. Accelerating blood circulation and clearing nasal foreign bodies can alleviate symptoms.
The upper nasal cavity is adjacent to the cranial cavity. Within the inferior nasal meatus, the nasolacrimal duct connects to the eye. The nasopharynx at the posterior nares interfaces with the throat, where the trachea and esophagus diverge. The middle ear communicates with the eustachian tubes on both sides. Consequently, many nasal disorders frequently impact the health of adjacent organs.From a functional perspective, the nose serves as the gateway to the respiratory tract. It is not only a vital organ for human metabolism but also the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms, dust, and contaminants. The nasal cavity contains nasal hairs and mucus membranes, which often harbor bacteria and impurities, potentially becoming a source of bacterial spread. Therefore, nasal health maintenance is crucial and should be approached from multiple angles.
Nasal Bridge Massage
The nasal bridge, also known as the lower pole or commonly called the bridge of the nose, is the area between the eyebrows. Before performing this technique, remove any eyeglasses to relax the nasal bridge for 5 seconds. Gently pinch the bridge with your thumb and index finger. A slight soreness or fullness is normal, as prolonged pressure from eyeglasses restricts blood flow.Next, use your index finger to quickly rub the bridge back and forth about 20 times until it becomes slightly red. Stop when this occurs.
This method is suitable for eyeglass wearers. Additionally, parents can gently pinch the bridge of their baby's nose if it appears flat, which may yield unexpected benefits. Avoid this technique if the nasal bridge has been fractured or injured.
The indentation between the eyes, above the nasal bridge, marks the origin point of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. By rubbing the surface skin—considered the "skin region" in Traditional Chinese Medicine—where meridians and qi-blood flow, yin-yang balance is harmonized. TCM theory posits that the mountain root reflects the state of the heart, which governs mental clarity. When excessive daytime thinking leads to nighttime insomnia, massaging this area can aid sleep.
Nose Wing Lift
Place thumb and index finger on both sides of the nostrils. Gently lift the nostrils and release, repeating 20–50 times. Suitable for mild nasal conditions, occasional congestion, visible capillary dilation on the nostrils, or individuals with weak spleen-stomach function who experience diarrhea after consuming cold foods like watermelon.Avoid if you have a broken or injured nose.
The area above the nostrils is called the nasal wings. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory suggests the nasal wings reflect gastrointestinal health. Massaging this area promotes smooth qi and blood flow to regulate spleen and stomach function.
Pinching the Nostrils
Pinching the nostrils is also known as pressing the nasal bridge (the bridge refers to the nasal septum).Place the index finger inside the nostril. Use the index finger and thumb together to pinch the nostril, alternating between squeezing and releasing with even pressure, approximately 60 times per minute, until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt in the nose. Insert the index and middle fingers into each nostril respectively, gently pinching the nasal septum. This method can be quite effective for allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion. Avoid if you have a broken or injured nasal bridge.
Normally, air is inhaled through the nose. Dust and microscopic microorganisms in the air are trapped by nasal hairs within the nasal cavity, often causing foreign bodies in the nose. Before performing the nasal pinch, it is advisable to clear any nasal debris daily. Pinching the nasal septum promotes blood circulation within the nose, allowing for the inhalation of sufficient air. This ensures our bodies receive the oxygen needed to maintain physiological metabolism.
The upper nasal cavity is adjacent to the cranial cavity. The inferior nasal meatus connects to the eyes via the nasolacrimal duct. The posterior nares lead to the nasopharynx, where the trachea and esophagus diverge. The middle ear connects to both eustachian tubes. Consequently, many nasal disorders often affect the health of adjacent organs.Considering its functions, the nose serves as the gateway to the respiratory tract. It is not only a vital organ for human metabolism but also the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms, dust, and contaminants. The nasal cavity contains nasal hairs and mucus membranes, which often harbor bacteria and impurities, potentially becoming a source of bacterial spread. Therefore, nasal health maintenance is crucial and should be approached from multiple angles.
Massaging Yingxiang
Yingxiang is located 0.5 cun lateral to the midpoint of the outer edge of the nostril, within the nasolabial groove. Apply pressure with the fingertip to Yingxiang while gently vibrating the area until a sensation of soreness and distension is felt. Each session should last approximately 5 to 10 minutes. This acupoint is effective for nasal congestion with loss of smell, facial swelling, facial twitching caused by pathogenic wind, and facial itching resembling crawling insects.
Yingxiang is the intersection point of the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians. Anatomically, it lies at the levator labii superioris muscle, where the infraorbital branch of the maxillary nerve, the buccal branch of the facial nerve, and branches of the facial artery and vein are distributed.Massaging and stimulating Yingxiang promotes smooth flow of meridians and qi-blood circulation around the face and nose, ensuring proper nasal qi and blood flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that stagnation of qi and blood invites disease. Health preservation focuses on prevention through early maintenance to sustain robust vitality—as the saying goes, "When righteous energy resides within, no evil can invade."
Pressing and Pinching the Renzhong Point
The Shuigou point, also known as Renzhong, is located at the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the philtrum. Gently pinch the point with one fingertip and rotate clockwise 20 to 30 times, then rotate counterclockwise 20 to 30 times. Finally, press firmly with the fingertip 10 times.For routine health maintenance, apply gentle pressure; excessive force is inadvisable. When used on someone experiencing sudden loss of consciousness, apply firm pressure and seek immediate medical attention to avoid delaying critical treatment.
For those experiencing lethargy, excessive sleepiness, or involuntary facial twitching, regular massage of this point may help alleviate symptoms and effectively boost alertness.Individuals undergoing cleft lip repair surgery or with skin damage in this area should avoid pressing Renzhong.
Shuigou lies on the Governor Vessel, where the Hand and Foot Yangming Meridians converge. Anatomically, it corresponds to the orbicularis oris muscle, supplied by branches of the infraorbital nerve and the superior labial artery and vein. Its functions include calming spasms, dispelling wind, and awakening the mind.