Nose Massage and Washing for Health
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the lungs open into the nose. This means the nose’s ability to ventilate and detect smells primarily depends on lung qi. When lung qi is harmonious, breathing is smooth, and olfactory sensitivity is sharp.
Nose Massage: To prevent symptoms like sneezing and nasal itching associated with catching a cold, regularly massage the nose. Technique: Rub the outer sides of both thumbs against each other until warmth develops, then use the outer side of the thumb to massage up and down the nasal bridge and along the sides of the nostrils for about 30 times. Next, massage the Yíngxiāng acupoints (located 0.5 cm lateral to the outer edge of the nostril) 15–20 times. Start gently and gradually increase pressure, avoiding skin damage. Perform once in the morning upon waking and once before sleep, or at any free time. This method unblocks meridians, enhances local blood and qi circulation, greatly strengthens the nose’s resistance to cold, effectively prevents colds and nasal diseases, and can treat common colds and nasal congestion.
Nose Washing: We inhale vast amounts of dust, bacteria, sulfur dioxide, and viruses from the air. As the first gateway to the body’s contact with air, the nose constantly faces pollution. Although nasal mucosa has filtering and cleaning capabilities, regular nose washing removes dried crusts inside the nasal cavity, enabling the nose to better perform its filtration and cleansing functions. Method: Use the palm to scoop warm water or warm saline solution, tilt the head forward, gently inhale through the nose, then expel through the nose by blowing. Repeat several times. Alternatively, hang a bottle of warm saline solution higher, connect a tube, insert the tip 2–3 cm into the nasal cavity, and rinse while expelling. Wash the nose with cold water year-round, especially during morning facial washing—rinse the nose multiple times with cold water—to improve nasal mucosa circulation, enhance adaptability to weather changes, and prevent respiratory diseases.
Additionally, correct bad habits such as digging the nose, plucking or cutting nasal hairs. Damaging nasal hairs and mucosa not only impairs the nose’s filtering function but also invites bacterial infection in the nasal cavity, potentially leading to intracranial or ear diseases.