Neus & Sinus Vitaliteit

Weinsch Nose & Sinus Vitality in de context van Traditionele Chinese Geneeskunde (TCM) focuses on promoting healthy nasal and sinus function by addressing imbalances in Qi, blood, and the body’s internal systems. In TCM, the nose is considered the “orifice of the Lung” and is closely related to the functioning of the Longen en Milt, which regulate the flow of Qi and fluids in the body. When these systems are imbalanced, it can lead to nasal congestion, sinus issues, and other respiratory discomforts.
Nose and Sinus Vitality in TCM
In Weinsch TCM, nasal and sinus health is associated with the Lung Qi and the ability to expel excess moisture, phlegm, and pathogens from the body. The Milt is also important for fluid metabolism, and when the Spleen’s function is weak, it can lead to the accumulation of dampness, which may contribute to sinus congestion and discomfort.
Key factors in maintaining nose and sinus vitality:

Long Qi tekort: The Lungs are responsible for the body’s respiration and Qi flow. If Lung Qi is weak, it can lead to symptoms like nasal congestion, sinusitis, and a weakened immune system.
Vocht en slijm: Excessive dampness in the body can lead to the production of phlegm, which often accumulates in the sinuses, causing congestion and sinus pressure.
Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat: Pathogenic factors such as Wind, Koudof Warmte can invade the body and cause acute symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, or sinus headaches.

Chinese Herbs for Nose & Sinus Vitality
Several herbs are used in TCM to support the Lungs, clear sinus congestion, and expel phlegm. These herbs help regulate Qi, clear heat, and dissolve dampness to improve sinus and nasal health.

Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower): This herb is commonly used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis. It opens the nasal passages and helps to expel Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, making it ideal for conditions like rhinitis or sinus congestion due to a cold.
Cang Er Zi (Xanthium Fruit): Cang Er Zi is often used to treat nasal obstruction, sinus congestion, and runny nose. It has an expelling effect on Wind-Cold and helps clear the sinuses by promoting the circulation of Qi and dispelling phlegm.
Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica): Known for its ability to clear Wind and Cold, Bai Zhi is often used for sinus problems, especially when there is a blocked nose, headache, or facial pain due to sinus congestion.
Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel): Chen Pi helps regulate Qi, dry dampness, and expel phlegm, making it effective for sinus congestion and conditions where there is excessive mucus production or post-nasal drip.
Fu Ling (Poria): This herb is used to drain dampness and promote the flow of fluids in the body. It helps to resolve sinus congestion that is caused by fluid retention or damp accumulation.
Huang Qi (Astragalus): Known for its ability to tonify Qi and strengthen the immune system, Huang Qi is often used to boost Lung function and defend against external pathogens like Wind, Cold, or Heat that may lead to sinus issues.
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder): This is a well-known TCM formula that strengthens the immune system and prevents the body from succumbing to external pathogenic factors like Wind and Cold, making it helpful for chronic sinusitis or susceptibility to colds.
Gua Lou (Trichosanthes): Gua Lou is often used to clear phlegm, open the chest, and promote fluid metabolism, which can help relieve sinus congestion caused by phlegm accumulation.
Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Membrane): Often used to promote digestion and clear phlegm, Ji Nei Jin is helpful for resolving mucus build-up in the sinuses and facilitating the movement of fluids.

Functies en indicaties

Clear Sinus Congestion: Kruiden zoals Xin Yi Hua, Cang Er Zien Bai Zhi help clear nasal passages, expel Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, and alleviate sinus congestion.
Expel Phlegm and Dampness: Chen Pi, Fu Lingen Gua Lou help dissolve phlegm and dampness, which can accumulate in the sinuses and block proper airflow.
Regulate Lung Qi: Huang Qi en Yu Ping Feng San strengthen Lung Qi and improve overall respiratory function, which supports healthy nasal and sinus pathways.
Circulatie bevorderen: Kruiden zoals Cang Er Zi en Bai Zhi promote the movement of Qi and blood to relieve pressure and headaches associated with sinus issues.
Strengthen the Immune System: Huang Qi en Yu Ping Feng San are used to tonify the body’s immune defenses, preventing recurrent sinus infections or chronic congestion.

Tong & pols

Tong: The tongue may appear pale with a thick, greasy coating, especially if dampness is the cause of sinus congestion. A red tongue with a yellow coating can indicate heat or infection, while a swollen tongue may suggest phlegm accumulation.
Puls: A slippery or wiry pulse is often associated with phlegm or Qi stagnation, which can cause sinus blockages. A rapid or floating pulse may indicate Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold affecting the body.

Verwante zorgen

Long Qi tekort: Chronic sinus issues, such as nasal congestion, recurrent colds, or difficulty breathing, are often linked to Lung Qi deficiency. Herbs like Huang Qi en Yu Ping Feng San are used to tonify Lung Qi.
Phlegm and Dampness: Excessive mucus or phlegm in the sinuses can be a result of dampness accumulation or spleen weakness. Herbs like Fu Ling, Chen Pien Gua Lou are used to resolve this.
Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat: Acute sinus congestion caused by external pathogens such as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat can be treated with herbs like Xin Yi Hua, Cang Er Zien Bai Zhi.

Klinische toepassingen

Chronic Sinusitis: For individuals with chronic sinus congestion, TCM formulas that clear phlegm and tonify Lung Qi, such as Yu Ping Feng San, are often used to strengthen the body and reduce recurrence.
Nasal Congestion: For acute cases of blocked or runny nose due to external pathogens, herbs like Cang Er Zi en Xin Yi Hua are used to expel Wind-Cold and clear the sinuses.
Sinus Headaches: When sinus congestion leads to headaches, herbs like Bai Zhi en Cang Er Zi are often used to relieve pain and unblock the sinuses.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Sinus and Nose Health

Avoid Cold and Damp Foods: In TCM, cold and damp foods (like ice cream or fried food) can contribute to sinus congestion. Opt for warm, nourishing foods to help strengthen the digestive system and support the immune system.
Humidify the Air: Dry air can aggravate sinus problems. Using a humidifier can help keep nasal passages moist, improving comfort and reducing congestion.
Breathing Exercises: Regular practice of breathing exercises, such as those in Qigong of Yoga, can help improve lung health and promote better airflow through the nasal passages.