Moxibustion, as a traditional therapy, can help alleviate nasal congestion and runny nose caused by wind-cold colds, but this is not applicable to all cases of nasal congestion or runny nose, especially symptoms caused by other factors.
Regarding nasal congestion, traditional Chinese medicine believes that this is a manifestation of the lung orifice being obstructed by pathogenic factors. It can be treated by needling the Yingxiang acupoint to promote the dispersion of lung heat, thus clearing the nasal passage. As for clear runny nose accompanied by aversion to cold and sneezing, it may be due to wind-cold attacking the surface. In this case, moxibustion on Zu San Li, Da Zhui, and Feng Chi acupoints can warm the channels and dispel cold, improving the symptoms. Conversely, yellow purulent runny nose caused by wind-heat requires treatment with spicy-cool exterior-releasing method and should not be treated with moxibustion.
During treatment, it is important to note that for nasal congestion and runny nose caused by excess pathogenic factors, such as wind-cold or wind-heat colds, moxibustion alone may not completely eliminate the root cause, and pharmaceutical intervention should be considered. Patients should seek treatment from a TCM practitioner, follow their advice regarding the use of medications like Chai Hu Shu Gan Pian, and supplement with moxibustion under medical supervision.
The timing of moxibustion treatment is crucial, as it is most effective in the early stages of the illness. Delaying treatment may result in deeper pathogenic factors, diminishing the effectiveness of moxibustion. Additionally, moxibustion techniques, such as mild moxibustion and rotating moxibustion, have their appropriate applications but are not suitable for infants and young children due to their sensitive skin, requiring execution by a professional.
It is worth noting that infants, those with yang deficiency constitution, and pregnant women should not undergo frequent moxibustion to avoid adverse consequences such as injuring Yin or exacerbating internal heat or affecting pregnancy safety.
When dealing with children’s nasal congestion and runny nose, parents should take them to a reputable TCM hospital for diagnosis and treatment by professional physicians. Moxibustion should be conducted safely under the guidance of a physician to avoid the risks associated with self-experimentation.
