Which hand should you raise when experiencing a nosebleed?

Generally speaking, there is no scientific basis for which hand to raise when experiencing a nosebleed; hemostasis should be performed using the correct methods. If abnormalities occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

An old wives' tale suggests that "if the left nostril bleeds, raise the right hand, and if the right nostril bleeds, raise the left hand," claiming that raising a hand can trigger a nerve reflex that constricts blood vessels to stop bleeding. However, this belief lacks medical theoretical support. Nasal blood vessel constriction is related to neural regulation and coagulation function; the act of raising a hand cannot directly affect the state of nasal blood vessels or alter the body's clotting mechanisms, thus it cannot effectively stop a nosebleed.

The correct method for stopping a nosebleed involves leaning the body forward slightly and using the fingers to apply pressure to the nostril on the bleeding side for 10–15 minutes. At the same time, apply a cold compress or wet towel to the forehead and back of the neck. This physical pressure combined with cold stimulation helps constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is light, this scientifically based method can usually stop the bleeding effectively. However, if the bleeding is heavy, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary to identify and treat the underlying cause and prevent treatment delays.

When experiencing a nosebleed, one should abandon unscientific practices such as raising the hand and instead use scientifically proven methods such as applying pressure to the nostrils and cold compresses to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is difficult to control or recurs frequently, seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and receive appropriate, standardized treatment.