What should I do if my nose is congested?
Jan 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
What to do for nasal congestion:
1. Apply warm compresses to the ears: Certain nerves in the ears help regulate blood circulation within the nasal passages. Applying a warm towel to the ears promotes vasodilation in the nasal cavity, effectively relieving nasal congestion.
2. Acupressure massage: Gently massaging the acupoints located on both sides of the nostrils can help alleviate nasal congestion.
Nasal congestion is a common issue most people have experienced—especially following a cold, which frequently leads to stuffy or blocked nasal passages. Nasal congestion can be extremely uncomfortable and often significantly disrupts nighttime sleep. Additionally, during episodes of rhinitis, nasal obstruction may also occur. Prompt management is essential. Adjusting sleeping posture and massaging specific acupoints are effective supportive measures. Below, we outline practical, fast-acting remedies for nasal congestion.
What to Do for Nasal Congestion
1. Apply Warm Compresses to the Ears
You might wonder: “I have nasal congestion—why warm the ears?” In fact, our bodily organs are interconnected. Certain nerves in the ear help regulate blood circulation within the nasal passages. Applying a warm towel to the ears promotes vasodilation in the nasal mucosa, thereby effectively relieving nasal congestion. Thus, if you experience nasal blockage, warming the ears is a simple and beneficial option.
2. Acupressure Massage
Gently massaging the acupoints located on both sides of the nostrils (e.g., the Yingxiang points) helps alleviate nasal congestion. The Yingxiang points—situated at the lateral margins of the nostrils—are particularly effective for relieving nasal obstruction. This technique is convenient, simple, and highly practical.
3. Adjust Sleeping Position
Sleeping posture significantly influences nasal congestion—especially during colds, when natural nasal obstruction tends to worsen. However, this is not an unavoidable problem. If the left nostril is congested, sleeping on your right side can markedly ease the blockage; conversely, if the right nostril is blocked, sleeping on your left side is recommended. Mastering this simple strategy enables you to relieve nasal congestion and improve sleep quality when cold-related stuffiness makes falling asleep difficult.
4. Use Stimulating Substances
Certain pungent foods or seasonings can effectively alleviate nasal congestion. For example, decoctions made from scallion whites or onion pieces are traditionally used for this purpose. Wasabi is another potent option. Beyond food-based remedies, over-the-counter topical agents commonly found at home—such as mentholated oil (e.g., Tiger Balm)—can also provide rapid relief.
The above outlines practical, evidence-informed approaches to managing nasal congestion. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
