The nose, anciently known as the "King of the Face," is located in the center of the face and is the external orifice of the lungs, a crucial gateway for the entry and exit of qi. The *Neijing* (Inner Canon of Medicine) states, "Lung qi communicates with the nose." Harmonious ascending and descending of lung qi ensures unobstructed nasal passages and a heightened sense of smell. The nose also has a certain relationship with the spleen, stomach, gallbladder, and other internal organs. Proper nasal massage can strengthen the body, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.

　　Physiologically, the nose connects externally to the natural world and internally to many vital organs. The upper part of the nasal cavity is close to the brain; the nasolacrimal duct in the inferior nasal meatus connects to the eyes; the nasopharynx at the posterior nasal opening connects to the pharynx; the trachea and esophagus diverge here; and the middle ear connects to the Eustachian tubes on both sides. Therefore, many nasal diseases often affect the health of adjacent organs. Functionally, the nose is the entrance and exit of the respiratory tract, serving as both a vital organ for metabolism and the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms, dust, and dirt. The nasal cavity contains nasal hairs and mucus, often harboring bacteria and dirt, sometimes becoming a source of bacterial transmission. Therefore, nasal health is extremely important. Let's learn how to massage our noses!

　　Rub the bridge of the nose

　　Rubbing the bridge of the nose, also known as "irrigating the Zhongyue" (Zhongyue refers to the nose), involves placing the pad of your right index finger on the tip of your nose and rubbing it alternately in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction, from the tip of the nose to the root, and then from the root back to the tip, repeating this up-and-down motion about 20 to 30 times. Then, use your fingers or the back of your bent thumb to rub the sides of your nose, from the Yingxiang acupoint to the root, and finally massage the Shangyingxiang acupoint.

　　Suitable for those experiencing nasal congestion, stuffiness, or allergic rhinitis. Perform this exercise 10 to 20 times daily before symptoms become severe, to alleviate symptoms. Not suitable for those with nasal fractures or injuries.

　　The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand and Foot Yangming, the Stomach Meridian, and the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand Taiyang all pass through the nose. Massaging the nose promotes the flow of Qi and blood in these meridians, harmonizes Yin and Yang, and can help prevent and treat colds and nasal diseases. From a modern medical perspective, nasal congestion is often caused by vasoconstriction and excessive nasal secretions. Accelerating blood circulation and clearing foreign objects from the nose can alleviate symptoms.

　　Rub the bridge of the nose

　　The root of the nose, also known as the lower pole, is commonly called the bridge of the nose or the root of the nose. When performing this method, if you wear glasses, first remove them and let the root of your nose relax for 5 seconds. Gently pinch the root of your nose with your thumb and forefinger. You will feel some soreness and swelling at the root of your nose, which is normal because the root of your nose has been compressed by glasses for a long time, resulting in poor blood circulation. Then, quickly rub the root of your nose back and forth with your forefinger about 20 times, until the root of your nose turns slightly red.

　　This method is suitable for people who wear glasses. Additionally, for babies with a flat nasal bridge, parents can gently pinch the bridge of the nose frequently; this can have unexpected positive effects. It is not suitable for babies with fractured or injured nasal bridges.

　　The area between the eyes, above the bridge of the nose, is the starting point of the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that massaging this area harmonizes the Yin and Yang of the skin and its surrounding meridians. Furthermore, the root of the nose (the bridge of the nose) is believed to reflect the condition of the heart, which governs the mind. Sometimes, excessive thinking during the day can lead to insomnia at night; massaging this area can help you fall asleep!

　　Take the nostrils

　　Using your thumb and forefinger, place them on either side of your nose, gently lift them, and then lower them. Repeat this motion about 20 to 50 times. This is suitable for those with mild nasal symptoms, occasional nasal congestion, dilated capillaries on the sides of the nose, and those with poor digestive function who are prone to diarrhea after eating cold foods such as watermelon. Not suitable for those with nasal fractures or injuries.

　　The area above the nostrils is called the upper part of the nose, now known as the nasal wing. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the nasal wing is related to the internal organs and can reflect the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Massaging this area can promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, thereby regulating the function of the spleen and stomach.

　　Pinching the nostrils

　　Pinching the nostrils, also known as pressing the nasal septum (the nasal septum is the base of the nose), involves placing your index finger inside your nostril and pinching it together with your thumb, squeezing and releasing repeatedly with even pressure, about 60 times per minute, until you feel a slight soreness or swelling in your nose. Alternatively, you can gently pinch the nasal septum by inserting your index and middle fingers into each nostril. This method is effective for allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion. It is not suitable for those with a fractured or injured nasal bridge.

　　Normally, we breathe air through our nose. Dust and tiny microorganisms in the air are blocked in the nasal cavity by nasal hairs, which can easily cause foreign objects in the nasal cavity. Every day, you can remove foreign objects from the nose by pinching your nostrils before pinching the nasal septum to promote blood circulation in the nose, breathe in enough air, and allow our body to obtain the oxygen it needs to maintain physiological metabolism.

　　Kneading Yingxiang

　　The Yingxiang acupoint is located 0.5 cun lateral to the midpoint of the outer edge of the nostril, in the nasolabial groove. Press the Yingxiang acupoint with your fingertips while vibrating until you feel a slight soreness. Each session should last about 5 to 10 minutes. Massaging this acupoint is effective for people with nasal congestion, loss of smell, facial swelling, twitching caused by wind-cold, and facial itching that feels like insects are crawling on the face.

　　Yingxiang acupoint is the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians. Anatomically, it is located at the levator labii superioris muscle, where branches of the infraorbital nerve of the maxillary nerve, the buccal branch of the facial nerve, and branches of the facial artery and vein are distributed. Massaging and stimulating Yingxiang acupoint can unblock the meridians and promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood in the face and around the nose. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that if Qi and blood do not flow smoothly, illness will follow. Health preservation is about prevention and maintenance to maintain a healthy body. As the saying goes, "When righteous Qi is stored within, evil cannot invade."

　　Massage and pinch the philtrum

　　The Shuigou acupoint, also known as the Renzhong acupoint, is located at the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the philtrum. Gently pinch the Renzhong acupoint with one fingertip and rub it clockwise 20 to 30 times, then counterclockwise 20 to 30 times. Finally, press the acupoint with the pad of your finger 10 times. For daily health maintenance, the pressure should be light; excessive force is not advisable. If used on someone who has suddenly lost consciousness, the pressure should be stronger, and immediate medical attention should be sought to avoid delaying treatment.

　　For those experiencing lethargy, drowsiness, and involuntary facial twitching, massaging this acupoint can help alleviate symptoms and has a refreshing effect. However, it is not suitable for patients undergoing cleft lip repair surgery or if the skin in this area is damaged.

　　Shuigou (GV26) is located on the Du meridian, a meeting point of the Yangming meridians of the hands and feet. In modern anatomy, it is located in the orbicularis oris muscle, and is innervated by branches of the infraorbital nerve and the superior labial artery and vein. Its functions include relieving spasms and wind, and opening the orifices and awakening the mind.

　　Apply to the entire nose

　　The nose is directly connected to the outside world, so enhancing its adaptability to external factors is essential for improving its defense function. The practice of "rubbing the whole nose" is similar to nasal bathing exercises, involving both cold water and cold air baths. Consistent practice throughout the year can effectively improve blood circulation in the nasal mucosa, enhance the nose's ability to adapt to weather changes, and effectively prevent colds and other respiratory illnesses.

　　The specific method is as follows: Place the index fingers of both hands, or the thumb and index finger of the right hand, on both sides of the nose and rub them together, starting from the inner canthus (Jingming acupoint), down to the root of the nose, the bridge of the nose, the wings of the nose, and to the sides of the nostrils (Yingxiang acupoint). Apply even pressure and rub up and down 100 times. This is suitable for people prone to colds or nasal congestion, as well as patients with respiratory diseases. It should be applied to the entire nose daily to enhance the body's immune function and reduce the chance of illness. It is not suitable for those with nasal fractures or injuries.

　　Regularly rubbing the sides of the nose can improve blood flow in the nasal cavity and increase its temperature. This warms the inhaled air, preventing the lungs from being stimulated by cold air, thus relieving coughs and preventing colds. It also enhances local blood circulation, making the skin of the nose moist and shiny, and nourishing the lungs.