Seasonal Shifts and Sinus Sensitivity
As the seasons shift, many people find themselves sneezing, congested, or with a runny nose. Surprisingly, this isn’t always the result of a cold, but often because of allergic rhinitis, or what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to as “Bi Qiu” (鼻鼽) (Cold, Flu, or Allergy?, 2024). This condition tends to flare up during seasonal transitions, especially from winter to spring, causing itchy eyes and nose, frequent sneezing, and persistent nasal discharge. TCM references to Bi Qiu date back centuries. According to Su Wen《素問玄機原病式·卷一》describe it as: "Nasal discharge of clear fluid caused by internal imbalance.鼽者，鼻出清涕也。嚏，鼻中因癢而氣噴作出聲也。”
Patients with heat-related constitutions or those who excessively wipe their noses may even see traces of blood in their mucus. Symptoms often worsen in the morning, in air-conditioned environments, or after exposure to allergens like pollen and dust.
TCM Insights: Why Sinus Sensitivity Flares During Seasonal Transitions
According to the classical text “Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun (《諸病源候論．鼻病諸候》):The lung opens into the nose; when the lung is cold, the cold invades the nose and prevents fluids from flowing properly. 肺氣通於鼻，其臟有冷，冷随氣入乘於鼻，故使津涕不能自收” In other words, a deficiency of lung qi, worsened by cold or climate changes, is a major contributor to sinus sensitivity.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), allergic rhinitis is generally classified into the following four syndrome patterns (Zhang et al., 2022):
1. Lung Qi Deficiency with Cold
Main Symptoms: Nasal congestion, nasal itching, frequent sneezing, clear and watery nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, aversion to wind and cold, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, weak and soft voice, pale complexion, and a cough with thin phlegm.
Tongue and Pulse: Pale tongue with thin white coating; weak pulse.
TCM Treatment Principle: Warm the lungs, dispel cold, tonify Qi, and strengthen the body's defensive barrier.
2. Spleen Qi Deficiency
Main Symptoms: Nasal congestion, itching, persistent clear nasal discharge, sudden sneezing, sallow and dull complexion, thin body frame, poor appetite, bloating, loose stools, fatigue and weakness in the limbs, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak.
Tongue and Pulse: Pale and swollen tongue with teeth marks on the sides; thin white coating; weak and forceless pulse.
TCM Treatment Principle: Tonify Qi, strengthen the spleen, raise clear yang, and open the nasal passages.
3. Kidney Yang Deficiency
Main Symptoms: Nasal congestion, itching, frequent sneezing, continuous clear nasal discharge, pale complexion, cold limbs even in a warm environment, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, fatigue, frequent and clear urination, possible premature ejaculation or spermatorrhea.
Tongue and Pulse: Pale tongue with white coating; deep, thin, and weak pulse.
TCM Treatment Principle: Warm and tonify kidney yang, stabilize kidney function, and assist the lungs in grasping Qi.
4. Latent Heat in the Lung Channel
Main Symptoms: Nasal itching, frequent sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion; often occurs during hot and humid weather. May also present with fever, cough, itchy throat, dry mouth, and irritability.
Tongue and Pulse: Red tongue body with white or yellow coating; rapid pulse.
TCM Treatment Principle: Clear and diffuse lung Qi, and unblock the nasal passages.
Herbal Solutions from Kamwo: Relieve and Restore
Supporting lung, spleen, and kidney qi is vital in managing sinus symptoms. Kamwo's trusted formulas help address both root causes and symptoms:
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Meridian Remedies Natural Sinus Relief clears nasal passages, soothes red, itchy eyes, and relieves seasonal allergy symptoms.
Ingredients: Huang Qin (chinese skullcap root), Xin Yi Hua (magnolia flower bud), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Fang Feng (siler root), Ye Ju Hua (wild chrysanthemum flower), Bai Zhi (fragrant angelica root), Jing Jie (schizonepeta aerial parts), Gan Cao (chinese licorice root)
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Meridian Tea Kitchen Organic Hard As Nails Immuni-Tea combines immunity-boosting herbs to make an earthy, complex brew. If you are prone to seasonal allergies, enjoy this tea for several weeks before your allergy season to minimize the onset of symptoms.
Ingredients: Organic Pau d'Arco Bark, Organic Echinacea Purpurea Root, Organic Dandelion Root, Organic Roasted Dandelion Root, Organic Cinnamon Chips, Organic Burdock Root, Sassafras Bark, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Stevia Leaf
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Meridian Remedies Immune Boost strengthens immunity and supports defensive Qi for cold and allergy prevention.
Ingredients: Yin Yang Huo (epimedium leaf), Huang Qi (astragalus root), Ci Wu Jia (eleuthero root), Shan Zhu Yu (asiatic dogwood fruit without seed), Jiao Gu Lan (gynostemma aerial parts), Tu Si Zi (chinese dodder seed)
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Meridian Extracts Cang Er Zi San dispels wind and unblocks the nose. Recommended for sinus pressure, nasal discharge, and headaches.
Ingredients: Cang Er Zi (Xanthium seed), Xin Yi Hua (magnolia flower bud), Bo He (Chinese mint aerial parts), Bai Zhi (angelica root)
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Meridian Soup Remedies Immunity Boost Bone Soup strengthens the body's natural defenses and support seasonal wellness.
Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus), Yu Zhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), Long Yan Rou (Longan Arillus), Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Mushroom)
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Meridian Extracts Xin Yi San disperses wind-cold and unblocks nasal passages. Ideal for persistent congestion, sinus pain, loss of smell, and headaches.
Ingredients: XIN YI HUA (Magnolia Flower Bud), CHUAN XIONG (Sichuan Lovage Root), MU TONG (Armand's Clematis Stem), GAN JIANG (Ginger (dried)), FANG FENG (Siler Root), QIANG HUO (Notopterygium Root), GAO BEN (Chinese Lovage Root), SHENG MA (Chinese Cimicifuga Rhizome), BAI ZHI (Fragrant Angelica Root), ZHI GAN CAO (Chinese Licorice Root (honey fried))
Acupuncture: Natural Relief for Nasal Allergies
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for for allergic rhinitis.
Stimulating points such as Yintang (印堂), Yingxiang (迎香), Taiyang(太陽), UB2, Zhuanzhu(撰竹) and LI4, Hegu (合谷) helps relieve nasal congestion, while moxibustion on ST36, Zusanli (足三里), UB13, Feishu (肺俞), UB20, Pishu (脾俞), and UB23, Shenshu (腎俞) strengthens the immune system by supporting the lungs, spleen, and kidneys (Yue et al., 2024).
Seasonal Moxibustion Therapy (Tian Jiu Therapy)
Tian Jiu, applied during the hottest and coldest periods of the year (San Fu & San Jiu), uses warming herbal patches to stimulate key acupoints. This therapy is particularly beneficial for those with cold-type rhinitis, helping to reduce flare-ups and boost resistance.
Seasonal Moxibustion Therapy (Tian Jiu)
Tian Jiu therapy uses warming herbal patches applied to strategic acupoints during (Chan et al., 2015):
San Fu (the hottest days of summer)
San Jiu (the coldest days of winter)
This method strengthens the body's defenses and is especially helpful for those with cold-type rhinitis. By targeting:
ST36, Zusanli (足三里) – Enhances overall energy
UB13, Feishu (肺俞) – Strengthens the lungs
UB20, Pishu (脾俞) – Supports digestion and immunity
UB23, Shenshu (腎俞) – Replenishes kidney essence
Ideal for patients with cold-type rhinitis, Tian Jiu strengthens defenses and minimizes seasonal flare-ups.
✨ Why Choose Kamwo?
At Grand Meridian Clinic, we blend TCM wisdom with modern approaches to uncover and treat the root of your nasal health concerns. Whether it’s through customized herbal therapy, acupuncture, or seasonal care plans, Kamwo is here to support your wellness journey.
Dr. Olivia Choi
L.Ac, DACM, MPH, MSBB, BPharm
Grand Meridian Clinic