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ROUTINE · 5 MIN READ

A Daily Nasal Care Routine from a TCM Perspective

Rhinitis rewards consistency more than intensity. Here is a light, three-part daily rhythm — morning, midday, evening — built on TCM self-care ideas and the traditional body-clock (时辰) map. Adjust it to your life; the goal is a habit, not perfection.

Morning (卯时, ~5–7 AM: large intestine; then lung time)

• Warm water first. A cup of warm (not iced) water to start the day and support digestion.
晨起先温饮。一杯温热（非冰）水，启动一天、助运化。
• Gentle nasal warming. Splash the face with warm water; a light scarf around the neck if it is cool.
温和暖鼻。温水洗脸；天凉时颈间围薄巾。
• Press 迎香 (Yíngxiāng). With both index fingers, press the points beside the nostrils and circle gently for 30–60 seconds — a traditional point for nasal comfort.
按揉迎香。双食指按压鼻翼两侧的迎香穴，轻柔打圈 30–60 秒——传统上用于缓解鼻部不适。

Midday

• Avoid direct drafts. Keep air-conditioning and fans from blowing straight at the neck and face.
避直吹。空调、风扇勿直对颈面。
• Warm meal, warm drink. Favor cooked foods over cold salads or iced beverages.
温食温饮。熟食优于冷沙拉、冰饮。
• One slow-breathing reset. A minute of calm belly breathing through the nose.
一次慢呼吸复位。用鼻做一分钟安静的腹式呼吸。

Evening (prep for lung time, 3–5 AM)

• Moisturize the air. A humidifier or a bowl of water near the bed keeps nasal membranes from drying overnight.
润泽空气。加湿器或床头放碗水，避免鼻黏膜夜间干燥。
• Warm foot soak. A short warm-foot soak traditionally supports overall warmth and rest.
温水泡脚。短时泡脚，传统上助全身温暖与安睡。
• Earlier rest at transitions. During seasonal shifts (see the solar terms), go to bed a little earlier to conserve defensive qi.
交替时节早卧。节气转换时（见"节气养生"）稍早入睡，以养卫气。

Make it a 21-day habit

The 21-Day TCM Nasal Care Course turns this routine into a daily, bite-size program. Start with just the morning step and build from there.

Disclaimer: This article shares Traditional Chinese Medicine self-care routines for education only. It is not a medical diagnosis or treatment plan. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms.