Sore Nose

How Chinese medicine differentiates a sore nose into the six patterns you'll actually meet in practice, and the points for each. Distinct from this site's Congested Nose, Dry Nose and Sinusitis pages. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. A red, swollen, very painful nose or lip with fever, or spreading redness toward the eye, needs prompt medical assessment.

General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for a sore nose — 3 key points, used across the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

Point	Key action
L.I.-20	Expels exterior Wind. Opens the nose. Removes obstructions from the channel.
L.I.-4	Expels exterior Wind and releases the Exterior. Promotes the diffusing of Lung-Qi, regulates the Defensive Qi and sweating. Stops pain.
ST-36	Benefits Stomach and Spleen. Tonifies Qi and Blood. Tonifies the Original Qi.

The Six Patterns

↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.

1. Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Acute onset with mild fever; red, swollen nose with burning pain; thin yellow discharge; sore throat; thirst.

Tongue: Red tip, thin yellow coat. Pulse: Floating and rapid.

Treatment principle: Releases the Exterior, clears Wind-Heat and resolves toxin.

L.I.-20 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓ G.B.-20 ↓ LU-7 ↓

Note: no moxa.

2. Toxic-Heat

Clinical manifestations: Severe throbbing, burning pain; thick yellow pus and crusting; high fever; intense thirst for cold drinks.

Tongue: Red with prickles, dry yellow coat. Pulse: Rapid and forceful.

Treatment principle: Drains Fire, resolves toxin and clears Heat from all three Burners.

L.I.-4 ↓ L.I.-11 ↓ L.I.-20 ↓

Note: Excess with systemic signs — needs medical assessment. This site's decks have no standalone Toxic-Heat slide, confirmed absent many times — no pattern link is given here.

3. Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Thick, yellow, sticky discharge; cough with yellow sputum; chest tightness; nasal congestion and redness.

Tongue: Red, thick yellow greasy coat. Pulse: Slippery and rapid.

Treatment principle: Clears Heat, transforms Phlegm, regulates Qi and descends Lung Qi.

ST-40 ↓ BL-13 ↓ L.I.-20 ↓

Note: no moxa.

4. Lung Qi Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Slow-healing recurrent sores; clear watery discharge; fatigue worse on exertion; sensitivity to wind and cold; pale complexion; weak voice.

Tongue: Pale, tender, tooth-marked, thin white coat. Pulse: Weak, especially at the right front position.

Treatment principle: Tonifies Lung Qi, secures the Exterior and strengthens the defenses.

BL-13 ↑ ST-36 ↑ L.I.-20 ⊥

Note: moxa is appropriate.

5. Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Slow-healing recurrent sores; clear thin discharge; poor appetite with bloating; loose stools; fatigue; pale, sallow complexion.

Tongue: Pale, puffy, tooth-marked, thin white coat. Pulse: Weak, soft, empty.

Treatment principle: Tonifies Spleen Qi, strengthens digestion and drains Dampness.

ST-36 ↑ L.I.-20 ⊥ SP-6 ↑ BL-20 ↑

Note: moxa is appropriate.

6. Empty-Heat from Yin Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Dry, burning pain; dry crusty rather than weeping sores; worse in the evening and night; recurrent and slow to heal; night sweats; heat in the palms, soles and chest; dry mouth; restlessness.

Tongue: Red, thin, dry, cracked, little or no coat. Pulse: Fine and rapid.

Treatment principle: Nourishes Yin, clears deficiency Heat and anchors floating Fire.

KI-3 ↑ KI-6 ↑ BL-13 ↑ L.I.-20 ⊥

Note: no moxa.

Related conditions

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