3 Powerful Acupoints to Relieve Rhinitis During the 30 Days of Sanfu

Boost Your Yang Energy, Clear Hidden Cold, and Breathe Easy Again

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Sanfu Days (三伏天) mark the hottest and most Yang-filled period of the year. It’s also the best time for “treating winter illnesses in summer” — and one of the most common cold-related chronic issues we see in Singapore is rhinitis (chronic nasal inflammation).

What Makes Sanfu the Best Time for Healing?

According to the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic):

“Nourish Yang in Spring and Summer, and Yin in Autumn and Winter.”

During Sanfu (mid-July to mid-August), Yang energy peaks. Your skin pores open, blood flows better, and meridians are more accessible. This makes it the perfect time to:

✅ Warm and activate the organs
✅ Improve Qi and blood circulation
✅ Expel deep-rooted cold and dampness

That’s why TCM physicians recommend moxibustion therapy and herbal treatment for chronic respiratory issues like rhinitis during Sanfu.

Rhinitis Is More Than Just a Runny Nose

Many people in Singapore dismiss rhinitis as a minor inconvenience — something they can live with. But long-term rhinitis can lead to surprising and serious health issues:

Hidden Dangers of Long-Term Rhinitis

1. Facial Bone Changes & Dental Issues

When your nose is blocked, you’re forced to breathe through your mouth. Over time, this can cause:

Misaligned jaw
Sunken chin
Protruding teeth
Flattened facial features

👉 Especially in growing children and teens, this affects facial development and appearance.

2. Brain Fog & Poor Focus

Blocked nasal passages reduce oxygen intake, leaving your brain in a state of mild hypoxia (low oxygen).

Common symptoms:

Dizziness or heaviness in the head
Poor memory
Difficulty concentrating
Brain fog

TCM classics say:

“When the upper Qi is insufficient, the brain feels empty, ears buzz, and the head feels heavy.”

3. Ear & Throat Problems

The nasal cavity is connected to the ears and throat — that’s why rhinitis often comes with:

Tinnitus (ear ringing)
Muffled hearing
Sore or itchy throat
Chronic phlegm or post-nasal drip

The Root Cause of Rhinitis in TCM: Weak Organs, Not Just Inflammation

Western treatments often involve anti-inflammatory meds, antibiotics, or nasal sprays. They may help temporarily, but symptoms often return.

In TCM, rhinitis isn’t just inflammation — it’s a sign of organ system imbalance, especially involving the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys.

Why Moxibustion Works for Rhinitis in Sanfu Days

Moxibustion (艾灸) uses heat from burning moxa (mugwort) to stimulate acupuncture points. It helps:

Warm the body from inside
Boost immune response (support Zheng Qi)
Improve circulation
Clear phlegm and cold

For rhinitis, here are 3 effective acupoints recommended by TCM expert Prof. Xu Botao, based on years of clinical success:

Key Moxibustion Points for Rhinitis

1. Shenzhu (身柱穴) – “The Little Sun”

Located between your shoulder blades, this point helps:

Strengthen Lung Qi
Improve breathing
Warm the body’s Yang energy
Reduce nasal congestion

📍 Location: Below the 3rd thoracic vertebra, along the midline of the upper back.

2. Shenshu (肾俞穴) – Kidney Qi Booster

Located on the lower back, this point:

Strengthens Kidney Qi
Supports water metabolism
Reduces sticky or excessive nasal discharge

📍 Location: On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

3. Pangguangshu (膀胱俞) – Drain Damp, Free the Nose

Often overlooked, this point helps regulate bladder function and drain excess dampness from the body — helping unblock the nose.

📍 Location: On the sacral region, 1.5 cun lateral to the 2nd sacral vertebra.

🔁 Recommended Moxibustion Order:

Start with Shenzhu (Upper back)
Move to Shenshu (Lower back)
Finish with Pangguangshu (Sacral area)
⏳ Each point: 5–8 minutes. If it feels good, you may extend slightly.