Recent temperature fluctuations, alternating between hot and rainy weather, have led to a significant increase in the number of people suffering from colds and rhinitis. Chen Peijing, a senior physician at Yikang Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, suggests massaging two acupoints for prevention.
■ Yingxiang Acupoint: Located in the nasolabial groove next to the midpoint of the outer edge of the nostril. Massaging this point with both index fingers can clear nasal passages, dispel cold, and relieve runny nose.
■ Zusanli Acupoint: Located on the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, three cun below the knee eye point and about one finger-width away from the anterior border of the tibia. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi, and is a health-promoting acupoint that helps improve immunity.
Doctors warn that the symptoms of a cold and allergic rhinitis are similar in clinical practice, and misdiagnosis may delay treatment.
A cold is mostly caused by a viral infection and is often accompanied by fever, body aches, and sore throat; its course is relatively short. Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is mainly characterized by nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion; systemic symptoms are milder, the course is longer, and it is prone to recurrence. It is often triggered by dust mites, cold air, or specific odors.
