Bi Yan

Bi Yan (鼻炎) is a general term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) referring to inflammation of the nasal mucosa. In modern medical terminology, it broadly corresponds to rhinitis, encompassing a variety of conditions affecting the nasal passages. However, the TCM understanding of Bi Yan goes beyond simple inflammation, taking into account underlying patterns of disharmony within the body that contribute to the condition.

In TCM, Bi Yan is often attributed to external pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, heat, or dryness invading the body, particularly when the body's Wei Qi (defensive Qi) is weak. Internal factors, such as deficiencies of the Lung, Spleen, or Kidney, can also contribute to the development of Bi Yan. These deficiencies can weaken the body's ability to ward off external pathogens or lead to the accumulation of phlegm or dampness in the nasal passages.

TCM diagnosis of Bi Yan involves differentiating the specific pattern of disharmony present. Common patterns include:

• Wind-Cold type: Characterized by a clear, watery nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a aversion to cold.
• Wind-Heat type: Characterized by a thick, yellow nasal discharge, nasal congestion, headache, and possibly fever.
• Lung Qi Deficiency type: Characterized by chronic nasal congestion, clear or slightly turbid nasal discharge, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
• Spleen Qi Deficiency type: Characterized by chronic nasal congestion, profuse, clear nasal discharge, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.
• Kidney Deficiency type: Characterized by chronic nasal congestion, clear or slightly turbid nasal discharge, lower back pain, frequent urination at night, and fatigue.

Treatment of Bi Yan in TCM focuses on addressing the underlying pattern of disharmony through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations. Herbal formulas are tailored to the specific pattern, aiming to expel external pathogens, tonify deficiencies, resolve phlegm, and regulate the flow of Qi and Blood.

While Bi Yan shares similarities with rhinitis as understood in Western medicine, the TCM approach emphasizes a holistic view of health, considering the individual's overall constitution and addressing the root cause of the condition rather than simply treating the symptoms.