When the seasons change, especially during the transition from winter to spring, many people experience nasal congestion. The fluctuation in temperature and humidity can easily cause discomfort in the nose. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve this issue. In this article, we’ll share four simple remedies to help clear your blocked nose and restore normal breathing.
1. Applying a Warm Towel to the Nose
Cold, dry air is a common trigger for nasal congestion, as it can irritate the nasal mucosa. One simple method to alleviate this is to raise the indoor temperature and humidity. The ideal room temperature for comfort is between 20°C and 25°C, with a humidity level between 40% and 60%.
If adjusting the room temperature isn’t possible, try placing a warm, damp towel on your nose or the base of your nose. You can also steam up the bathroom with warm water and spend five minutes inside. The warmth and moisture can help loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion. 
2. Massaging the Sides of the Nose
Massage is an excellent way to stimulate blood circulation and improve the function of your nasal mucosa. Regular massage can significantly reduce nasal congestion and improve your ability to breathe freely.
To massage the nasal area effectively, try the following steps:
- Gently press on the “Yingxiang” acupuncture point 16 times on each side of the nose.
- Press the “Yintang” point for 2-3 minutes to ease sinus pressure.
- Gently rub the “Jingming” points for 2-3 minutes to relieve eye strain and congestion.
- Rub the sides of the nose 30 times.
Try this massage every day, and with consistency, you’ll see improvement.
3. Using Saline Solution to Flush Your Nasal Passages
If your nasal congestion is caused by excessive mucus buildup, using a saline solution can be very effective. A saline wash will help clear out mucus, allergens, and other irritants from the nasal passages.
However, there are a few important guidelines to follow:
- Always use sterile saline solution purchased from a pharmacy, as tap water or homemade saline solutions can be harmful to your nasal mucosa.
- Make sure the water temperature is around 37°C – not too hot or too cold.
For more severe congestion, perform the nasal rinse daily. If your symptoms are milder, rinsing 2–3 times a week may suffice. If the congestion is minor, you may choose not to rinse at all.
4. Steam Inhalation for Nasal Relief
Steam inhalation therapy helps moisturize and warm the nasal mucosa, effectively clearing out bacteria and alleviating congestion. This method is particularly useful in colder weather when it’s harder to apply saline rinses.
If you can’t or don’t prefer using a nasal rinse, steam inhalation is a great alternative. Simply inhale the warm, moist air from a bowl of hot water or use a vaporizer. It will provide immediate relief from nasal congestion, especially before bedtime.
Conclusion
Nasal congestion can be uncomfortable, but with these four simple remedies, you can easily find relief. Whether you choose to use a warm towel, massage your nose, rinse with saline, or try steam inhalation, these techniques can help clear your nose and restore normal breathing. Try them out and enjoy a clearer, more comfortable day!
