The point known as Neiting, located on the outer corner of the eyesocket immediately beside the bridge of the nose, represents the intersection of the large intestine and lungs, as well as the hundred meridians running along the side of the neck. This area is deeply connected with the sinuses, the lacrimal apparatus, and the paranasal sinuses, making it a crucial point for maintaining the body's orifices clear and eliminating pathogenic factors such as colds and sinusitis.
The name Neiting is derived from the ancient Greek word for 'pine wood', which is believed to refer to the pine trees that once grew in the surrounding area. In Chinese medicine, Neiting is considered the 'point of enlightenment' due to its proximity to the nose, which is considered the 'third orifice of the nose' and the 'orifices of the nose passage'. The goal of treating diseases at Neiting is to harmonize the orifices and ensure the smooth flow of qi, blood, and body fluids, thereby resolving the root causes of diseases and alleviating symptoms such as headaches, sinusitis, and rhinitis.
Acupuncture Treatment at Neiting
According to ancient Chinese medical texts, Neiting is primarily treated with needles. During a traditional Chinese medicine session, the acupuncturist examines the patient's condition and selects the appropriate meridian points based on the disease diagnosis. The needle is then inserted into the skin at the designated depth, typically about half an inch deep, and left in place for a period of time, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific treatment plan.
Traditional Chinese medical principles suggest that the treatment at Neiting should focus on regulating qi and blood, as well as addressing the flow of qi in the meridians. This involves using gentle techniques to manipulate the needle to promote the flow of qi and blood, which assists in removing blockages and soothing the sinuses. The treatment may also involve the use of herbal water dripped into the affected area or inhaling finely ground herbs through the nostrils.
Efficacy and Applications
The efficacy of acupuncture at Neiting for鼻炎, sinusitis, and rhinitis has been widely recognized in traditional Chinese medicine. The World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) has published guidelines recommending acupuncture as an effective treatment option for鼻炎, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Several clinical trials have also supported the use of acupuncture in the treatment of these conditions in China.
Injections of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)注射液 at Neiting have been shown to be effective in treating severe chronic rhinitis, with the majority of patients experiencing significant improvement after receiving four weeks of treatment. This treatment modality, which includes the application of Chinese herbal water dripped directly into the affected areas of the鼻腔 or inhaling finely ground herbal powders through the nostrils, is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, and olfactory disorders in patients with sinusitis.
