Recurrent Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
Also known as: epistaxis, nosebleeds, recurrent nosebleed, nose bleeding
Nosebleeds are common — most stop with 10 minutes of firm pressure. Recurrent ones usually come from a fragile front-of-nose vessel, dry air or nose picking, but blood thinners and blood disorders need checking. Chinese medicine reads them as lung or stomach heat rising, liver fire, or yin deficiency, and calms the heat while medical causes are checked.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Bleeding now: pinch the soft part of the nose 10 minutes, sitting forward, mouth open.
- •See a doctor if bleeds recur or you take blood thinners.
- •Humidify dry air; saline spray for dry noses.
- •Avoid nose picking and vigorous nose blowing.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •No acupuncture while actively bleeding — treat the bleed first.[]
- •Blood-moving herbs are avoided during bleeding episodes.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Review at 2–4 weeks: bleed frequency, medicines review (blood thinners), blood count if indicated.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- NHS · 2024
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- National Library of Medicine · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.