Mondays often feel like a tight knot, don't they? But Mondays with head cold and nasal congestion? It is like a congested traffic jam in your head—and in your nose.
But here's the secret no one tells you: this congestion, whether in our minds or bodies, often starts with something more profound than the surface symptoms we feel.
Let me explain by sharing a story about a patient I'll call Sarah.
Sarah came into my acupuncture clinic one chilly winter morning, bundled up, complaining of relentless nasal congestion. "I think it's just this cold season," she said, rubbing her temples. "My sinuses hate me." She'd tried everything: over-the-counter meds, humidifiers, even cutting back on dairy, and had 3 sinus surgeries. But the congestion kept coming back, stubborn as ever.
Here's what Sarah didn't know—and so many of us don't realize:
Congestion isn't just about sinuses or seasons. It's a signal. Our bodies speak in whispers, and her congestion was a plea to look deeper. What I found wasn't just a cold—it was a stagnation of her Liver Qi, the energy responsible for smooth flow throughout the body. Her nose wasn't the real issue; her stress, diet, and stuck emotions clogged her flow.
The Hidden Flow That Shapes Everything
In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is the ultimate multitasker. It's the master conductor of energy flow (what we call Qi) and the keeper of emotional harmony. When the liver is in balance, life feels smooth and effortless. But when it's out of sync, everything jams up—physically, emotionally, energetically.
Sarah's story shows us something bigger: when life feels congested—a literal stuffy nose or a figurative block like stress or overwhelm—it's a sign we're out of the flow. And the key to clearing that congestion? It starts with understanding the rhythm of our own energy.
The Secret to Flowing into the Week
Here's how to set the tone for an effortlessly flowing week:
Start Warm and Gentle
Skip the mad dash to coffee and emails. Instead, begin your morning grounding ritual by a cup of warm lemon with a pinch of Himalayan salt. This simple act awakens your digestion, gently nudges your body into motion, and sends a clear signal: "We're starting this day with care."
Move the Stuckness
Movement is like a love language for your liver—it keeps everything flowing. After a weekend of indulgence or rest, try a brisk walk, a few yoga poses, or ten minutes of qigong with a focus on your ribcage area. I found it effective to raise both arms to the sky and perform a side stretch. This helps release accumulated stagnant energy and allows your body to breathe freely into the week.
Protect Your Energy: Cover Your Neck
In TCM, the back of your neck, specifically the GB20 (Fengchi) point, is known as the "Wind Point." This area is particularly vulnerable to cold wind entering the body, which can cause congestion, colds, and headaches.
To keep the external cold at bay:
Wear a scarf or hoodie, especially on breezy days.
Gently massage the base of your skull to stimulate the GB20 point and support smooth energy flow.
If you feel a chill, wrap your neck in something warm or apply a heating pad to prevent stagnation.
Breathe Through the Congestion
Deep, intentional nasal breathing isn't just soothing—it's transformational. It helps clear mental fog, anchors energy and opens sinuses. Here's my favorite trick:
Boil water with peppermint leaves or add a dollop of Vicks.
Pour the water into a bucket, drape a towel over your head, and inhale deeply for 5 minutes.
Let the steam work its magic, pushing out sinus blockages and leaving you refreshed. It's like a mini sauna for your face—pure, unclogged bliss.
Secrets to Clear Both the Body and Mind
In Sarah's case, I recommended a few additional secrets rooted in Chinese medicine:
Acupressure Point LV4 (Zhongfeng): This powerful spot near the ankle helps move stagnant energy and can even ease sinus congestion. A gentle press and massage can work wonders.
Herbal Support: Formulas like Bi Yian Pian to clear nasal passages, Gui Pi Tang to strengthen the spleen, and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan to nourish the liver and kidney balance.
Supplementation
Vitamin D (5000 IU): Boosts immunity during the darker months.
Cod liver oil or fish oil: Supports overall health and reduces inflammation.
Magnesium: Helps the body relax and recover.
Reflection and Release: I encouraged her to end each day by journaling one thing she was holding onto—an unresolved thought, a grudge, a moment of stress—and then releasing it. The liver thrives on emotional flow as much as physical flow.
A Flowing Life Starts with You
The truth is, our energy—like our week—is only as smooth as the care we give it. Mondays aren't meant to be roadblocks; they're invitations—an open door to realign, reset, and clear what's blocking our flow. Sarah's journey was more than clearing her sinuses—it was about rediscovering balance and ease in her life.
So, as you flow into this week, ask yourself: Where am I feeling stuck? What small, gentle step can I take to move through it? Sometimes, it's as simple as a breath, a stretch, or even pressing into that little acupoint near your ankle.
Here's my secret for you: congestion, whether in the body or mind, isn't a burden—it's a message. And the moment we listen, the flow begins.
Reflection Questions for the Week:
Where are you feeling "congested" in life right now?
What straightforward ritual can you introduce to create more flow—physically, emotionally, or energetically?
How can you start your mornings with gentleness and intention?
Motivational Wisdom Round-Up
Insight: "When there is free flow, there is no pain." This TCM principle applies to life as much to the body.
Modern Reflection: Mondays don't block us; we block ourselves by carrying weekend congestion into the week. Release it.
Action Step: To start your day warm, breathe deeply and move your energy—just for ten minutes. And remember to cover your neck when you're out and about.
Let me know how your week flows—I'm cheering for you.