As winter descends, it brings with it a familiar host of ailments and conditions often associated with colder weather.

Despite pharmacies offering a wide array of reliable treatments, many individuals still turn to social media in search of alternative remedies and natural cures.

Thankfully, a wealth of knowledge is shared online by doctors, healthcare professionals, and other specialists. Among these experts is Dr. Ben Horning.

Dr. Horning operates the Horning Chiropractic and Acupuncture Centre in Laguna Hills, California. As a chiropractor and applied kinesiologist, he recently shared a video on TikTok that demonstrates a technique to relieve nasal congestion.

In the video, Dr. Horning provides lively instructions: “Feeling stuffy? I’m a chiro, and I’ll show you how to clear it. Grip your nose, pull it, place your thumb inside the cheekbone, and push.”

The video features Dr. Horning executing the technique in sync with his animated commentary.

Viewers expressed their opinions in the comments section. One person claimed: “It actually works”, while another said: “Why did that just work”, to which Dr Horning responded: “Chiro magic!”

Someone else noted: “Why did it just work, for real, I’m not lying”, accompanied by a shocked face emoji. Nevertheless, many others commented that the technique proved unsuccessful for them.

According to the NHS, numerous factors can cause a blocked nose, ranging from a common cold to sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses typically triggered by infection.

The NHS explains: “It’s common and usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks. But medicines can help if it’s taking a long time to go away. Sinusitis is common after a cold or flu.”

The main symptoms of sinusitis are diverse and may encompass pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead; a congested or runny nose; a diminished sense of smell; green or yellow mucus from your nose; and an elevated temperature.

Additional symptoms might involve a headache; toothache; bad breath; a cough; a sensation of pressure in the ears; and you may also snore at night and sound nasal when you speak.

A pharmacist can offer advice on beneficial medications, including decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock a stuffy nose, although it’s important to note such products aren’t appropriate for children under six years old.

Saltwater nasal sprays or solutions can serve as an alternative to rinse the inside of your nose and help resolve the problem.

A pharmacist can also provide supplementary treatments if necessary, without requiring a GP appointment.

If you’re worried about a blocked nose or flu symptoms, or your problems don’t appear to be improving, make sure to seek advice from a qualified medical professional.