Flu, Fever & Cough

Flu, Fever, and Cough: A TCM Perspective on Recovery

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), having flu, fever, and cough are viewed not just as single symptoms but as clues of disharmony inside one's energy (Qi) and also of foreign pathogens entering. Unlike western medicine that focuses simply on reliving symptoms, TCM aims to expel the pathogen, effectively restore balance, and to strengthen the body's own natural immunity in order to prevent future illnesses.

TCM View on Flu, Fever, and Cough

TCM classifies each of these common ailments under the general concept of "External Pathogenic Invasions", typically caused by wind, cold, heat, and dampness attacking the human body. Each type of invasion presents different symptoms, and the therapy is tailored accordingly.

1.

Flu (感冒 – Gǎn Mào)

Flu is often seen as the invasion of Wind-cold or Wind-Heat.

Wind-Cold Type: Symptoms include chills, sneezing, runny nose via clear mucus, body aches, and zero sweating.

For Wind-Heat Type: Symptoms are fever, a sore throat, yellow phlegm, a dry cough, and a hot feeling.

TCM treatment aims to fully expel the Wind pathogen, properly regulate Qi flow along with supporting the body's defensive energy (Wei Qi).

 

2.

Cough (咳嗽 – Ké Sòu)

Coughing is still largely seen as a dysfunction within the Lungs that are failing to disperse and descend Qi properly.

Wind-Cold Cough: Produces clear or white phlegm, chest tightness, and worsens if exposed to cold.

Wind-Heat Cough: A dry throat, yellow phlegm, plus a sore throat.

Phlegm-Damp Cough is a heavy sensation felt in the chest. There is thick, sticky mucus along with it.

Lung Yin Deficiency Cough: Dry, constant cough with showing of scant phlegm, often worse nocturnally.

TCM therapies stresses on calming the Lungs, clearing Phlegm, and fortifying Lung Qi.

3.

Fever (发热 – Fā Rè)

Fever is seen as how the body attempts to fight pathogens.

External Pathogen Fever: It is frequently Caused by Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invasion.

Internal Heat Fever: Caused by excessive heat in the body because of imbalances within organs such as the Liver, Stomach, or Lungs.

TCM treatments focus mostly on clearing heat, balancing of Yin and Yang, and restoring the body's self-regulation ability.

 

How TCM Manages Flu, Fever, and Cough

Acupuncture helps to completely regulate Qi flow, substantially strengthen immunity, and clears pathogenic influences. Common acupuncture points include:

LI4 (Hegu)

It can dispel Wind, and alleviates both fever and headaches.

DU14 (Dazhui)

Clears completely out Heat and it also strengthens up the immunity.

LU7 (Lieque)

Opens up the Lungs, in addition to which it treats that cough.

 

ST36 (Zusanli)

Powerfully boosts overall Qi and Blood, strengthens the immune system, improves digestion, and enhances energy levels.