Influenza
Influenza: The TCM Perspective and Prevention and Management of Flu
Flu, or "influenza," is essentially an infectious as well as common viral respiratory infection. Sore throat, chills, fever, cough, congestion, and fatigue may bed the patient for days or weeks. Western medicine antidotes flu symptoms with antiviral medications, over-the-counter medications, and rest. But TCM uses a more natural and root based approach, to relief symptoms and restore balance at the same time, nurturing immunity, and prevent future recurrence.
Understanding Influenza According to TCM
The flu in TCM is not a viral invasion itself, it is an external incursion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat that disrupts the internal order of the body. If one's defensive energy, the Wei Qi, is strong, these external pathogens will not be able to invade. However, when it is weak, the Wei Qi becomes compromised.
There are three major TCM patterns of diagnosing and treating flu:
Instead of suppressing symptoms, TCM aims to eliminate such invading pathogens, clears heat, nourishes the affected organs, and restores balance in the Qi and Blood.
Healing Techniques in TCM: Treating the Flu in a Holistic Way
Acupuncture: Pathogen Removal and Immunity Enhancement
Acupuncture is the main treatment to relieve flu symptoms and rebalance the body. Needles are placed in certain points and is used to activate meridians, cleanse heat, and nourish lung function. It also helps to circulate and boost immune force.
Points commonly used are LI4 (Hegu) and LU7 (Lieque) to drain exterior pathogens and tonify lung Qi, GV14 (Dazhui) to drain fever and tonify immunity, and ST36 (Zusanli) to invigorate and strengthen the body.
The patients are generally free from nasal congestion, throat, headache, and body pains after single or double session. Acupuncture may also reduce the risk of flu reoccurrence.
Herbal Medicine: Nature’s Pharmacy for the Flu
TCM herb therapy is personalized based on the pattern and overall constitution of the patient. Rather than a medicine for everybody, based on the nature of flu and stage of illness.
For Wind-Heat invasion during the initial stage of disease, Yin Qiao San is used in the treatment of fever, sore throat, and dry cough. For Wind-Cold chilliness, body pains, and flu, the classic formula is Ma Huang Tang. For post-flu fatigue, immune recovery, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is used to tonify Qi and prevent relapse.
Key herbs typically included in influenza prescriptions:
- Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao (Forsythia): Strong antivirals that disperse heat and detoxify
- Huang Qi (Astragalus): Tonifies Wei Qi and improves immune function
- Gan Cao (Licorice Root): Soothes sore throat and harmonizes other herbs
- Xing Ren (Apricot Seed): Soothes cough and dispels lung blockage
The herbs not only soothe current symptoms of the flu but also reduce severity and duration of subsequent infections.
Diet and Lifestyle: Day-to-Day Prevention on TCM Principles
Everyday maintenance of overall long-term health is another focus of TCM. Diet therapy is a convenient and effective way of keeping the immune system in good and working condition.
Warm, easily digestible foods like ginger and garlic soup, pear and rock sugar tea, or goji berry congee can help to warm the lung, spleen and drive out cold and dampness. Cold, raw foods, dairy foods, and highly processed foods can cause internal phlegm and hinder the digestion.
Physical and mental equilibrium are equally significant. Tai Chi, Qigong, and breathing exercises can enhance the capacity of the lungs, reduce stress levels, and enable the free flow of Qi. Simple daily habits like dressing appropriately in relation to the seasons, sleeping well, and drinking plenty of water can help reduce vulnerability to illness.
How Long Does Recovery Take with TCM
Flus treated with TCM, especially if at its onset stage, will recover in 2 to 5 days, while most patients will have it cleared earlier than with conventional medicines.
Chronic or persistent influenza is harder to treat, 1 to 2 weeks or longer, if post-infection fatigue is extreme or deficiency of Qi is present.
The remedy to it is to seek early therapy and individualized treatment.
Experience the Difference: Our TCM Flu Support Program
We offer natural and whole-body flu therapy with:
Flu Season Doesn’t Have to Slow You Down
Select TCM for natural, holistic, and full influenza protection.