Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment for Influenza
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches influenza by balancing Qi (vital energy), expelling pathogens, and strengthening the body's Wei Qi (defensive energy) to fight off infections. Treatment is based on syndrome differentiation and includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
1. TCM Syndrome Differentiation & Treatment
TCM classifies influenza into different patterns based on symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the syndrome type:
① Wind-Heat Invasion (Common in Early Stages)
๐ Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, cough with yellow phlegm, headache, dry mouth, sweating, red tongue with a thin yellow coating, and rapid pulse.
๐ Treatment Principle: Expel Wind, clear Heat, and detoxify.
๐ Herbal Prescription:
๐ฑ Yin Qiao San (้ถ็ฟๆฃ) – A classic formula to clear heat and remove toxins.
๐ฑ Ingredients: Honeysuckle (้้ถ่ฑ), Forsythia (่ฟ็ฟ), Mint (่่ท), Lophatherum (ๆทก็ซนๅถ), Licorice (็่).
② Wind-Cold Invasion
๐ Symptoms: Chills, mild fever, headache, body aches, cough with clear mucus, stuffy nose, no sweating, white tongue coating, and a tight, floating pulse.
๐ Treatment Principle: Release exterior, disperse Cold, and restore Yang.
๐ Herbal Prescription:
๐ฑ Ma Huang Tang (้บป้ปๆฑค) – Used to warm the body and expel Cold.
๐ฑ Ingredients: Ephedra (้บป้ป), Cinnamon twig (ๆกๆ), Apricot kernel (ๆไป), Licorice (็่).
๐ฑ Ginger Tea – Fresh ginger with brown sugar and green onions helps release exterior Cold.
③ Damp-Heat Accumulation (Severe Flu with Digestive Symptoms)
๐ Symptoms: High fever, nausea, diarrhea, heavy limbs, bloating, yellow greasy tongue coating, slippery rapid pulse.
๐ Treatment Principle: Clear Heat, drain Dampness, and detoxify.
๐ Herbal Prescription:
๐ฑ Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (่ฟ้ฆๆญฃๆฐๆฃ) – Resolves Dampness and releases exterior pathogens.
๐ฑ Ingredients: Patchouli (่ฟ้ฆ), Atractylodes (็ฝๆฏ), Tangerine Peel (้็ฎ), Poria (่ฏ่).
④ Qi & Yin Deficiency (Prolonged Flu or Recovery Stage)
๐ Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, dry mouth, night sweats, pale complexion, shortness of breath, weak pulse.
๐ Treatment Principle: Tonify Qi, nourish Yin, and restore strength.
๐ Herbal Prescription:
๐ฑ Sheng Mai San (็่ๆฃ) – Restores energy and nourishes fluids.
๐ฑ Ingredients: Ginseng (ไบบๅ), Ophiopogon (้บฆๅฌ), Schisandra (ไบๅณๅญ).
๐ฑ Si Jun Zi Tang (ๅๅๅญๆฑค) – Strengthens Qi and immunity.
๐ฑ Ingredients: Ginseng (ไบบๅ), Atractylodes (็ฝๆฏ), Poria (่ฏ่), Licorice (็่).
2. Acupuncture for Influenza
Acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, relieve symptoms, and promote recovery. Key acupuncture points include:
๐ถ LI4 (Hegu, ๅ่ฐท) – Expels pathogens and boosts immunity.
๐ถ LU7 (Lieque, ๅ็ผบ) – Relieves cough and nasal congestion.
๐ถ DU14 (Dazhui, ๅคงๆค) – Clears Heat and strengthens the immune system.
๐ถ ST36 (Zusanli, ่ถณไธ้) – Tonifies Qi and improves overall resistance.
3. Dietary Therapy for Flu Recovery
๐ Drink Warm Herbal Teas: Ginger tea, honeysuckle tea, or mint tea.
๐ Eat Light, Easily Digestible Foods: Porridge (congee), soups, and steamed vegetables.
๐ Avoid Cold & Greasy Foods: Ice-cold drinks, raw foods, and fried foods worsen symptoms.
4. TCM Lifestyle Adjustments
๐ Rest & Stay Warm: Avoid exposure to cold air and overexertion.
๐ Hydration & Herbal Drinks: Warm lemon water, honey tea, and herbal soups.
๐ Aromatherapy: Use eucalyptus, mint, or ginger essential oils for nasal congestion relief.
TCM provides a holistic approach to treating influenza by removing pathogens, strengthening the immune system, and restoring balance. A combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes can effectively manage flu symptoms and speed up recovery.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, New York
๐ถ๐ท๐ถ๐ท๐ถ๐ท๐ถ๐ท๐ถ๐ท๐ถ๐ท
Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
๐ By appointment only
๐ง bookingcaulocare@gmail.com
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549
๐ 75th Forest Hills, New York
๐งพ We accept Cash/Credit Card/ Major Insurance
International Student Insurance/No-Fault/ Workers

No comments:
Post a Comment