Treating Colds and Flu

With flu season approaching fast and the daily news reports of H1N1 vaccine shortages, our patients often ask if we can help treat colds and flu’s with Chinese medicine. While many people are aware of using acupuncture for pain and stress, most are surprised to find how helpful Chinese medicine can be for upper respiratory infections. A combination of acupuncture and herbs can be very effective at managing symptoms and shortening the duration of influenza and common colds, and even helping you avoid getting sick altogether.

In the paradigm of Chinese medicine, upper respiratory infections are due to an invasion of wind-cold or wind-heat into the body. It is understood that when the outer defensive layer (wei qi) of the body isn’t strong, wind can carry a warm or cold pathogen into the body. [This is essentially the traditional Chinese medicine version of your immune system.] Once the wind penetrates into your body, various symptoms results depending on the warm or cold nature of the pathogen and how deeply it invades your organ systems.

Note: If you have a high fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, severe diarrhea or vomiting, or other serious symptoms, seek medical care from your primary care physician or a nearby hospital as soon as possible.

A Case of Wind-Cold Invasion

A recent case I would like to share involved a man who was over-working his body and being exposed to various viruses that his young son would bring home from daycare. He had a big presentation lined up for the following day and found himself extremely ill. He had already seen his doctor, who diagnosed him with a upper respiratory virus infection, which unfortunately has no western medical treatment. He complained of chills, fever, bodyache, a stiff neck, cough, and fatigue, indicating Wind-Cold Invasion. Cases such as this are well detailed in the almost 2,000 year old Chinese Medical Text the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Disease); noted for being the oldest medical book in recorded history on disease pathogenesis.

After a pulse and tongue examination to confirm the diagnosis, the patient was given moxibustion to the point Du 14, just below the spinous process of cervical vertebrae 7. The patient then received a TaiYang-TaiYin Global Balance acupuncture treatment to release the exterior and relieve cough. A single bag of the classical formula Ge Gen Tang in raw herbs was given for the patient to drink that evening.

The next day, we received notice from the patient as they were on their way to work that we “saved his life”. While it may not have been a life threatening case, we certainly were able to drastically reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of their illness.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Colds and Flus

There are a large number of single herbs and formulas that are used to treat colds, flu, and their associated symptoms. Many of these medicinal substances are even conveniently made into pill or powder forms for ease of use, and are effective against various bacterial and respiratory viruses. Research continues on the use of Chinese medicine for influenza and other dangerous respiratory infections. Recently at Beijing Ditan Hospital in China, doctors found that a traditional Chinese herbal formula worked better than Tamiflu for mild cases of H1N1 without side effects. During the SARS outbreaks in Asia, the Chinese herb Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root) became in short supply due to its effectiveness against viruses.

An Ounce of Prevention

Of course, preventing yourself from getting sick is the most ideal scenario. Regular hand washing, avoiding those who are currently ill, and taking care of your health can make a significant difference. Supplementing these activities by enhancing your immune system and decreasing stress with Chinese medicine helps tremendously. Coming in for an acupuncture treatment at the first signs of oncoming illness can help to thwart its effects on your body. Taking preventative herbal prescriptions, such as Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Wind Screen Decoction), can help to boost your body’s natural defenses and shield you from becoming sick.

Always seek the guidance of a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist before taking any Chinese herbal products. Each individual and disease condition is unique and requires the advise of a well-trained professional in the art of oriental medicine.