Chinese medicine and treatment of Flu

Recently, there has been a lot about the flu in the media whether it has been the seasonal flu or H1N1 virus. There has been a lot of discussions about the new vaccines and if they will work. Most of the time the vaccines can be effective for the flu. That is one of the beauties of modern Western medicine. However, what happens when we actually get the flu? There is not really that much that Western medicine can offer besides some antiviral medication and let the virus pass. In severe cases though some people who get the flu may have to go to the hospital to be monitored or treated. Chinese medicine offers great treatment and prevention options for the Flu.

Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that treats and diagnoses disease. A Chinese physician will treat the root cause of the disease that will enable your body to self heal naturally. Chinese medicine consists of five different branches mainly acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui na ( Chinese massage), food therapy, and exercise. All the the branches of Chinese medicine are able to treat disease. For the flu, the most effective methods utilized are acupuncture and herbs.

Acupuncture and herbs have been used to treat the flu for over 3,000 years. In ancient times the name of the virus was different, but signs and symtoms have been the same. According to Chinese medical theory there are 6 exogenous pathogenic factors which are wind, heat, dryness, summer-heat, dampness, and cold. These factors can attack the body resulting in illness. The flu is usually a combination of wind cold or wind heat attacking the body. Also, these pathogenic factors can attack the body in different stages if there is no treatment or improper treatment. Some of the signs and symptoms that one may have are chills, fever, sweating or no sweating, cough, headache, runny nose, muscle aches, sore throat, floating pulse, pink tongue with little white coat, or tongue with red tip yellowish coat. A Chinese physician can do a diagnosis to determine which type of pattern of disharmony is going on then use the proper treatment.

The best treatment method in my opinion as a Chinese physician is using both acupuncture and herbs. For acupuncture, a Chinese physician would use points that help release the exterior and tonify the defensive qi. Such points are Lu7,GB 20, Li4, and St 36. If there are any other signs and symptoms other acupuncture points can be used. Herbal treatment will depend on what pattern of disharmony is going on, if the patient has a mild case with sore throat Yin Qian San may be appropiate. If it is more sever Gan Mao Ling will work. If the patient does not present any heat signs, but more cold signs herbal formula will include Jing Fang Bai Du San. These herbal formulas are powerful and they also have anti-viral properties. Some of the single herbs that have anti-viral properties include Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Ma Huang, Gui Zhi, Ban Lan Gen, and Da Qing Ye. There are many herbs with anti-viral properties.

A typical patient that comes into our clinic for treatment with the flu, can expect to feel better within 1-2 days. Through the use of herbs and acupuncture the body can be strengthened and able to heal itself. Other good remedies that a Chinese physician may have a patient do at home is to cook an orange in the oven for 30 min. at 375 degrees and eat it warm. This will help with the coughing and any chest congestion. Drinking ginger tea will also help with symptoms and provide some relief.

Chinese medicine is powerful and a great alternative to all of the medications that are out there. Feel free to give us a call for a FREE consultation at (801) 463-1101 or to learn more about how we can help you achieve greater health and happiness.

Master Lu's Health Center is the Premier center for Chinese medicine in Utah !
www.luhealthcenter.com
3220 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84115