tcm and covid 19

 A Holistic Approach to COVID-19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Herbal Medicine, Acupressure, and Qigong in the Fight Against the Virus and Its Complications

The COVID-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down, affecting both physical and mental health. In addition to conventional treatments, many people have turned to alternative methods of supporting their health, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This ancient practice offers a comprehensive approach to health, encompassing herbal medicine, acupressure, and Qigong exercises. Moreover, TCM also provides treatments for COVID-19 complications, such as "Long COVID."

In this article, we will discuss how TCM can support the treatment of viral infections, strengthen the body, and reduce the side effects of COVID-19.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system with over 3,000 years of history. It is based on the concept of Qi (vital energy), whose flow in the body must be harmonious. In TCM, diseases are interpreted as the result of disturbances in the flow of Qi, often caused by "external pathogens" (e.g., cold, dampness, heat).

COVID-19 in TCM is classified as a disease related to "heat and dampness," attacking the lungs. Treatment focuses on strengthening immunity, eliminating toxins, and supporting the body's regeneration after infection.

1. Herbal Medicine: Key Support in Treatment and Recovery

Herbs Used During COVID-19 Infection

Herbs in TCM work on multiple levels: they strengthen immunity, reduce inflammation, and support lung function. During the pandemic in China, specific herbal formulas were developed to be used both preventively and during treatment.

a) Lianhua Qingwen
Ingredients: Forsythia, honeysuckle, licorice root, mint.
Action: Studies published in Phytomedicine (2020) showed that Lianhua Qingwen reduces the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, alleviates cough, and reduces fever.
Application: Alleviating symptoms of the flu and viral infections.

b) Qingfei Paidu Tang
Ingredients: Licorice root, peony, bamboo shoots, calamus.
Action: This formula was approved as an official supportive treatment in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been shown to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Application: Supports recovery and reduces severe symptoms.

c) Fangfeng Tongsheng San
Ingredients: Peony root, cinnamon, honeysuckle.
Action: Helps remove excess "heat and toxins" that cause inflammation in the body.

Herbs Used in the Treatment of Complications (Long COVID)

Complications from COVID-19, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, or loss of taste and smell, are known as Long COVID. TCM offers many therapies to help the body return to balance.

a) Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Action: Strengthens immunity and improves lung function.

b) Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Action: Reduces fatigue, improves concentration, and supports regeneration.

c) Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Action: Improves physical endurance and reduces fatigue.

2. Acupressure: A Simple Technique for Quick Results

Acupressure is a practice that involves pressing specific points on the body that are linked to the flow of Qi. Regular stimulation of these points can improve immune function, alleviate infection symptoms, and support recovery.

Acupressure During COVID-19

a) LI-4 (Hegu)
Location: Between the thumb and index finger.
Action: Relieves headaches, fever, and stress.

b) LU-7 (Lieque)
Location: On the forearm, about 1.5 inches above the wrist.
Action: Supports lung health and the respiratory system.

c) CV-17 (Shanzhong)
Location: In the center of the chest.
Action: Helps with breathing and supports lung function.

Acupressure in the Treatment of Long COVID Complications

a) SP-6 (Sanyinjiao)
Location: On the inside of the leg, about 3 inches above the ankle.
Action: Relieves fatigue and supports body regeneration.

b) KD-3 (Taixi)
Location: Behind the ankle on the inside of the foot.
Action: Supports kidney function, which in TCM is linked to vital energy.

3. Qigong: Exercises to Strengthen the Body

Qigong is a meditative practice that combines gentle movements, deep breathing, and mental focus. It helps strengthen Qi, which is key in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Qigong Exercises During COVID-19

a) Abdominal Breathing
How to do it: Sit comfortably, place your hands on your abdomen, and take deep breaths through your nose, filling your abdomen with air. Slowly exhale through your mouth.
Benefits: Improves lung function and reduces stress.

b) "Floating Dragon"
How to do it: Perform gentle movements resembling the body of a dragon floating in water.
Benefits: Supports the flow of Qi in the lungs.

Qigong Exercises for Long COVID Complications

a) "Opening the Heart Center"
How to do it: Stand with your legs apart, raise your arms to chest height, and slowly extend them to the sides.
Benefits: Strengthens the lungs and supports the circulatory system.

b) "Gathering Energy"
How to do it: Raise your hands above your head, visualizing that you are gathering energy from your surroundings, then bring it to your abdomen.
Benefits: Regenerates Qi and reduces fatigue.

4. Long COVID Complications in TCM

"Long COVID" is characterized by symptoms that can last for weeks or months after the infection has cleared. In TCM, these complications are seen as the "residue of dampness and heat" in the body.

TCM for Treating Fatigue and Weakness

• Herbs: Astragalus (Huang Qi), Reishi.
• Acupressure: SP-6 (Sanyinjiao), KD-3 (Taixi).
• Qigong: Qi-regenerating exercises like "Gathering Energy."

TCM for Treating Shortness of Breath and Lung Issues

• Herbs: Honeysuckle, licorice.
• Acupressure: CV-17 (Shanzhong).
• Qigong: "Opening the Heart Center."

TCM for Treating Brain Fog and Concentration Issues

• Herbs: Ginseng, Reishi.
• Acupressure: GV-20 (Baihui) – at the top of the head.
• Qigong: Meditations to support focus.

5. Scientific Studies Supporting the Effectiveness of TCM

Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2021): Qingfei Paidu Tang reduces the risk of severe COVID-19.
• Phytomedicine (2020): Lianhua Qingwen inhibits the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Qigong and Mental Health

• Frontiers in Psychology (2021): Regular Qigong exercises lower cortisol levels and improve immunity.

Acupressure in Pain and Stress Reduction

• Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2020): Acupressure effectively reduces pain and improves quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.

Summary: Holistic Treatment of COVID-19 with the Help of TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers powerful tools to support the treatment of COVID-19 and its complications. Herbal medicine, acupressure, and Qigong work in harmony to strengthen immunity, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s regeneration.

If you wish to incorporate these methods into your daily routine, consult an experienced TCM therapist to tailor therapies to your specific symptoms.