TCM treatment for influenza

Influenza is commonly referred to as the flu and is an acute, infectious disease of the respiratory tract, caused by the influenza virus. Influenza results in 250,000-500,000 deaths worldwide per year, rising into millions during pandemic years. Its main symptoms include coughing, fever and a runny nose.

According to TCM theory, influenza is the result of an external attack on the body related to changes in the weather and caused by wind-cold or wind-heat mixed with pathogenic dampness. Such an attack to the body affects the function of the lungs and immune system, leading to the onset of flu.

TCM diagnosis of the flu involves the categorization of influenza into two major types: wind-cold and wind-heat. This allows treatment to be targeted at the underlying symptoms. TCM treatment of the flu is focused on preventing the further progression of the virus, and expelling the disease from the body. Each treatment is specific to the individual and his or her condition.

Normally, TCM emphasizes prevention first, so special herbal recipes are used to prevent flu from occurring. Patients who regularly take such herbal medicine will build up a resistance against flu, the result being extremely effective.

In my practice, we have successfully treated many patients who had suffered from influenza, with very good results.