General Prevention of Covid-19 from traditional perspective

General Prevention of Covid-19 from traditional perspective

Every human is affected by the new Covid-19. We’re anxious, scared and some of us panicked. And we wanna be calm, well-prepared and take good precautions. We wanna equip ourselves with remedies to prevent the infection, as well as remedies IF we’re infected by it. The internet has plenty of What-to-do and What-not -to-do for prevention of Covid-19 pneumonia and enhancement of immune system; this writing shares some ideas on TRADITIONAL GOOD old-fashioned approaches:

FOR PERSONAL/FAMILY MEASURES/APPROACHES: (other than physical: Masks, home isolation, social distancing, hand washing and etc.):

**DIET, and IN-and-OUT of the body:

- Have BREAKFAST 7am to 9am to provide the stomach with warm food and soup for the whole day of body energy: Every morning roughly from 7am to 9am is when the stomach meridian works the best in biological clock of 24 hours. The nutrients and energy will be converted by the spleen system from 9am to 11am to pass on to the whole body at this time. Therefore breakfast is the most important meal of a day. Hardly any other organs can be strong if breakfast is not taken everyday. Do yourself and your family an favour, have your breakfast within 7am to 9am.

- WARM and WELL-COOKED FOOD: The nature of this virus likes coldness; it will thrive very well if food are cold in nature and temperature. Therefore it’s very important we do the opposite by eating and drinking something warm and well-cooked. And eat them appreciatively too. This works as a good old slow cooker that lasts a whole day to protect us. Moreover, well-cooked food is usually easier for digesting and absorption of nutrients.

- STAY AWAY from GREASY and OILY FOOD: Why? This virus likes it damp too (Transition from winter to spring in many places in the northern atmosphere makes it pretty cold and damp, a DOUBLE BLOW). Dampness in body can form mucus/phlegm very easily and in this situation, they have a tendency to stick in the lungs and at the diaphragm (Check out the photos of tongue coats: Very thick and moist). When that happens the virus can grow abundantly and causes severe symptoms. This is one reason why one person may have mild or no symptoms whereas another person may manifest so badly when they’re both infected by the virus.

Get rid of these phlegm/mucus/dampness off our bodies. Do yourself a favour: REDUCE oily and greasy food:

Damp-Heat: Beef, mutton, BBQ, cheese and etc.

Cold-Damp: Seafood including fishes (Most life forms from the ocean are very damp in nature), ducks, pork, and so on. (Internet has plenty of resources: Search for Warm Hot Neutral Cold Cool of food)

And yes, more animals proteins tend to form plenty of dampness easily.

Oh, by the way, some body patterns have a tendency to turn abundance of phlegm accumulation to inflammation very quickly. We call this dampness sinking inward turning into damp-heat, which makes symptoms more acute and spreading to other organ systems quicker. No good.

- EAT SIMPLE and EASY-TO-DIGEST FOOD: Most forms of multi-grain, dark green vegetables with stems, some forms of gourds and legumes, a little bit of mushrooms, and warm tofu and tempeh too. Experiment and try for ourselves some food that make us hungry in 2 to 3 hours. Those are the food that are easy to digest and fuller absorption takes place more easily. WARM and EASY-for-tummy food: We call this cultivating the Stomach-Spleen-Earth to give rise to stronger Lung-Metal in 5 element theory of organs.

Yes, to use more: Ginger, carrot, apples, lotus seeds, red beans, winter melon and etc. to reduce dampness too.

 

- POO POO: Make the necessary changes to our diet so that we pass bowel motion everyday. If it’s not, we’re accumulating potential damp-heat in intestines; that in turns block the lungs’ function to breathe well. Lungs and large intestines are closely connected in the interior-exterior relationship energy meridians, this is also the reason why if a chain cigarette smoker doesn’t get lung cancer, he or she is very likely to get colon cancer; the toxins in the lungs have been transferred to large intestine. The logic is simple: If we pass bowel everyday one to two times, the lungs can breathe deeper and function better.

- WATER: Drink half a glass of warm boiled water every 30 minutes; It helps to gently mobilize metabolism to prevent stagnation of energy and blood. And only take sips of water if needed after dinner, to reduce night urine and pitted water retention.

**LIFESTYLE and EXERCISES:

- BEDTIME: Go to bed before 11pm on hot summer nights and sleep for 7 hours; before 930pm on cold winter nights and sleep for 9 to 10 hours (It also depends on the longitude of your place on earth, how north or how south). A lot of us say so many hours is important but do not know how human’s biological clock works with the moon and sun: Please go to bed in 2 or 3 hours after the sun sets down. It has to do with how triple burners smoothen the energy along upper, middle and lower openings of the body (around 9pm to 11pm), how gallbladder system flushes off oil and grease in digestive system (~11pm to 1am), how liver system detoxes hormones and enzyme in the blood bank (~1am to 3am), how lungs breathe in the upcoming sun energy (~3am to 5am) and how large intestine passes on bowel motion (~5am to 7am)... Sleeping well at the right slot at night promotes so natural functions of these organ systems. Sleeping during daytime for 8 hours isn’t exactly the same as natural night sleep for 8 hours. Not the same 8 hours. We humans are no bats or cats who have different biological clocks. Please do the sleeping well. We’ll be surprised how well our bodies will become.

- MEDITATION/QI GONG/YOGA/EXERCISE: The first three if done right get us enhanced and effective breathing. Those slow and deep breathing that works all the way down to kidney ancestral energy (More on the Spiritual part). And of course, we do them stress free. Surely very important for enhancing the lungs and calming us too. Exercise on the other hand depends on what type we’re doing; we don’t suppose boxing is the same as swimming, or jogging the same as surfing. Then in this time of limited movement situation, whatever that works at home will do. Work on one or two for an hour or so everyday.

- SUNSHINE: Thank you Mr Golden Sun for shining on my upper back, shoulders from 7am to 10am to warm and lift up my Supreme Sun Bladder meridian and super macho Governor channel along the spinal cord. They both help the kidney and lung Sun systems to stay strong to beat the external coldness from the wind and rain, to prevent sneezing, coughing and catching cold and flu. Do that for 20 minutes every morning. Lovely warm sun. And say bye bye to viruses who like it cold.

**MIND/EMOTIONS:

- STAY HAPPY, not too un-happy, please: Lung system deals with sadness a lot. There is a limit to how much sadness in life an individual’s lungs can take. Beyond which the system may be weakened thus gives in to pathogens like virus in the air to creep in. If we stay calm, with positive attitude, then the lungs become stronger; when people sneeze, we don’t. When people cough, we don’t. We stay super strong.

- CALM and PREPARED; instead of worry and anxious: Do/change/improve the little things we can in our daily activities to feel good about ourselves. Start from something small; We believe that if we don’t take care of small things well, there’s no chance for us to do big things. So let’s work on improving ourselves one small thing/way at a time. Take your time to feel good and move on well-prepared.

**SPIRITUAL:

- REDUCE MATERIALISM: This is physically important as it gives us more time to spend with family, as seeking material returns takes a lot of time and efforts. And also in the end it’s most likely it’s not what our family truly needs in life either. Reduce reuse recycle, the earth can’t deal with humans endlessly exhausting the resource. We really need to sit down and think: We don’t need a lot to live a healthy, happy and dignified life, do we? Ask the question: What’s my last wish before my last breath in this life?

- REDUCE SEXUAL DESIRE: Sexual desire exhausts mostly ancestral kidney energy, which is then the biggest energy reservoir of any mammals. This miraculous kidney energy strengthens and takes care of our brains, memory, determination of life, spinal cords, bones integrity, ears’ hearing, lower back, knees, heels, poo poo and wee-wee, and of course, the sexuality. If we preserve this kidney energy well, all the above will function so well many of us are taking them for granted. I wish that’s the case for you. Then again as a CLINICAL traditional Chinese med doctor, I doubt things are perfect for us in this aspect. Therefore, do ourselves a favour, reduce the thoughts and actions for this desire. Moderate and balance it with your spouse/partner. Applying to our current need, this kidney energy helps the lungs to draw in good breathing so deep to prevent/reduce shortness of breath if pneumonia is to take place.

- I’M SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU. There were surely something in the past that we didn’t do very well. We could have unintentionally hurt somebody by thoughts, words or actions. We might not know it happened but the person felt the hurt, shame or humiliation for years and tens of years. He or she kept this in their minds and occasionally it came up and hurt them so badly. Whereas for us we don’t even know it happened. For many of us it could have been a casual comment, an action without purpose but unfortunately it has caused the other party one of their worst hidden shame/hurt of life. Whether we’re aware or not, there could be some cursing bad energy laundering around our bodies and in our heads. Do we really think they have no effects on my emotions and body health? What can we do now? Who do we say sorry to if we want to? I don’t even know who they are that I could have hurt. How do I say sorry?

In the end, we just wanna make peace with these parties of people and animals (I’m sure we know animals have feelings and thinking: dogs and cats do, cows and pigs don’t? What about fishes and chicken?). Lucky for us there are good ways to do this. One way is to apologize to them in our minds, in our souls. Do it wholeheartedly and sincerely. They’ll get it. If we want more proof of it, look no further than the quantum physics, look into the spooky quantum entanglement. There’s surely something more to this world than meets the eyes.

So, if we’re sincere and do this long enough, our efforts and hard work will bear fruits soon. Before we know it they’ll happily leave us alone and move on to a happier place without anymore sense of vengeance. Our bodies and emotions will thus become healthier and more lively. Win-win situation I call it. A bit more research into the topic we’ll find many good old civilizations had very similar ideas; too bad many of these good teachings and education are only kept in museums and research institutes now.

I’M SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU!

- TAKE GOOD CARE of our PARENTS/GRANDPARENTS/GREAT GRANDPARENTS: Our ancestors gave us the original family energy that was stored in the kidney system in the beginning. The system takes care of reproduction, poo poo and wee-wee, lower back, knees, ears and guess what else? Deep breathing. On those old days there were people who breathed so well their one breath was more effective and powerful than our 4 to 5 breaths. That’s because they were able to breathe with the combi of lung and kidney systems so deep it went down to the heel area too (in the flow of meridians). So now if we want strong and deep breathing capability we wanna enhance the kidney and lungs. Take good care of our parents and grandparents and our kidney and lung systems will be stronger, physically and spiritually.

We may or may not be with them in the same house, still we can take care of them well in physical arrangement. Assure them we’re doing fine and they don’t have to worry about us. Call them often, exchanging comfort words. Love travels way far more than flight.

: )     ; )    = )     ;@)     :@)

CONGRATULATIONS! if you manage to finish reading this piece of beautiful writing! ; ) I can’t believe there are so many constructive and positive things we can do!

Keep doing these practices for a while: 10 years, 20 years, 30 years and 50 years and 100 years and more. Life goes on and on more beautifully!

Good health and happiness to all of us! Thank you!

Swine Flu and Herbal Prescriptions for prevention

Viral infections are actually better treated with herbal prescriptions. Many scientists use herbal active ingredients for treatments of viral-based diseases such as AIDS, influenza. Unfortunately they mostly base their research on microscopic level of one or two active chemical ingredients from the herbs rather than the overall effectiveness of hundreds of natural chemical compounds found in the herbs. And they have neglected the usage of these herbs based on traditional theories such as characteristics, nature, taste, target organs of the herbs and so on.

If we read newspapers in Chinese language around the world, there are plenty of info about herbal treatments as well as precautions of influenza, and influenza A (H1N1; formerly Swine Flu) belongs to one of them. Different body types require different prescriptions. And different stages of the disease manifestations require alterations to prescriptions too. Therefore, the timing is crucial.

For precautions or strengthening our body immune system, one can use a formula such as: 防风 (Fang Feng) 6g, 黄芪 (Huang Qi) 12g, 白术 (Bai Zhu) 12g, 大枣 (Da Zao) 1pc. This formula is good for those who tend to sweat relatively more and get cold easily. The tongue impression should be pale and a little obese and pulse being weak. This formula also helps for people of weak digestion due to weak spleen. By enhancing the energy production of spleen and lungs, our bodies thus are able to generate a layer of protection around our skins, preventing us from catching cold and flu. If the local weather is hot, add 菊花 (Ju Hua) 9g.

Where as for people whose bodies are lacked of energy and inner fluid, the following formula can help to retain fluid in the body so as to prevent inner heat. They are: 党参 (Dang Shen) 12g, 麦冬 (Mai Dong) 9g, 五味子 (Wu Wei Zi) 6g. People with this body type tend to have less fur coating on the tongue and complain of dry mouth.

In terms of creating a shield around the skin to prevent flu infection, former prescription is more powerful. The later serves better in preserving yin fluid to prevent onset of sore throat, headache, itchy throat and so on.

There are also those whose bodies are of the heaty and mighty type. For this category of people, they can afford to take prescriptions that are more cooling and detoxifying: 夏枯草 (Xia Ku Cao) 15g, 板蓝根 (Ban Lan Gen) 9g, 金银花 (Jin Yin Hua) 9g, 紫花地丁 (Zi Hua Di Ding) 12g, 蒲公英 (Pu Gong Yin) 15g, 连翘 (Lian Qiao) 6g, 生甘草 (Sheng Gan Cao) 6g. This formula is also suitable for people who live in high-risk cities as it's very effective against viral threats. Do bear in mind that the cooling and bitter nature of these herbs can hurt the stomach and spleen functions if used for unnecessarily long period. Alterations is necessary to suit different manifestations due to local climate and seasonal changes.

Human Avian/ Bird Flu and Chinese medicine

Human Avian/Bird Flu and Chinese medicine

Translation and interpretation of section 5.4.1 of <人禽流感诊疗方案(2005版修订版)> (Ren Qin Liu Gan Zhen Liao Fang An (2005 Ban Xiu Ding Ban); Human Bird/Avian Flu Treatment Policy (2005 Revision version)), issued on November 23rd, 2005, by the Ministry of Health, People’s Republic of China.

The policy is the third revision (and the latest up to June 14, 2008) since the first publication in 2004. This new revision was compiled by 25 specialists in the departments of epidemiology, pulmonology, paediatrics, emergency, medical imaging, medical examination, virology, physical examinations & clinical skills.

Below is translation of section 5.4.1 of the policy which details Chinese herbal treatments of Bird Flu in accordance to TCM syndromes. Four syndromes are listed. Modification tips are given for reference. Comments by John Lew explain how the herbs play different cohesive roles in treating different syndromes.

5.4.1 Chinese herbal treatments of Avian/Bird Flu in accordance to TCM syndromes:

5.4.1.1)
Syndrome: External toxins invading Lungs
Symptoms: Fever, aversion to cold, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, coughing, little phlegm, tongue with white coat, rapid and slippery pulse.
Mechanism: Toxins invading Lungs’ protective layer, Lungs losing the ability to maintain upward & downward qi passage.
Therapeutic principles: Clear away heat and toxins, activate the flow of qi, and penetrate external pathogens.

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 柴胡10g (Chai Hu, Chaihu, Bupleurum root, Radix Bupleuri);
No. 2) 黄芩12g (Huang Qin, Huangqin, Scutellaria root, Radix Scutellariae);
No. 3) 炙麻黄6g (Zhi Ma Huang, Honey-baked Mahuang, Honey-baked ephedra, Herba Ephedrae Praeparata);
No. 4) 炒杏仁10g (Chao Xing Ren, Fried Xingren, Fried bitter apricot kernel, Semen Armeniacae Amarum);
No. 5) 银花10g (Yin Hua, Yinhua, Honeysuckle flower, Flos Lonicerae);
No. 6) 连翘15g (Lian Qiao, Lianqiao, Forsythia fruit, Fructus Forsythiae);
No. 7) 牛蒡子15g (Niu Bang Zi, Niubangzi, Arctium fruit, Fructus Arctii);
No. 8) 羌活10g (Qiang Huo, Qianghuo, Notopterygium root, Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii);
No. 9) 白茅根15g (Bai Mao Gen, Baimaogen, Lalang grass rhizome, Rhizoma Imperatae);
No. 10) 芦根15g (Lu Gen, Lugen, Reed rhizome, Rhizoma Phragmitis);
No. 11) 生甘草6g (Unprepared Gan Cao, Sheng Gancao, Licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Modifications: For severe cough, add 炙枇杷叶(Zhi Pi Pa Ye, Honey-prepared Pipaye, Loquat leaf, Folium Eriobotryae Praeparata), 浙贝母(Zhe Bei Mu, Zhebeimu, Thunberg Fritillary Bulb, Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii). For Nausea and vomiting, add 竹茹(Zhu Ru, Zhuru, Bamboo shavings, Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam), 苏叶(Su Ye, Suye, Perilla leaf, Folium Perillae).

John’s comments:
1) This formula combines that of 银翘散(Yin Qiao San, a powder formula for the treatment of superficial syndrome of wind-heat, consists of 10 herbs) and 麻杏甘石汤(Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of cough and dyspnea due to wind-heat, consists of 4 herbs) with modifications. Chai Hu dispels pathogenic heat in the half exterior. Huang Qin clears out stagnated heat in the half interior. The combined use of the two herbs removes pathogenic factors from Shao Yang channels. Ma Huang facilitates the flow of the Lung-qi to relieve asthma, and its pungent flavor is good at dispelling exogenous factors. When used in honey-baked form, the effect in relieving asthma and cough is stronger. Xing Ren, with bitter taste and warm property, helps to move the Lung-qi to the lower part of the body. Yin Hua and Lian Qiao, pungent in flavor and cool in property, are used to relieve the exterior syndrome and clear away pathogenic heat and toxic materials. Niu Bang Zi and Gan Cao are used to relieve sore throat and cough by clearing away toxins and removing phlegm and, furthermore, the pungent and cool property of Niu Bang Zi is good for dispelling exterior heat. Qiang Huo, pungent in flavor and warm property, is used to expel exterior wind, remove dampness and relieve pain. Bai Mao Gen, being cold and sweet, helps to cleanse heat in the Lungs and Stomach. Lu Gen, sweet in flavor and mild cool in property, is used to remove pathogenic heat and promote the production of body fluid and relieve thirst and restlessness, working in tandem with Bai Mao Gen.

2) The formula seems more inclined in catering for wind-heat syndrome. The use of Ma Huang, Qiang Huo, even though warm and pungent, helps in arresting asthmatic symptoms and removing dampness. Tongue impression for wind-heat is usually thin yellowish fur, in contrary to what’s stated above. Anyway, all other factors are to be taken into account.

5.4.1.2)
Syndrome: Toxins invading Lungs and Stomach
Symptoms: Fever, or aversion to cold, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lower abdomen pain, tongue with whitish greasy fur coupled with floating and slippery pulse.
Mechanism: Toxins invading Lungs and Stomach, dampness accumulated at Stomach and Intestines, causing disruption of downward movement.
Therapeutic principles: Clear away heat and toxins, remove dampness and regulate Stomach.

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 葛根20g (Ge Gen, Gegen, Pueraria Root, Radix Puerariae);
No. 2) 黄芩12g (Huang Qin, Huangqin, Scutellaria root, Radix Scutellariae);
No. 3) 黄连6g (Huang Lian, Huanglian, Coptis Root, Rhizoma Coptidis);
No. 4) 鱼腥草30g (Yu Xing Cao, Yuxingcao, Houttuynia herb, Herba Houttuyniae Heartleaf);
No. 5) 苍术10g (Cang Zhu, Cangzhu, Atractylodes, Rhizoma Atractylodis);
No. 6) 藿香10g (Huo Xiang, Huoxiang, Agastache, Herba Agastachis);
No. 7) 姜半夏10g (Jiang Ban Xia, Ginger-prepared Banxia, Ginger-prepared pinellia tuber, Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparata);
No. 8) 厚朴6g (Hou Pu, Houpu, Macrostem onion, Bulbus Allii Macrostemi);
No. 9) 连翘15g (Lian Qiao, Lianqiao, Forsythia fruit, Fructus Forsythiae);
No. 10) 白芷10g (Bai Zhi, Baizhi, Dahurian angelica root, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae);
No. 11) 白茅根15g (Bai Mao Gen, Baimaogen, Lalang grass rhizome, Rhizoma Imperatae)

Modifications: For severe stomachache, add 炒白芍(Fried Bai Shao, Chao Baoshao, White peony root, Radix Paeoniae Alba)、炙甘草(Honey-baked Gan Cao, Zhi Gancao, Honey-baked licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata). For severe cough, add 炒杏仁(Chao Xing Ren, Fried Xingren, Fried bitter apricot kernel, Semen Armeniacae Amarum), 蝉蜕(Chan Tui, Chantui, Cicada slough, Periostracum Cicadae).

John’s comments:
1) This formula combines that of 葛根黄芩黄连汤(Ge Gen Huang Qin Guang Lian Tang, a decoction formula for the syndrome of toxins invading both Lungs and Stomach, consists of 4 herbs) and 平胃散(Ping Wei San, a powder formula for the treatment of stagnancy of dampness in the Stomach and Spleen, consists of 4 herbs) with modifications. Ge Gen, sweet and pungent in flavor and cool in property, dispels pathogenic factors from the superficial muscles to reduce fever and invigorates Spleen-Yang to stop diarrhea. Huang Lian, bitter in flavor, cold in property, acting on the Heart, Stomach, Liver and Large Intestine channels, purges pathogenic fire in the Heart and Stomach. Huang Qin acts to clear away heat in the Lungs and purge fire in the upper body. Cang Zhu dispels dampness to promote the function of the Spleen. Hou Pu promotes qi circulation and eliminates dampness to relieve distension and fullness in the abdomen. Huo Xiang, with a pungent and aromatic smell, not only dispels wind but also expels the turbid pathogen and regulates the Stomach to arrest vomiting; meanwhile it can send up the lucid qi and send down the turbid, clear away summer-heat and filthy pathogens. Ban Xia dries dampness and regulates Stomach, lowers the adverse flow of qi to arrest vomiting. Bai Zhi expels wind to relieve pain and removes dampness. Yu Xing Cao, pungent in flavor and mild cold in property, clears heat and toxins from the Lungs. It also subdues swelling and promotes pus discharge. Lian Qiao, pungent in flavor and cool in property, is used to relieve the exterior syndrome and clear away pathogenic heat and toxic materials. Bai Mao Gen, being cold and sweet, helps to cleanse heat in the Lungs and Stomach.

2) Comparing to formula 5.4.1.1, this formula of 5.4.1.2 tailors the direction toward getting rid of dampness around the middle part of the body, namely Stomach and Spleen, by regulating qi movement and drying dampness.

5.4.1.3)
Syndrome: External toxins clouding Lungs
Symptoms: High fever, cough with fewer phlegm, chest numbness, asthmatic short breath, or palpitation, restlessness, agitation, even delirium, coma, deep purplish lips, dim-red tongue with greasy gray or yellow fur and sunken fine and rapid pulse.
Mechanism: Severe case of toxins invading and clouding Lungs, causing disruption of upward & downward qi passage, thus the high fever and cough; phlegm accumulation and stagnation of Lungs, thus dim purplish lips and asthmatic short breath.
Therapeutic principles: Clear away heat and purge Lungs, remove toxins and resolve phlegm.

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 炙麻黄9g (Zhi Ma Huang, Honey-baked Mahuang, Honey-baked ephedra, Herba Ephedrae Praeparata);
No. 2) 生石膏30g先下(Xian Xia; Boiled first) (Sheng Shi Gao, Unprepared Shigao, Gypsum, Cypsum Fibrosum);
No. 3) 炒杏仁10g (Chao Xing Ren, Fried Xingren, Fried bitter apricot kernel, Semen Armeniacae Amarum);
No. 4) 黄芩10g (Huang Qin, Huangqin, Scutellaria root, Radix Scutellariae);
No. 5) 知母10g (Zhi Mu, Zhimu, Wind-weed rhizome, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae);
No. 6) 浙贝母10g (Zhe Bei Mu, Zhebeimu, Thunberg Fritillary Bulb, Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii);
No. 7) 葶苈子15g (Ting Li Zi, Tinglizi, Lepidium seed, Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae);
No. 8) 桑白皮15g (Sang Bai Pi, Sangbaipi, White mulberry root-bark, Cortex Mori);
No. 9) 蒲公英15g (Pu Gong Ying, Pugongying, Mongolian dandelion herb, Herba Taraxaci);
No. 10) 草河车10g (Cao He Che, Caoheche, [重楼, Chong Lou, Chonglou, Chinese paris rhizome, Rhizoma Paridis Chinensis]);
No. 11) 赤芍10g (Chi Shao, Chishao, Red Peony Root, Radix Paeoniae Rubra);
No. 12) 丹皮10g (Dan Pi, Danpi, Mountan Bark, Cortex Moutan Radicis)

Modifications: For high fever, unresponsiveness, or even delirium, add 安宫牛黄丸(Angong Niuhuang Wan / AnGong NiuHuang Pill, a OTC pill for treatment of high fever, delirium, coma due to phlegm-heat in the Heart or pathogenic heat in pericardium, consists of roughly 12 herbs (depending on manufacturers)); with a choice of using 清开灵注射液(QingKaiLing Injection), 痰热清注射液(TanReQing Injection), 鱼腥草注射液(YuXingCao / Houttuynia injection). For deep purplish lips, add 黄芪(Huang Qi, Huangqi, Astragalus root, Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), 三七(San Qi, Sanqi, Notoginseng, Radix Notoginseng), 当归尾(Dang Gui Wei, Danggui tail, Chinese angelica root, Radix Angelicae Sinensis). For constipation, add 生大黄(Sheng Dai Huang, Unprepared Daihuang, Rhubarb, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)，芒硝(Mang Xiao, Mangxiao, Mirabilite, Natrii Sulphas).

John’s comments:
1) The formula combines that of 麻杏甘石汤(Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of cough and dyspnea due to wind-heat, consists of 4 herbs), 白虎汤(Bai Hu Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of excessive heat syndrome in Yang Ming channels and qi system, consists of 4 herbs) and 葶苈大枣泻肺汤(Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of phlegm accumulation and retention, consists of 2 herbs) with modifications, mostly addition of herbs. Ma Huang facilitates the flow of the Lung-qi to relieve asthma, and its pungent flavor is good at dispelling exogenous factors. When used in honey-baked form, the effect in relieving asthma and cough is stronger. Shi Gao, pungent and sweet in flavour and extremely cold in nature, acts against excessive heat in Yang Ming channel. Xing Ren, with bitter taste and warm property, helps to move the Lung-qi to the lower part of the body. Huang Qin clears out stagnated heat in the half interior and removes pathogenic factors from Shao Yang channels. Zhi Mu, which is bitter in taste and cold moist in nature, serves to strengthen the action of Shi Gao. Ting Li Zi, pungent and bitter in flavour, very cold in property, removes heat from the Lungs, and relieves asthma. Zhe Bei Mu, bitter in flavor and cold in property, has a strong activity of cleansing heat phlegm away and dissolving accumulation. Pu Gong Ying, bitter in flavor and sweet cold in property, acts on Liver and Stomach channels to clear heat and detoxicate, subdue swelling and dissolve lumps. Chong Lou, bitter in flavor and a little cold in property, acts on Liver to clear heat, detoxicate, subdue swelling, kills pain and relieve convulsion. Dan Pi has the effect of cooling the blood and removing latent heat from the body’s Yin system. Chi Shao removes pathogenic heat from the blood, dissipates blood stasis and relieves pain.

2) The formula is intended to do five therapeutic principles: First, it clears cough and asthmatic cough due to wind-heat. Second, it clears pathogenic heat in the qi system. Third, it has strong emphasis on removing phlegm heat. Fourth, that’s to detox and finally fifth, to cool the blood in the Yin system. This syndrome is definitely more serious and a step further toward deterioration in terms of prognosis. From the point of view of conventional medicine, the symptoms can be similar to that of pneumonia.

5.4.1.4)
Syndrome: Internal shut-down; external collapse
Symptoms: High or low fever, cough, asthmatic short breath, cold limbs, cold sweat, dark purplish finger nails and lips, with deep and fine or non-existing pulse.
Mechanism: Further sinking of toxins, collapse of qi, Yin and Yang.
Therapeutic principles: Strengthens the essential qi to rescue from collapse

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 生晒参15g (Sheng Shai Shen, Sun-dried ginseng, Radix Ginseng);
No. 2) 麦冬15g (Mai Dong, Maidong, Ophiopogon root, Radix Opiopogonis);
No. 3) 五味子10g (Wu Wei Zi, Wuweizi, Schisandra fruit, Fructus Schisandrae);
No. 4) 炮附子10g先下(Boiled first) (Pao Fu Zi, Prepared Fu Zi, Prepared lateral root of Aconite, Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata);
No. 5) 干姜10g (Gan Jiang, Ganjiang, Dried ginger, Rhizoma Zingiberis);
No. 6) 山萸肉30g (Shan Yu Rou, Shanyurou, or 山茱萸, Shan Zhu Yu, Shanzhuyu, Dogwood fruit, Fructus Corni);
No. 7) 炙甘草6g (Honey-baked Gan Cao, Zhi Gancao, Honey-baked licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata)

Modifications: For severe sweating, add 煅龙骨(Duan Long Gu, Calcined longgu, Dragon’s bone, Os Craconis Fossilia), 煅牡蛎(Duan Mu Li, Calcined muli, Oyster shell, Concha Ostreae). For abundance of phlegm, sputum in throat, greasy coat on tongue, add 金荞麦(Jin Qiao Mai, Jinqiaomai, Wild Buckwheat Rhizome, Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi), 苏合香丸(Su He Xiang Wan, a OTC pill for treatment of cold syndrome of coma, consists of roughly 15 herbs (depending on manufacturers)), 猴枣散(Hou Zao San, a OTC powder for treatment of inner phlegm accumulation, consists of roughly 13 herbs (depending on manufacturers)). For injections the following can be selectively used (based on syndrome differentiation): 醒脑静注射液(Xingnaojing Injection), 生脉注射液(Shengmai Injection), 参麦注射液(Shenmai injection), 参附注射液(Shenfu injection), 血必净注射液(Xuebijing injection) and so on.

John’s comments:
1) The formula is a combination of 生脉散(Sheng Mai San, a powder formula for the treatment of impairment of both qi and Yin manifested by short breath, spontaneous perspiration, exhaustion and faint pulse, consists of 3 herbs) and 四逆汤(Si Ni Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of syndrome of insufficiency of Yang manifested by cold limbs, intolerance to cold, diarrhea, cold-pain of abdomen, mental fatigue and sleepiness, pale complexion and profuse sweat, consists of 3 herbs) with modifications. Sheng Shai Shen (A type of Chinese/Korean ginseng which has been sun-dried) is sweet in flavor and warm in property, acts to replenish qi and promote the production of body fluid, and invigorates primordial qi. Mai Dong, sweet in flavor and cold in property, is used to tonify Yin and promote body fluid production, clear away deficient heat to get rid of restlessness. Wu Wei Zi, sour in flavor and warm in nature, is used for astringing the Lungs to stop sweat. Fu Zi, pungent and hot in the extreme, acts on channels of the Heart, Kidneys and Spleen, helping to warm the Yang and qi and recuperate the depleted Yang to rescue from collapse. Gan Jiang, functions in warming Yang of the middle portion and eliminating interior cold. Therefore it’s suitable for vomiting and diarrhea due to cold of the insufficiency type. Shan Zhu Yu, sour in flavor and slightly warm in property, induces astringency to arrest excessive loss of body fluid. Gan Cao, in honey-baked form, strengthens the Spleen and replenishes qi. It is used in assisting Fu Zi to recuperate depleted Yang and promote blood circulation, in assisting Gan Jiang in warming and restoring Yang of the middle portion, in reducing toxin of Fu Zi, in relieving the extremely pungent property of Fu Zi and Gan Jiang so as to make it possible to warm Yang and remove Yin cold without injuring Yin fluid.

2) The formula achieves the result of replenishing qi, warming the Yang energy and astringing Yin. This stage is of the extreme one as the patient has exhausted the body’s qi, Yin fluid and Yang energy during the course of battle with the pathogenic factors. The first priority is to quickly replenish qi, recuperate Yang and promote body fluid production. The second direction is to astringe further exhaustion through excessive perspiration.



Postscript:
I have written on the general applications of traditional Chinese medicine in treating Avian/Bird Flu related symptoms. Some advantages of TCM have been outlined. With the ever increasing threat of human-to-human pandemic I see a need in better awareness of using traditional medicine to reach wider scope of people.

One of the advantages of using Chinese herbs is that the patient, having flu-like, or pneumonia-like symptoms, who may or may not be Bird Flu virus related, can immediately take Chinese herbs once his or her syndrome is properly diagnosed with TCM diagnostic method. The diagnostic method doesn’t rely on availability of test kits, machines, and can be done in 10 minutes. Of course, a properly trained TCM physician has to do the job in diagnosing. In the case of suspected Bird Flu, medical personnel can be trained to recognize the most prominent features of identifying the commonly manifested different syndromes.

There are purposes for this article:
1) To outline the different syndromes manifested by human beings infected by Bird Flu virus. There are of course some other syndromes which can share certain similarities to that of this policy. There are at least two policies which have been translated into or written in English: (1) The policy issued by 441-443 of issue No. 6, 2005 of 天津中医药 Tian Jin Zhong Yi Yao (Tianjin Chinese Medicine & Medicinals) journal, translated by Bob Flaws and; (2) “The potential Avian Flu epidemic” by Jake Paul Fratkin, April, 2006 . They are very good references; they would have been better if elaborations and explanations were given.
2) To explain and elaborate how different herbs, with different properties, flavours, channel tropism, and effects are applied cohesively into a formula that works hand-in-hand to treat a particular syndrome. There are certainly not many writings focus on how herbs actually work on our human bodies.
3) As mentioned above, to emphasize how Chinese herbs can be applied with or without knowing the existence of H5N1 virus. By proper diagnosis of syndromes based on many symptoms/manifestations, a herbal formula can be custom-tailored for treatment.

Over-The-Counter Prescriptions:
Another section of the article, section 5.4.2, focuses on the application of OTCs (Over-The-Counter) according to various syndromes. There are six categories of the OTCs, in the forms of pills, boluses, oral solutions, powders and injections. The categories are: 1)解表清热(Jie Biao Qing Re, Exterior-relieving and heat-clearing, 3 OTCs suggested); 2)清热解毒(Qing Re Jie Du, Heat-clearing and toxins-clearing, 4 OTCs suggested); 3)清热开窍化瘀(Qing Re Kai Qiao Hua Yu, Heat-clearing, resuscitation and clearing blood stasis, 6 OTCs suggested); 4)清热祛湿(Qing Re Qu Shi, Heat-clearing and dampness-removing, 2 OTCs suggested); 5)止咳化痰平喘(Zhi Ke Hua Tan Ping Chuan, Cough-arresting, phlegm-resolving and asthma-relieving, 4 OTCs suggested); 6)益气固脱(Yi Qi Gu Tuo, Qi-supplementing and exhaustion-astringing, 3 OTCs suggested). They can be convenient in prevention as well as treatments at various stages. I do not translate nor elaborate on them because these OTCs are not normally available outside China.

Notes:
1) The modifications to the suggested formulae must be based on differentiation of syndromes, i.e. taking into accounts the properties, flavours and channel tropism of the herbs.
2) Directions: All the ingredients are to be decocted in water for oral dose. Modern form of herbal preparation includes fine powder extracted from individual herbs; without the need for inconvenient decoction.
3) Capitalization of the first letter of internal organs in this writing refers to the channels/systems/organs; not just the physical organs alone.

References and more information:
1) Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China: www.moh.gov.cn
2) 人禽流感诊疗方案(2005版修订版); issued on November 23rd, 2005, by the Ministry of Health, People’s Republic of China
3) World Health Organization, WHO’s perspectives: Avian Influenza: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
4) The Potential Avian Flu Epidemic, By Jake Paul Fratkin; Acupuncture Today, April, 2006, Vol. 07, Issue 04
5) Bird Flu and Chinese Medicine, By Bob Flaws, Acupuncture Today, October, 2006, Vol. 07, Issue 10

Abstracted, translated, compiled and analyzed by John Lew.

SARS 2003 in China

In 2003 SARS spread widely; there were 5,200 cases of SARS in China, whereas the death toll was only 7%, the lowest in the world. Principal of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Beijing, Prof. Cao Hong-Xin (HongXin) said during an interview that: “The low death toll of 7% is related to application of traditional Chinese medicine in China in treatment of SARS. The later patients at Beijing Xiao Tang Shan SARS hospital all got well mostly because of the use of Chinese medicine.”

He said everyone realized that antibiotics were not effective at that time. The so-called “supportive treatment” of Chinese medicine played an important role in enhancing body immune system, ability to fight virus, stabilizing situations and in preventing cases from deteriorating. According to Prof. Cao, China has a long history of conquering acute viral epidemics, contagious epidemics for 5 thousand years. SARS definitely was not the first.

In the history of human beings there have been thousands cases of contagious epidemics. Death tolls of Europe Black Plaque went up to tens of millions. But in China, none of those epidemics caused more than 5 million lives. One of the reasons was due to the fact that Chinese medicine was able to come in with “supportive treatment” even before the cause of the disease was known.

The major symptoms of SARS are fever, cough and muscle pains. By taking pulse and reading the tongue TCM doctors are able to write down the prescriptions and stop the virus from spreading. This unique characteristic of Chinese medicine is most suitable for eruption of acute diseases. Western medicine has to locate the pathogen first before prescribing medicine; without known pathogens, no drugs can be used. This happened when SARS first broke out where western medicine doctors didn’t know the cause and therefore was clueless to help.

During the treatment of SARS with western medicine, there were side effects of osteonecrosis，osteoarthropathy，steroid-related diseases, DM and etc. With application of Chinese medicine in SARS, it’s recognized by WHO (Who Health Organization) as a safe way.

Prof. Cao has been attracted to “miraculous” TCM since young and decided to pursue the studies when he grew up. Since the age of 14 years old, he’s taken the initiative to read TCM books. After graduation from high school at 18, he went to Heilongjiang College of TCM. He was a gifted child as he got his Ph. D. as a relatively young age. At the age of 37, in 1995, he became the vice principal of Heilongjiang College of TCM, the youngest ever. In 1999, at the age of 41, he became the headmaster of Heilongjiang University of TCM, the youngest ever. When he was transferred to Beijing to be the principal of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Beijing, he was the youngest principal in 50 years. He specialized in liver diseases in his Master program and kidney diseases in his Ph. D. program. After Ph. D., he worked on stomach diseases.

According to Prof. Cao, there are 4 major categories of diseases affecting human beings, and TCM is effective in all these diseases. They are: 1) Cardiac diseases (Stroke, heart diseases), 2) Tumors (Various cancers), 3) Viral diseases (SARS, AIDS, and Hepatitis), 4) Metabolistic Immune diseases (DM) and etc. These diseases are related closely to stress, diet, working environment and so on. Besides these diseases that can cause pain, there are other diseases such as insomnia, depression, aggregation which can also be treated effectively with Chinese medicine.

Prof. Cao said: “70% of the people are not healthy these days. They’re just sub-healthy. In order for people to be really healthy, in TCM, we call it “treating diseases before they happen”. Prevention is better than cure. There are many methods such as Qigong, TaiJi, dietary plan, Tuina, Emotional therapy and many others (like yoga).

Glossary: SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Beijing Xiao Tang Shan SARS hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Beijing, Prof. Cao Hong-Xin (HongXin).