Is acupuncture effective in healing influenza ⁉️

caulocare
Feb 16
3 min read

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment for Influenza

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches influenza by balancing Qi (vital energy), expelling pathogens, and strengthening the body's Wei Qi (defensive energy) to fight off infections. Treatment is based on syndrome differentiation and includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

1. TCM Syndrome Differentiation & Treatment

TCM classifies influenza into different patterns based on symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the syndrome type:

① Wind-Heat Invasion (Common in Early Stages)

Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, cough with yellow phlegm, headache, dry mouth, sweating, red tongue with a thin yellow coating, and rapid pulse. Treatment Principle: Expel Wind, clear Heat, and detoxify. Herbal Prescription:

🌱Yin Qiao San (银翘散) – A classic formula to clear heat and remove toxins.

Ingredients: Honeysuckle (金银花), Forsythia (连翘), Mint (薄荷), Lophatherum (淡竹叶), Licorice (甘草).

② Wind-Cold Invasion

Symptoms: Chills, mild fever, headache, body aches, cough with clear mucus, stuffy nose, no sweating, white tongue coating, and a tight, floating pulse. Treatment Principle: Release exterior, disperse Cold, and restore Yang. Herbal Prescription:

🌱Ma Huang Tang (麻黄汤) – Used to warm the body and expel Cold.

Ingredients: Ephedra (麻黄), Cinnamon twig (桂枝), Apricot kernel (杏仁), Licorice (甘草).

Ginger Tea – Fresh ginger with brown sugar and green onions helps release exterior Cold.

③ Damp-Heat Accumulation (Severe Flu with Digestive Symptoms)

Symptoms: High fever, nausea, diarrhea, heavy limbs, bloating, yellow greasy tongue coating, and slippery rapid pulse. Treatment Principle: Clear Heat, drain Dampness, and detoxify. Herbal Prescription:

🌱Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (藿香正气散) – Resolves Dampness and releases exterior pathogens.

Ingredients: Patchouli (藿香), Atractylodes (白术), Tangerine Peel (陈皮), Poria (茯苓).

④ Qi & Yin Deficiency (Prolonged Flu or Recovery Stage)

Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, dry mouth, night sweats, pale complexion, shortness of breath, weak pulse. Treatment Principle: Tonify Qi, nourish Yin, and restore strength. Herbal Prescription:

🌱Sheng Mai San (生脉散) – Restores energy and nourishes fluids.

Ingredients: Ginseng (人参), Ophiopogon (麦冬), Schisandra (五味子).

🌱Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤) – Strengthens Qi and immunity.

Ingredients: Ginseng (人参), Atractylodes (白术), Poria (茯苓), Licorice (甘草).

2. Acupuncture for Influenza

Acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, relieve symptoms, and promote recovery. Key acupuncture points include:

👉 LI4 (Hegu, 合谷) – Expels pathogens and boosts immunity.

👉 LU7 (Lieque, 列缺) – Relieves cough and nasal congestion.

👉 DU14 (Dazhui, 大椎) – Clears Heat and strengthens the immune system.

👉 ST36 (Zusanli, 足三里) – Tonifies Qi and improves overall resistance.

3. Dietary Therapy for Flu Recovery

👉 Drink Warm Herbal Teas: Ginger, honeysuckle, or mint tea.

👉 Eat Light, Easily Digestible Foods: Porridge (congee), soups, and steamed vegetables.

👉 Avoid Cold & Greasy Foods: Ice-cold drinks, raw foods, and fried foods worsen symptoms.

4. TCM Lifestyle Adjustments

👉 Rest & Stay Warm: Avoid exposure to cold air and overexertion.

👉 Hydration & Herbal Drinks: Warm lemon water, honey tea, and herbal soups.

👉 Aromatherapy: Use eucalyptus, mint, or ginger essential oils for nasal congestion relief.

TCM provides a holistic approach to treating influenza by removing pathogens, strengthening the immune system, and restoring balance. Combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes can effectively manage flu symptoms and speed up recovery.

This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.

Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.

A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.

Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, New York

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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM

Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine

Caulo Care Acupuncture

Caulo Care Acupuncture🔖 By appointment only

📧 bookingcaulocare@gmail.com

☎️+1 (929) 269-4549

📍 75th Forest Hills, New York