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Swine Flu – H1N1: Prevention and Treatment with Chinese Medicine

As children return to school and weather patterns become cooler the likelihood of colds and flus becomes greater. The media and public health agencies warn about the threat of Swine Flu returning with perhaps an even stronger impact.
When the SARS virus first hit a few years back it was through strict precautionary and hygienic measures and Chinese herbal medicine that Asia successfully weathered the crisis.
Chinese Medicine is one of the holistic options proven effective in preventing and treating H1N1.

Prevention begins with the most basic practices of hand washing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying away from public places if you are feeling run down or suspect that you have the flu.

Creating and supporting a healthy immune function can prevent infection if you are exposed.  As individuals, we play the major role in creating our optimum health.  A three step approach of eating well, resting enough, and getting regular exercise are the basics for creating and protecting a healthy immune system.  When these practices are combined with an acupuncture treatment plan and Chinese herbal formulas to protect and support the immune system your commitment to a protective and preventive health plan is well established.

Should you become ill with the flu, during the initial treatment phase, Chinese medicine can help shorten the duration and severity of symptoms.  Acupuncture is most helpful in the very first stages of illness in treating the sore throat, body aches, and digestive discomforts that accompany this virus.  Herbal medicines will support the effects of your acupuncture treatment and will help diminish symptoms and the possibility of complications such as pneumonia.  There are several anti-viral herbal formulas that have been used for centuries to treat flu symptoms.  These formulas and their ingredients are currently being studied in clinical laboratories and have demonstrated both anti-viral and anti-inflammatory action.

One of the unique manifestations of the H1N1 virus is its effect on the digestive system. Even though flu is a respiratory virus, a gastrointestinal response is seen in Chinese medicine as an additional attempt by the body to dispel the virus. In such a case the immune system needs to be supported in order to keep the virus at the surface where it is easier to purge thereby preventing the flu from progressing to something more serious.
There are several herbal formulas that offer a comprehensive attack on the virus and that correlate to different stages or depths to which the virus has reached.

These Chinese herbal formulas are:

Prevention Phase

Yu Ping Feng San – supports immune system
Five Mushroom Formula (Wu Gu Fang) – fortifies immune system against viruses

Initial Exposure

Zhong Gan Ling - expels wind heat, clears heat and toxins
Gan Mao Ling - expels wind, clears heat, expels viruses
Yin Qiao – expels viruses at the external level

*All available through The Lane Center

Recovery Phase

During the recovery phase, acupuncture and herbal medicine will also help you to rebuild your strength and return to normal function. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies provide safe yet powerful anti viral action against this potentially dangerous virus. Please contact us at the Lane Center For Natural Healing with any additional questions you may have regarding acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other healthy living tips to protect your health and well being.

Action Points:

-Wash hands regularly
- Cover mouth when coughing/sneezing
- Eat healthfully
- Get enough rest and exercise
- Use acupuncture and Chinese herbs preventively
- Employ acupuncture and Chinese herbs for a complete recovery should you contract the flu

As with any new or severe illness, it is recommended to visit your primary care physician so that we can all work in conjunction to recover your health.