Differentiate Influenza vs. Cold | Benefits of TCM Treatments for Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza viruses and parainfluenza viruses. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is also referred to as "seasonal disease" or "seasonal flu," falling within the scope of "Study on Warm Disease" References to influenza can be found in various Chinese medical works such as "Treatise on Cold Damage," "Treatise on Pestilence," and "Differential Diagnoses in Warm Diseases." According to traditional Chinese medicine, influenza is often caused by the prevalence of pathogenic factors corresponding to the four seasons and epidemic factors corresponding to specific weather conditions.
The key to Chinese medicine in treating influenza lies in emphasizing early intervention and addressing severe cases. The treatment approach in Chinese medicine is not solely focused on the aetiology or internal factors within the body. Instead, it comprehensively considers the interaction between pathogenic factors and the body's response. Treatment principles and methods are formulated accordingly. For instance, "Typhoid Fever" is attributed to an invasion of cold pathogenic factors damaging the Yang Qi. Therefore, an initial application of warm and pungent methods is followed by later efforts to restore Yang. On the other hand, "Warm Disease" is caused by heat pathogenic factors injuring Yin fluids, requiring an initial use of pungent and cool methods, followed by efforts to rescue Yin in later stages.
Differentiate Influenza vs. Cold | Benefits of TCM Treatments for Influenza
At Kang Won Herbalist, our philosophy, as upheld by Mr. L, is to internally adjust while taking the pulse and listen to the body's signals, enabling us to understand the messages your body is sending us. Through this approach, we not only listen to the body's signals, but we can also assist you in addressing health issues and psychological conditions, providing a more precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for you.
Our traditional Chinese medicine practitioners possess extensive professional knowledge and experience, specializing in complex cases of cough, skin eczema, dizziness, gastric problems, and infertility. They can accurately diagnose patients' symptoms and the root causes of their illnesses, creating personalized traditional Chinese medicine treatment plans. These may include herbal therapies, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and comprehensive adjustments, all designed to alleviate symptoms, promote recovery, and enhance quality of life.
Difference between Influenza and Common Cold
The early symptoms of influenza are similar to those of the common cold, but they are more severe and spread rapidly, leading to seasonal outbreaks. Common colds are often characterized by mild to moderate fever, without chills, headaches, muscle aches, or other systemic manifestations, and the duration of fever is typically only 1-2 days. The main differences in symptoms between Influenza and the common cold are the higher degree and longer duration of fever in influenza. Some patients may also experience fatigue, muscle pain, and other systemic symptoms. In contrast, the common cold primarily presents with respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose and cough.
TCM's Perspective on Treating Influenza
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, prevention and treatment of influenza typically involve regulating the balance of qi, blood, yin, and yang in the body, strengthening the constitution, and enhancing resistance. Here are some common preventive and treatment methods in Chinese medicine:
How TCM Treat Influenza
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, prevention and treatment of influenza typically involve regulating the balance of qi, blood, yin, and yang in the body, strengthening the constitution, and enhancing resistance.
- Traditional Chinese medicine treatment
Chinese medicine often uses herbs with effects such as clearing heat, detoxifying, dispelling wind & cold, promoting blood circulation, and resolving stasis. TCM practitioner may formulate personalized herbal decoctions based on individual symptoms. - Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and blood in the body, enhance immunity, and have a certain effect on relieving cold symptoms. - Moxibustion therapy
Moxibustion is believed to warm meridians, dispel cold, and help restore balance in the body.
Things to take note
- Maintaining good respiratory hygiene habits
Cover the mouth and nose with the upper arm, tissue, or towel when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing and avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is crucial to rest at home and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of respiratory infections occur. - Avoiding blind or inappropriate use of antibacterial drugs
Antibiotics should only be used when there are indications of bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, etc. - Post-illness precautions
Avoid alcohol, refrain from consuming greasy foods, and take measures to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Preventive Measures
- Regulation of daily routines and diet
Maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid excessive fatigue, and consume a balanced and moderate diet. Food should be kept mild, avoiding excessive intake of chilled or hot and spicy foods. Key measures include rest, immune system enhancement, frequent handwashing, and proper ventilation. - Strengthening the constitution
Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes improving resistance by adjusting the constitution, using methods such as medicinal cuisines, moderate exercise, acupuncture, etc. - Avoiding invasion by dampness
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers dampness as an external pathogenic factor contributing to colds. Therefore, it is essential to avoid the influence of cold and high-humidity environments and be mindful of keeping the body dry.
Benefits of TCM Treatments for Influenza
Recent research in the past few years has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for influenza provides the following benefits:
- Faster, more stable, and longer-lasting fever reduction: This is a significant characteristic of TCM treatment for influenza. Ancient formulas such as Honeysuckle & Forsythia Formula (Yinqiao San), Mahuang Shigan soup, Minor Buplereum Decoction (Xiaochaihu Tang), Dayuan drink, and other well-established TCM prescriptions developed by experienced practitioners have shown excellent therapeutic effects. Current evidence is increasingly robust in supporting these treatments. Therefore, TCM has a significant advantage in reducing fever.
- Effective relief of symptoms such as sore throat and general body pain: TCM has proven effective in alleviating symptoms like throat pain and overall body pain. This demonstrates the ability of TCM to address specific symptoms and syndromes. TCM recognizes that throat pain and joint pain may be related to either wind-cold or wind-heat conditions, showcasing the advantages of syndrome-oriented and multi-targeted treatments.
- Reduced occurrence of cough symptoms after the common cold: Early use of traditional Chinese medicine reduces the chances and severity of cough symptoms.
- Effective in treating severe and critical cases: Combined treatment with both traditional Chinese and Western medicine has shown positive outcomes in reducing the use of antibiotics, minimizing the need for ventilators, and decreasing mortality rates.
Recommendations - Kontea Herbal Tea
Kontea provides over 25 herbal teas and unique nourishing soup packs, expertly crafted by traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. These products address both treatment and preventive health, embodying traditional Chinese wellness practices.
Wind Relief Tea
Effects: Eliminating heat, improves the digestive system, and helps with cough and headaches from excessive heat, joint pain and more.
Suitable for:Cold, runny nose, sore and painful joints, fever, and those who are afraid of the cold.
Immunity Booster Tea
Effects: Replenish Qi deficiency, consolidate the deficiency, and enhance the body's immune function.
Suitable for:It’s good for daily consumption, and promotes and enhances a great immune system.
In summary, accurately distinguishing between influenza and the common cold is crucial for effective management. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stands out as a valuable approach, not only excelling in treating influenza but also encompassing unique treatment methods. You are welcome to visit our clinic andplease feel free to consult our TCM Practitioner。
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KONTEA has invented more than 30 types of herbal teas, 20 types of stews and 11 types of pastes that are mixtures of more than 50 types of herbs.
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Graduated from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China, we are licensed Chinese medicine practitioners who provides professional Chinese medicine services. We approach each patient's case from their perspective, attentively listening and analyzing their physical condition.
