Chinese Medicine perspectives on COVID-19
We are in uncharted waters and we are all wondering how to react. We, at Enso, are turning to the medicine we know well and trust. Medicine that has come from the earth and has supported her people for thousands of years. Now, more than ever, natural and Preventative medicine can be utilized to it’s potential as we strive to take the best care of ourselves and our community.
Chinese Medicine has been closely studied for over 2,000 years treating for epidemic outbreaks. New case studies are following the recent COVID-19 outbreak using herbal medicine and acupuncture in China showing that patient’s symptoms have been successfully and significantly lessened. Thousands of resolved cases have used a combination of Eastern and Western medicine. China has recently sent medical assistance to Iran, Iraq, and Italy to help administer treatments.
Chinese Medicine has a unique approach, different from our Western perspective, that targets specific organs systems, has energetic qualities that counteract symptoms at specific stages of disease, and have synergetic effects when used in adjunct with other herbs and therapies. Ideally, any stage of disharmony is treated individually and is specific to the moment. Everyday is different, in any case.
Something that feels very important to emphasize before going further into details of only one aspect of health, is that Chinese Medicine always looks at the whole. There is an equal emphasis on physical and emotional (and spiritual) health. The belief is that there are 6 external ‘evils’ and 7 internal ‘emotions’ that cause illness. Each one has equal impact on our health.
Fear and Worry are both emotions that injure the body.
Fear is connected to the Kidneys. The Kidneys closely link to our reserves, or our vitality of life-force (in Western words, linked to the adrenals). If Fear takes over, the body looses it’s capacity to endure, have a connection to will-power, and resource. Worry is linked to the Spleen. Worry hastens the body’s ability do the basic functions of digestion, elimination, breathing, and having a clear mind.
Even just reading about the mention of emotions that can injure your wellbeing – notice. What does your body feel like? Do you notice any tension in your body? How’s your breath? Take a breathe. Can you feel the weight of your body being held by the earth, and your feet having a felt sense of contact? Feel into that dependable resource.
Pause.
In witnessing the past week of news, emotion is clearly just as contagious as a virus. It is a delicate line to walk in following the huge amounts of information that have flooded our media, while maintaining our wellbeing.
A beautiful thing about Chinese medicine is that it looks to treat the body in health. What is the opposite of Fear? Bravery. Wisdom. Empowerment. Safety. What is the opposite of Worry? Action. Clarity. Confidence. We can look to these emotions to counteract the negative impacts of the emotional strain and strengthen our body’s capacity towards health. Spending intentional time in emotions that are productive is vital for our health and will counteract viruses just as much as any herb or supplement.
Through the lens of Chinese medicine, the body has a defensive layer of energy called "Wei qi". This layer of energy fields pathogens and protects the inner body from external disease. It is important to fortify your Wei qi and maintain its vitality, pandemic or no pandemic. There are specific Chinese herbs that strengthen Wei qi and support immunity. Chinese herbal medicinals are strong, time tested, and safe. They work with the inherent wisdom of the body to create balance and optimal health.
During the viral phase of COVID-19, just like any flu, symptoms can vary. Most people are experiencing a fever, lung congestion, extreme fatigue, and digestive dysfunction (both constipated and loose bowels have been reported). Imagine any cold or flu you’ve had – it starts with a sore throat or a sniffle, maybe a headache and body-aches – this is the moment that a virus easily spreads, but is also a pivotal moment to eradicate it from our system. When a virus sits in the Wei level of the body, it’s on the surface of our system. Chinese herbs that expel pathogens are specifically targeted to where the symptoms begin. Once pathogens go beyond the Wei level, they are much harder to rid and they go deeper into the system creating levels of sickness that take greater efforts to overcome. There are more aggressive herbal allies for this phase, too, but they are often slower to take hold and disperse symptoms, as the body has often been weakened in the defense phase.
COVID-19 is on all of our minds. There is a lot of fears and unknowns. This is an invitation to take great care of yourself, and your community. This is a pivotal time to strengthen lung function, support immunity, and calm the nervous system. We are all so connected.
Along with taking Chinese herbs, mitigating stress is essential to strengthening immunity. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are your ally in calming the nervous system and nourishing the heart. We are here to support you, now more than ever.
To support our patients during this trying time, we are crafting custom acupuncture and herbal consultation appointments by utilizing the full expanse of our medicine with the blessing modern day technology. We have stocked our pharmacy to include Chinese herbal medicinals that fight the early stages of pathogenic invasion and support emotional wellbeing. We can still work together to strengthen your wellness and be in community thanks to the Zoom platform. Laine and Katie are taking appointments that you can book online, or call the office currently from 9-12 on weekdays. Prior to this treatment, pick up your moxa stick at Enso Natural Medicine. During this treatment, we will check in, formulate a diagnosis to enhance well being - mind, body and soul. We will use moxa to stimulate acupuncture points as well as acupressure to harmonize and strengthen the body. We will teach you how to use a moxa stick safely and effectively. We will offer nutritional, herbal, movement and meditation suggestions to keep you vital and grounded. If you’re fighting any virus, we are offering complimentary delivery to the Bozeman area or can mail your herbs.
In abundant health, prosperity – and peace,
Katie Cook-Bretson, LAc LMT & Laine Gallegos, LAc
References:
Journal of Chinese Medicine | Issue123 | June 2020 – Acupuncture in the Treatment of COVID-19: An Exploratory Study