COVID-19 is no longer the global crisis it used to be, but it's still present and remains a health concern. While vaccines and hygiene practices are important, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a practical approach to strengthening your body's natural defences.
From herbal formulas to simple daily practices like acupressure and food therapy, TCM focuses on building your immunity from within. This way, you're always ready to fight off COVID when it comes.
How TCM views COVID-19
TCM categorises COVID-19 as an “epidemic disease” caused by pathogenic factors, including heat, cold-damp, toxins, and stagnation.
Among these, “dampness” is the main culprit. More specifically, COVID-19 is considered to be caused by “exogenous dampness turbidity”. This pathogen is highly infectious and can easily spread via droplets and enter your body through your mouth and nose.
How to strengthen your body’s defense system
In TCM, when you get sick, it's because pathogens have invaded your body due to a deficiency of healthy Qi (vital energy). By supporting your Lung and Spleen, you can strengthen this vital energy and improve your immune system.
Supporting your Spleen
According to TCM, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is mainly characterised by “dampness”, and your Spleen is responsible for clearing this dampness. That’s why supporting it is important for COVID prevention.
TCM usually uses aromatic herbs to invigorate the Spleen and support its function. These include:
Huo Xiang (藿香)
Bai Zhi (白芷)
Cang Zhu (苍术)
Pei Lan (佩兰 )
Supporting your Lung
Along with the Spleen, your Lung plays an important role. TCM believes that your Lung is not only responsible for breathing, but it also dominates the Qi of your entire body.
When your Lung function is compromised, TCM uses a mixture of herbs to help your Lung release the invading pathogens. The combination includes:
Ma Huang (麻黄)
Gui Zhi (桂枝)
Huang Qi (黄芪)
Jin Yin Hua (金银花)
Xin Ren (杏仁)
These herbs are commonly used in TCM formulations, but you should always consult your TCM physician before taking any herbal remedies. They can assess your constitution and create a formula for your specific needs.
If you need help choosing the right herbs to boost your immune system, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.
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Daily TCM practices to boost immunity
Using herbal formulas is important, but it's even more effective if you combine them with healthy daily practices. TCM recommends several techniques you can incorporate into your routine to boost your immunity.
Acupressure points
Acupressure is an accessible way to support your immune system right at home. By stimulating specific points in your body, you can activate Yang energy, dispel cold dampness, and improve your overall immunity.
Here is a simple guideline for you to follow:
When to press:
Daily for about 5 minutes.
How to press:
Use your fingers to press the acupuncture points firmly with moderate pressure. You may feel a sore and dull sensation in the area.
Key points to focus on:
Doing moxibustion on Shen Que (belly button) (神阙) or pressing acupressure points such as Guan Yuan (关元), Qi Hai (气海), and Zu San Li (足三里).
TCM food therapy
Simple changes to your diet can make a difference in your immune health. Here’s what TCM suggests:
Avoid cold raw food and eat warm cooked food:
This will ensure your digestive fire is strong, allowing you to better digest and absorb nutrients.
Avoid foods that are sugar-rich, processed, and greasy:
Too many of these can create dampness and hinder your Spleen function. It can also negatively affect your gut microbiome, which may lead to chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Maintain a balanced diet:
Focus on vegetables, fruits, probiotic foods, healthy fats, and lean protein. It’s also important to drink an adequate amount of warm water throughout the day.
Healthy lifestyle
Together with a healthy diet, your daily habits and lifestyle choices play an important role in keeping your defenses strong.
Practise good hygiene:
Always wear a mask when going out, wash your hands regularly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and open the windows to ventilate the rooms daily.
Schedule your day:
Avoid both overwork and idleness. Instead, plan ahead and arrange a reasonable balance of work and rest.
Move your body:
Do some light stretches and practise 3 to 5 minutes of simple TCM exercises, such as Tai Ji Quan or Ba Duan Jin, to activate Qi and blood movement.
This helps to relax your sinews, strengthen your bones, and increase your joint flexibility. Practising it regularly can also help relieve physical and mental fatigue, as well as boost your immunity.
Get enough rest:
Your body resets and repairs during sleep. A good sleep will not only help restore your physical strength but also boost your healthy Qi to enhance immunity.
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, and try to go to bed before 11 pm.
Take time to relax:
If you feel more anxious and depressed when cooped up at home for a long time, these floral teas can offer gentle support to help you relax:
Three Flower Tea: A blend of rose, jasmine, chrysanthemum, and sang ye can help to regulate the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, clear heat, and tranquilise your mind.
Lavender Tea: Made with lavender and Yu Xing Cao, this tea helps to clear your Lung, detoxify, and calm your mind.
These practices work best when you include them in your daily routine. This helps create a strong foundation for your body's natural defenses against illness.
If you’re looking for herbal formulas to boost your immune system, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our TCM physician can create a personalised formula and care plan for your constitution.
FAQ
What is the natural medicine for COVID-19?
TCM combines different approaches, including herbal formulas, acupressure, food therapy, and lifestyle practices. Aromatic herbs like Huo Xiang and Cang Zhu can help clear dampness, while herbs such as Huang Qi and Jin Yin Hua support your lung function.
However, it's important to understand that TCM focuses on supporting your body's immune system and overall health rather than treating COVID-19 as a cure. To make sure the approach is right for your body constitution, consult your TCM physician for personalised advice.
Can children use TCM methods for COVID prevention?
Yes, acupressure, a balanced diet, and gentle movement exercises are generally safe for your child.
However, herbal formulas need to be carefully adjusted for your little one because their body is still developing. The dosages and herb combinations that work for you may be too strong for your child.
To be sure, always check with your TCM physician before giving your child any herbal remedies. They can recommend suitable practices and safe herbal formulations if needed.
Can you take TCM herbs if you're already sick with COVID?
If you're currently sick with COVID-19, you should consult your TCM physician first for proper evaluation and treatment.
Treatment formulas are usually different from preventive ones. They're designed to expel pathogens and support your body's healing. Using the wrong formula could interfere with your recovery.
Do you need to consult a TCM practitioner, or can you do it yourself?
It depends. You can practise acupressure, food therapy guidelines, exercise, sleep habits, and relaxation teas on your own. These are preventive measures that support your overall wellness.
However, when it comes to taking herbal formulas, you should consult your TCM physician first. Herbs are powerful, and the right formula depends on your constitution, health conditions, and medications you might be taking. The physician will assess your specific needs and create a personalised treatment plan that's both safe and effective for you.
Can you combine Western medicine with TCM for COVID?
You can use both Western medicine and TCM approaches for COVID. In fact, they can work together to help you recover faster.
However, they should be taken at least 2 hours apart. Make sure you inform both your doctor and your TCM physician about all treatments you're receiving. Some herbs can interact with medications, so letting them know helps ensure your treatments are safe for you.
Are there any side effects from TCM herbs for immunity?
TCM herbs are generally safe when used properly. However, they are still medicines and can have side effects, especially if you take the wrong dosages. In this case, you might experience digestive upset, allergic reactions, or interactions with prescription medications.
This is why working with your TCM physician is so important. They’ll monitor your response to herbs, adjust formulas as needed, and ensure you're not experiencing any side effects. If you have unusual symptoms after using herbal remedies, reach out to your TCM physician right away.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.
Physician Jun Negoro
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Thomson Chinese Medicine (TCM Paragon Medical Centre) and 1 other
English, Mandarin
Alliance MediNet
