In this update, we have some good news and some not so good news. First the not so good news.
This is a frightening prospect - after patients are presumed to be cleared, the virus can still be active in their body. Research has shown that 50% of treated patients still have active virus active up to eight days after their symptoms disappear. This, in turn, allows them to remain infectious, even after symptomatic recovery.
How does this happen? Researchers suspect that the medications used to treat the virus are not treating the entire organ systems of the affected patients, allowing the virus to migrate to other regions of the body. From a western medical pathophysiological perspective migration of the virus can be through various cellular methods allowing the virus to be transported through the cell membrane and then replicating itself. Within the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) model, there are energetic pathways connecting various regions of the body and various organs to each other. These pathways are similar to a superhighway allowing information and chemicals to be transported throughout the body.
So what's happening here? Many of the drugs used in treating COVID-19 focus on the respiratory system and neglect the other organs that have energetic connections to the other organ systems in the body.
For instance, in the case of the lungs, TCM recognizes several organ system connections. In TCM one model recognizes what is known as the Interior/Exterior organ relationships. One of these relationships is known as the Taiyin-Yangming relationship. Taiyin and Yangming are two of the six energetic levels in the body. They encompass not only specific external and internal pathways but also specific organs. Taiyin relates to the Lung, Spleen, and Pancreas. Yangming relates to the Stomach and Large Intestine.
Let's review what the medical community is witnessing as far as the major symptoms: loss of sense of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia), fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. 23% of patients will first experience digestive symptoms, 43% will present with only respiratory symptoms, 33% will have both respiratory and digestive symptoms.
Anosmia
Generally speaking, anosmia in TCM represents an imbalance with the lungs, since one of the functions of the lungs is the ability to discern the Five Odors.
Ageusia
Ageusia, or loss of the sense of taste, generally, is considered as an imbalance in the spleen and stomach. What's interesting about this symptom is that both of these organs are related to the Taiyin-Yangming relationship.
Fever
Fever is not the best factor for qualifying someone with COVID-19. When taking the temporal or forehead temperature the digital thermometer is simply reflecting the temperature of those regions as related to the energetic pathways in those regions. Classically, we've been told 98.6F is the normal body temperature. However, the range for normal body temperature is 97.6 - 99.6℉. The range for fever is at least 100.4℉. A very high fever is one above 105.8℉. Fevers can represent any inflammatory condition whether its an infection or not. So just remember that fever is just one sign of an imbalance in the body. On a side note, I check my temperature every day and it is often in the range from 96.7 - 97.6℉ and rarely registers above 98℉.
Cough, Shortness of Breath
Cough and shortness of breath, though generated from the lungs, has a more complicated pathology. In the Taiyin-Yangming relationship imbalances in the large intestine, spleen/pancreas, and stomach can all create coughs, in addition to an imbalance in the lungs, such as an upper respiratory infection from COVID-19. In addition to the Interior/Exterior energetic relationship, another relationship to consider relates to the regions of the energetic pathways as they correspond to how they are categorized from their Yin or Yang nature and whether they are an upper or lower body pathway. One of these is the Taiyin-Taiyang relationship. As was mentioned earlier, Taiyin represents the energetic pathways of the Lungs, Spleen and Pancreas. The Taiyang level represents the Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine. When assessing the temperature on the forehead one of the pathways in this area relates to the Taiyang energetic level. This is an example of how lower body inflammation or infections can be reflected in the upper body. In this scenario inflammation or congestion in the Bladder or Small Intestine can be transferred to the Lung leading to a cough or shortness of breath.
Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness is one of the most common conditions that is seen with a number of diseases and disorders. I am constantly cautioning patients to not self medicate with over-the-counter herbs and food supplements when it comes to fatigue. Why? Because fatigue, like any condition, has a number of root causes. Of all the organs in the body, according to TCM, the Lung and Spleen/Pancreas are the only two organs that produce all the energy that is needed by our body to function properly. The Lungs do this through proper breathing while engaged in exercise. The Spleen/Pancreas produces energy from the digestion of healthy food sources. If because of improper lifestyle choices, either one of these organs is negatively affected, then the result will be fatigue. Both the Lung and Spleen/Pancreas are located in the Taiyin level of the body. Weakness in the Taiyin level will cause fatigue, but inflammation in the pathways and organs related to the Taiyin organs will cause fatigue, as well. Namely, the Small and Large Intestines, and Stomach. This is why digestive wreckage can affect the Lungs. This is why eating a clean healthy diet benefits a person's energy and Lungs.
There is another energetic relationship in the TCM model responsible for lung conditions. It's called Taiyin-Jueyin. In this model, the Lungs have an energetic relationship with the Liver. This is important because, from the TCM perspective, the Liver has several functions that play a role in promoting the health of all the organs. Typical symptoms of disharmony in the Jueyin level are vertex headaches, hypertension, spasms, tremors, migraines, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, irritability, eye or vision problems, insomnia, palpitations, emotional disturbances, stress, and epigastric or abdominal pain.
Body aches, Runny nose
Body aches and runny nose are very common with what TCM recognizes as an Exterior Invasion of Pathogenic Factors. Typical disorders that include body aches: common cold, influenza, bronchitis, asthma and allergies.
Diarrhea, frequent bowel movements
As was mentioned earlier, the Large Intestine is an aspect of the Yangming level of TCM and is the Interior/Exterior organ relationship with the Lungs. Diarrhea, frequent bowel movements or loose stools indicate an imbalance in the Large Intestine as the result of a pathogenic problem that will begin to affect other organs, in this case, the Lungs.
Now for some really good news. Meridian Harmonics is receiving numerous requests for anti-viral herbal remedies to boost immune function and combat viral and bacterial infections. These herbs have systemic actions. These means they can treat the whole body, not just one organ, disease or symptom. Due to the complexity of the herb’s organic structures, viruses and bacteria are not able to mutate against them as easily as they can with pharmaceuticals.
For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used in treating bacterial and viral infections. TCM herbal remedies are used to combat the flu and even more recent viral epidemics. Chinese herbal decoctions can be integrated with western modalities and even in conjunction with pharmaceuticals. If you have a question on how to do this safely, contact us at
info@mhaom.com or leave us a message at 817-835-0885.
TCM herbs can be tailored to each person’s conditions whether dealing with a cold, ear infection or respiratory virus, shortening the duration of sickness and decreases the severity of symptoms. We recommend taking a maintenance daily dose to boost the immune system prior to the presenting of symptoms. If you have questions regarding these formulations and if they can benefit you, we can be reached at
info@mhaom.com or leave us a message at 817-835-0885.
In-Office Procedures
Due to the recent social distancing requirement, we will continue to suspend all acupuncture, yoga therapy, and integrated positional therapy treatments until April 30.
We apologize for this inconvenience as we would prefer to serve our patients, personally. We will, also, be posting regular updates on our Facebook page, so please Like and check it regularly for news of any changes:
Meridian Harmonics
Our office hours are changing until we're allowed to resume normal operations and interactions with patients and clients. Until further notice, our hours will be: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
We're doing all we can to help our local community weather the current storm we're facing.
If you need an herbal consult, please contact us by leaving a message at 817-835-0885, or by email:
info@mhaom.com We will be happy to call you and do a consultation by phone, fill your herbal prescription and have them ready for you to pick up or we can ship them to you.
Thank you for your understanding.
D. Mark Tryling, LAc., D. AC, CH (NCCAOM)
Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)
Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2044 Bedford Rd.
Bedford, TX 76021
817-835-0885
www.mhaom.com
Michelle Tryling, 500-RYT, Yoga Therapy; Integrated Positional Therapist
www.yoga-harmonics.com
If you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms listed contact your primary care doctor or your nearest ER.
