(Presented by COVID-19 Disease Emergency Response Team
Of American Association of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture on Feb 26, 2020)
1) Keep track of the development of COVID-19 diseases reported by the CDC, and follow the CDC’s protection guidelines for prevention and handling suspect cases.
2) It is recommended that acupuncturists and clinic staff wear protective masks, wash their hands frequently, and wear gloves when in contact with patients.
3) Clean and disinfect the clinic daily and open the windows and doors for 1 hour after work.
4) When patients call to make an appointment, acupuncturists should screen patients on the phone. Screening questions includes recent travel history, flu-like symptoms, any contact with anyone who recently traveled in China, any contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms, etc. Advise patients with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay at home and stay isolated from other family members. Acupuncturists can give patients advice on Chinese herbal remedies after telephone consultation.
5) If the patient has fever, cough, fatigue, diarrhea and other symptoms, advice the patient to contact the family doctor. If the patient has no family doctor, give the patient the phone number of the local public health department. The phone number of California Public Health Department: 916-558-1784.
6) Inform patients clearly that there is no drug proven effective in preventing and treating the Coronavirus Pneumonia and strengthening the body’s immunity can help fight against new virus.
7) Based on information collected through TCM diagnosis technique, acupuncturist can give patients advice on health maintenance measures, such as dietary therapy, exercise and herbal therapy.
8) Provide patients with suggestions of proper diet, good sleep, adequate exercise and good mental to strengthen immunity.
9) Herbal remedies have been recommended by various parts of China for health maintenance.
The following herbal formulas are recommended by the first affiliated hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine :
For those with an even constitution: Huang Qi 30g, Jin Yin Hua 10g, Lu Gen 15g, Lian Qiao 10g, Mai Dong 15g, Fu Ling 15g, Bai Zhu 15g, Dao Ya (germinated rice) 15g, Ju Hua 10g.
For those with a cold and dampness constitution: remove金银花、连翘、菊花Jin Yin Hua , Lian Qiao ,and Ju Hua from the formula above. Add Gan Jiang, Chen Pi, Zi Su Ye, Huo Xiang.
For those with heat & dampness constitution: reduce dosages of Jin Yin Hua , Lian Qiao , and Ju Hua . Add Mu Mian Hua, Long Li Ye.
Preparation: boil the herbs with 5 bowls of water, simmer for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it brew for another 10 minutes. One bag for 2 to 3 people.
The following herbal formulas are recommended by Professor Zhang Zhongde from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine for flu prevention:
For those with a cold damp constitution: Su Ye 10g, Huo Xiang (Aquilegia) 10g, Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) 5g, Xuan Shen 10g, Jie Geng (Eustoma) 10g, Dan Dou Chi 10g .
Preparation: Boil the herbal with 500ml of water, simmer for 30 mins for 200ml of decoction. One dosage/day. 3-5 days /course.
Half dosages of herbs for Children over 3 years old.
For those with a damp heat constitution: Sheng Yi Ren 20g, Xuan Shen 10g, Jie Geng 10g, Sang Ye 5g (mulberry leaf), Lian Qiao 10g .
Preparation: Boil the herbal with 500ml of water, simmer for 30 mins for 200ml of decoction. One dosage/day. 3-5 days /course.
Half dosages of herbs for Children over 3 years old.
The following formula is recommended by Jiangxi Province:
Shen Huang Qi (raw astragalus) 12g, Fang Feng 10g, Bai Zhu 10g, Jin Yin Hua 10g, Lian Qiao 10g, Guan Zhong 6g, Pei Lan 10g, Chen Pi 10g, Cang Zhu 10g , Jie Geng 10g.
The following formula is recommended by Hubei Province
Formula No. 1 for COVID -19 Pneumonia Prevention: Cang Zhu 3g, Jin Yin Hua 5g , Chen Pi 3g, Lu Gen 2g, Sang Ye 2g, and Shen Huang Qi 10g (Brew with boiling water, drink as tea, 7-10 days/course).
Formula No. 2 for COVID -19 Pneumonia Prevention: Shen Huang Qi 10g, Chao Bai Zhu10g, Fang Feng 10g, Guan Zhong 6g, Jin Yin Hua 10g, Pei Lan 10g, Chen Pi 6g (Boil with water for two dosages, twice/day, one bag/day, 7-10 days/course)