Effects of comprehensive therapy of traditional Chinese medicine on pneumonia caused by influenza

Bing-Sheng Yuan

1Chief TCM Physician,Dr.Yuan Herbs &Acupuncture (TCM Clinic),331,England,DN4 6TR,United Kingdom.

Abstract

Key words: Pneumonia,Influenza,Acupuncture

Background

Influenza is often complicated by bacterial pathogens that invade the lung epithelium especially in the elderly.Considerable alterations in epithelial surfaces and aberrant immune responses should be responsible for bacterial acquisition and severe pneumonia following influenza [1].Application of antibiotics is still the main stream in the antibacterial therapy of modern medicinal field.However,the clinical curative effect is unsatisfactory due to the occurrence of tolerance and side effects.

The usage of acupuncture in the treatment of cough and asthma was rooted in the book ofNeijing (B.C.475～221)[2].Zhenjiujiayijing(215-282,A.D.) also recorded that needling points at lung meridian was used as the guideline in the treatment of cough [3].Some studies have provided evidence that there may be some beneficial effects of acupuncture in the treatment of respiratory symptoms,such as bronchospasm,breathlessness and hyperventilation,indicating the possible introduction of acupuncture as a part of comprehensive treatment modality for respiratory diseases [4-7].There is also emerging evidences that acupuncture has been used to treat inflammation related conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory effects [8].

Cupping therapy is always used in combination with acupuncture treatment.The earliest record of cupping was shown in52 Bingfang,an ancient bookunearthed from Mawangdui tomb (B.C.202～220,Han Dynasty) in China.Since 1950,cupping therapy has been applied as a formal modality in hospitals throughout China and elsewhere in the world.Systematic literature review containing a large number of randomized controlled trials has shown the potential benefit of cupping therapy on cough,dyspnea and asthma[9-10].

Here we present a patient who suffered from pneumonia following influenza and showed a complete clinical response after comprehensive therapy consisting of acupuncture,sliding cup and Chinese herb.

Case report

On 13 April,2015,a-62-year-old male complained of cough,dyspnea accompanied by severe pain throughout the body,aversion to cold and high fever.He suffered from nasal discharge and cough with sputum one week ago.X-ray chest showed a focus of infection in lung.Routine blood test showed increased number of leucocyte.He was prescribed the therapy of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but not relieved.

Course of treatment

Acupuncture: the patient was taken the supine position and received the acupuncture at the points at Zhaohai (KI 6),Lieque (LU 7),Chize (LU 5),Zhongwan (CV 12),Qihai (CV 6),Zusanli (ST 36),Yinxi (HT 6),Fuliu (KI 7),Neiguan (PC 6) and Yuji (LU10).30 minutes later,the needles were withdrawn and the patient was required to taken the prone position.Then acupuncture was applied at the points at Fengchi (GB 20),Fengmen (BL 12),Dazhui (GV 14),Shenzhu (GV 12),Feishu (BL 13),Jueyinshu (BL 14) and Geshu (BL 17).30 minutes later,all the needles were taken out.

Slide cupping: after the acupuncture,the doctors coated vaseline in operation part on either side of spinal column,attached the flash-flame cupping on the proposed operation part,and moved the cup to and fro along the bladder meridian of foot-Taiyangon the back until the skin became reddish and congested.

Herbal formulas: the patient was also given Xiaochaihu Soup and Guizhi plus Houpuxingzi Soup: Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) 6g,Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae) 6g,Fabanxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparatum) 6g,Dangshen (Radix Codonopsis) 6g,Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 6g,Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 6g,Zhigancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparatae) 3g,Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis) 4g,Dazao (Fructus Jujubae)6g,Shegan (Rhizoma Belamcandae) 6g,Xingren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) 4g,Houpu (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) 4g.The patient was required to take 3 times daily and totally take 6 days,as well as required to avoid old and raw food,seafood,smoked meat and roasted ducketc.

After treatment,the patient’s breathing was smoothly,severe pain throughout the body was relieved as well as high fever and aversion to cold was eliminated.

Discussion

Zhaohai (KI 6),Lieque (LU 7),Chize (LU 5),Jueyinshu (BL 14) and Geshu (BL 17) have the potential to relieve cough and dyspnea [11].Fuliu (KI 7) could strengthen the function of Chize (LU 5) to relieve cough.Yuji (LU10),Fengchi (GB 20),Fengmen (BL 12),Dazhui (GV 14),Shenzhu (GV 12) and Feishu (BL 13) are involved in relieving aversion to cold,high fever and severe pain.Zhongwan (CV 12),Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) could strengthen immune function [12].Yinxi (HT 6),and Neiguan (PC 6) are involved in calming down [13].

The lung channel is closely related to bladder channel.Sliding cupping on the area of bladder channel helps to relieving aversion to cold,high fever and severe pain.

Besides,as shown in the record ofShanghanlun(205 A.D.),Xiaochaihu Soup is suitable for relieveing cough and Guizhi combined with Houpuxingzi Soup should be of value in treating high fever,aversion to cold as well as cough and asthma [14].

In summary,due to the favorable therapeutic effects,acupuncture and sliding cup deserve further popularization and application,which may act as part of comprehensive treatment modality for respiratory diseases.