The latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has launched a powerful attack, and its high infectivity has caught people off guard. Drawing on the successful experience of collaborative efforts between Chinese and Western medicine in fighting the epidemic, Dr. Zhang Yong, known as the "celebrity imperial physician," frankly stated that in addition to vaccination, the key to adapting to the challenge of the cunning and ever-changing new COVID variant is to strengthen the spleen and stomach digestive system to further enhance the body's immunity.
The Source of Qi and Blood Production
Although it is said that Omicron's lethality is relatively low and booster shots can enhance the body's protection, its strong transmission rate should still not be underestimated. In addition to vaccination, what strategies are there to combat the Omicron attack, based on the recognized TCM theory of strengthening the body and resisting epidemics? Dr. Zhang Yong, founder of Shang Yi Tang, believes that people can start by focusing on the spleen and stomach to fight against viral variants. Dr. Zhang explained: "The spleen and stomach are the 'foundation of acquired constitution' (后天之本). The spleen and stomach in Traditional Chinese Medicine refer to the entire digestive system, and their main function is to convert ingested food into nutrients. As the saying goes, 'the stomach receives and holds, the spleen transports and transforms.' Since the spleen and stomach are responsible for digestion, absorption, and transportation of nutrients, they are considered the 'source of qi and blood production' (气血生化之源) and play an irreplaceable role in maintaining normal bodily functions. Therefore, if one wants to improve their constitution to resist viruses, they should start with the spleen and stomach."
Enhance one's own 'Zhengqi' (Upright Qi)
Coincidentally, a recent research report published by the Chinese University of Hong Kong on the balance of intestinal microbiota pointed out that if the human intestinal tract lacks a probiotic called Bifidobacterium adolescentis, the number of antibodies after vaccination may not reach the expected level. This aligns perfectly with the functions of the spleen and stomach in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Zhang frankly stated: "Traditional Chinese Medicine theory has discussed this for thousands of years. 'The spleen governs transportation and transformation, ascension of the clear, and blood' (脾主運化、主升清、主統血). The spleen and stomach are involved in the functioning of multiple systems, including digestion, nerves, metabolism, and immunity. The function of the spleen and stomach can affect the flow of Zhengqi (Upright Qi) between organs and is key to maintaining good immune function. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that when the body's resistance is low, it is easy for external evils to invade and induce various diseases. However, if the spleen and stomach function robustly, the source of qi and blood production will be sufficient, and one's own Zhengqi will be abundant, thus enabling resistance against external evil invasions. Clinical therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as internal oral Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Tui Na (massage), are all methods to improve Zhengqi."
Targeting variants: Enhanced dietary therapy for children, adults, and seniors
Dr. Zhang Yong particularly recommends "enhanced" dietary therapies for people of different ages. He suggests combining them with acupressure that boosts immunity to further enhance immune function. He also encourages everyone to get vaccinated to fight the epidemic. For those planning to get a booster shot, it is important to rest more, avoid smoking, alcohol, and irritating foods. If necessary, Chinese medicine or acupuncture can be used to help regulate the body's condition first.
Children - Yam, Lotus Seed, and Gorgon Fruit Congee
Ingredients: 15g Chinese yam, 10g gorgon fruit, 10g lotus seeds, appropriate amount of rice.
Preparation: Wash all ingredients and place them in a pot with an appropriate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Season to taste. This helps to strengthen the spleen and qi, and increase resistance.
Adults - Qi-Boosting and Fluid-Generating Tea
Ingredients: 3g American ginseng, 3g Huo Shan Shi Hu (Dendrobium officinale), 3g longan pulp, 3g goji berries.
Preparation: Steep all ingredients in an appropriate amount of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink once daily to benefit qi and generate fluids.
Elderly - Qi-Boosting and Lipid-Lowering Soup
Ingredients: 5 qian (approx. 18.75g) white-backed wood ear, 5 qian white hyacinth bean, 5 qian codonopsis, 5 qian raw coix seed, 1 qian goji berries, 3 qian hawthorn, 3 qian stir-fried malt, 3 qian stir-fried sprouted barley, 1 red date, 3 qian longan pulp.
Preparation: Wash all ingredients, bring to a boil with an appropriate amount of water over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for two hours. Season to taste. This has the effect of strengthening the spleen and qi, eliminating stagnation, and lowering lipids.
Note: Consult a doctor before consumption.
Acupressure Boosts Resistance
Zusanli (ST36): On the anterolateral side of the lower leg, three cun below Dubi (ST35, the eye of the knee), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
Efficacy: Regulates the spleen and stomach, harmonizes the intestines and resolves stagnation, clears heat and transforms dampness, supports the upright qi and nourishes the primal essence.
Sanyinjiao (SP6): On the medial side of the leg, 3 cun above the medial malleolus, in the depression posterior to the medial border of the tibia.
Efficacy: Tonifies the spleen and aids in transportation and transformation, clears qi stagnation and unblocks the lower jiao, regulates the chamber of blood and essence, dispels wind-dampness.
Quchi (LI11): At the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize (LU5) and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Efficacy: Dispels pathogenic heat, expels wind-dampness, regulates qi and blood.
Hegu (LI4): On the back of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the 2nd metacarpal bone.
Efficacy: Disperses wind pathogens, clears lung qi, harmonizes the stomach and unblocks the intestines.
Fengchi (GB20): In the depression between the outer border of the trapezius muscle and the posterior border of the upper end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Efficacy: Dispels wind, releases the exterior, clears the head and eyes, benefits the five sense organs and seven orifices.
Note: Press each acupoint once daily, until a slight feeling of soreness and distension is felt.
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