The Covid-19 virus is classified in TCM as a “warm/febrile, damp
disease” - a kind of “hot toxin” that quickly enters the lungs. It lodges
there, creating a condition of Fire that disrupts the moistening and descending
function of the Lung Qi, immediately leading to disruption of breathing,
thickening of sputum, and in worse cases, irreversible damage to the tissue of
the lungs and death. It also disrupts the aspect of the Qi that forms and
refines the combination of breath and blood, and its circulation throughout the
body’s system, a crucial function of both Lung Qi and Heart Qi.
What that means for us is that first, and foremost, we need to strengthen our defenses. Secondly, we should avoid anything that internally overheats our body’s organs through inappropriate or excessive eating or drinking, or anything that inhibits the lungs and digestion through lack of circulation of the Qi and blood - such as sitting too much, over concentrating, obsessive thinking or anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness. All of these can create an internal environment in the lungs and digestion that will burden your immune system, making you vulnerable to contagion, and making things worse if you have already been exposed to the virus. As we know, in the worst case scenario, this virus can turn your lungs to glue in a very short time.
Things you
can positively do for yourself
First, the best prevention to protect ourselves, our community, our elders and vulnerable fellow citizens is for everyone to stay at home. Do regular, daily exercising in your home. It is vitally important with this virus to stimulate the body’s immune system, activate the digestion, and strengthen the lungs and breathing. Ideally this should include regular qigong and tai chi practice, at least 20 minutes, twice per day. But also, all exercise that is coordinated with the breathing is good - yoga, even dancing, singing!
The important food medicines from a TCM point of view are:Barley water - drink half a cup, 3 x per day. That helps to drain phlegm and cools and clears the digestion. To prepare, simply cook 1 cup barley in 10 cups water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes. Strain and drink the liquid. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. (The leftover barley grain can be used in salads, or in soups, or other cooked dishes.)
Drink at least 2 liters water per day. This is crucial, and it means just plain water. This will help to moderate any disruption of the defenses of the Lung Qi.
Additionally, these teas are especially helpful if you can easily and safely get them (order online). The best is Chrysanthemum tea, 1 cup morning and evening. If this is not available to you, then other teas that are especially good at this time include peppermint, nettle, Käsepappel, hibiscus. All help the lungs to kick out any pathogen in it’s early stages.
Eat bland things for breakfast, like plain oatmeal or rice soup (congee). In general, eat little meat, more green vegetables, beans, whole grains (rice, buckwheat, oats, bulgur, barley, etc). All of these regulate and activate the digestion.If possible, have tofu, and/or soya milk a few times per week. Soya beans have antibacterial properties in TCM, as it cools Damp Heat.
Radishes! These support the lungs to Clear Phlegm and Cool Heat. Turnips are also effective.
Cabbage - any kind, cooked, raw, as a juice, as Sauerkraut.
Things to
avoid
The main things to avoid are:
Any type of alcohol, heavy fatty foods, very spicy foods or chili, cheese, milk products, butter, too many sweets, biscuits, etc, and over-eating.
Irregular eating or inappropriate eating (skipping breakfast, eating late, having sweets instead of a meal).
Sitting too much! Activate the Qi, the breath and the body every morning, every evening, and throughout the day.
Obsessive thinking or behaviour, concentrating too much, allowing the emotions to disrupt internal harmony on all levels.
JIAYOU! 加油！We can do this!
With much love and best wishes to you all, Kerry
