While the world has entered the “post-pandemic” era, various COVID-19 variants continue to spread globally. As of July 23, it is estimated that the number of COVID-19 infections has risen in 36 states and territories in the United States.
Jonathan Liu, a professor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at a Canadian public college and the director of Kangmei Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, noted that the new COVID variants KP.2 and KP.3 exhibit particularly strong immune evasion capabilities.
With increased interstate and international travel during the summer, the number of infections is expected to rise rapidly. In an episode of the “Health 1+1” program, Liu discussed how simple acupressure and diet therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 and summer flu while boosting immunity.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that KP.3 is currently the most prevalent variant in the United States, representing 36.9 percent of all COVID-19 cases, followed by KP.2 at 24.4 percent.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Relief Methods
Liu stated that the primary symptoms of COVID-19 typically include a sore throat, a mild fever lasting five to seven days, and a runny nose.
From a TCM perspective, COVID-19 symptoms can be categorized into three types:
- Sore throat, mild fever, chills, and a pale tongue.
- Severe sore throat, a red tip on the tongue, and a runny nose with mucus that gradually changes from clear to yellow or green.
- Red tongue and thickened tongue coating.
Liu recommends consulting a TCM practitioner for acupuncture treatment or performing acupressure on certain acupoints to alleviate the symptoms. According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. The internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through these meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques like acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.
Sore throat and fever: Applying pressure to the Zhaohai, Lieque, and Hegu acupoints to alleviate throat symptoms. Pressing the Lieque and Hegu acupoints also helps reduce fever.
Nasal congestion and runny nose: Apply pressure to the Yingxiang and Yintang acupoints to alleviate these symptoms. Pressing the Yintang acupoint can also help alleviate head-related symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.
Flu Symptoms and Relief Methods
Summer is a peak period for flu transmission. Liu stated that, generally, flu symptoms include body aches, muscle pain, cough, and nasal congestion.
He recommends using acupressure or acupuncture at the following acupoints to boost the body’s immunity and alleviate the associated symptoms.
Body aches: Apply pressure to the Hegu and Waiguan acupoints. Pressing the Waiguan acupoint can also help relieve nasal congestion.
Cough: Apply pressure to the Yuji acupoint to ease severe coughing. Pressing firmly 50 to 100 times can provide quick relief.
Overall immune boost: Apply pressure to the Zusanli and Dazhui acupoints to enhance immunity. Pressing the Dazhui acupoint can also help reduce fever.
The Importance of Boosting Immunity in Summer
Liu pointed out that during summer months, many people go to the beach to cool off— often an environment of high heat and humidity. To lower their body temperature, many people eat or drink cold foods and beverages or spend extended periods in air-conditioned rooms, which can introduce even more cold factors.
In TCM, many illnesses are believed to be caused by external forces in the environment, such as wind, cold, summer heat, dryness, dampness, and fire. Therefore, regulating these factors in daily life can help boost immunity and prevent disease.
Liu recommends avoiding cold foods and drinks during the summer as they will block the stomach’s digestive energy. In overly air-conditioned rooms, promptly add clothing to prevent a chill.
Additionally, a balanced and healthy diet, adequate sleep, kindness towards others, a calm mindset, and maintaining a positive emotional state all contribute to enhancing the body’s immune function.
Diet Therapy for Strengthening Immunity
Liu suggests three nutritious recipes ideal for summer, which help balance elements such as dampness, heat, and cold, thereby enhancing the body’s overall resistance.
1. Coix Seeds, Lily Bulbs, and Lotus Seeds Porridge
Ingredients:
- 2.82 ounces (80 grams) red beans
- 1.76 ounces (50 grams) coix seeds
- 0.71 ounces (20 grams) dried lotus seeds
- 0.35 ounces (10 grams) lily bulbs
- 1.76 ounces (50 grams) rice
- Rock sugar or brown sugar to taste (optional)
Preparation:
- Wash coix seeds, dried lotus seeds, and red beans. Soak in water overnight.
- Transfer the soaked ingredients and soaking water into a pot.
- Add 33.81 fluid ounces (1,000 milliliters) fresh water and bring mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add lily bulbs.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until ingredients are tender.
- Add rock sugar or brown sugar to taste (individuals with diabetes may choose to omit the sugar).
A study published in the journal Foods found that red beans are rich in flavonols and anthocyanins. These compounds exhibit antiradical activity, which helps modulate oxidative stress and protect cells.
Another study published in Food Science & Nutrition showed that lotus seeds contain various bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, and hypoglycemic effects.
2. Winter Melon Porridge
Ingredients:
- 5.29 ounces (150 grams) winter melon
- 3.53 ounces (100 grams) lean pork
- 1.76 ounces (50 grams) shiitake mushrooms
- 1.76 ounces (50 grams) rice
- 33.81 fluid ounces (1,000 milliliters) water
Preparation:
- Add rice and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chopped ingredients.
- Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, until mushrooms and melon are soft. The dish is then ready to serve.
A review published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2021 indicated that winter melon has effectively been used to treat fever, cough with thick mucus, and urinary disorders. It offers analgesic, antipyretic, and neuroprotective effects, as well as antidiarrheal and gastrointestinal protective benefits.
3. Herbal Duck Soup With Fructus Psoraleae and Fox Nut
Ingredients:
- 17.64 ounces (500 grams) mature duck
- 1.06 ounces (30 grams) Fructus Psoraleae (Buguzhi)
- 1.06 ounces (30 grams) fox nuts
- 50.72 fluid ounces (1,500 milliliters) water
Preparation:
- Clean and cut duck meat into pieces.
- Wash the Fructus Psoraleae and fox nuts.
- Place all ingredients into a pot and add water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer until duck meat is tender.
- Season with salt to taste, and the dish is ready to serve.
Liu stated that this soup is suitable for elderly individuals who experience poor appetite, loose stools, and frequent fatigue.
A study published in the journal Molecules indicated that fox nuts (Euryale ferox) possess antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective properties.
Infection Prevention Strategies for the Elderly
Elderly individuals and children have relatively weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to COVID-19 and flu infections. Liu pointed out that many elderly people suffer from chronic conditions, which can lead to more severe complications if they become infected. Therefore, it is crucial for them to take preventive measures. He offers the following two preventive strategies:
1. Adhere to public health measures. Always wear a mask and wash your hands frequently when in public spaces. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated areas whenever possible.
2. Elderly individuals who develop symptoms such as fever or body aches should seek medical attention immediately, even if the symptoms are mild. Following a doctor’s assessment, antiviral medication may be prescribed to reduce the risk of severe illness. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine treatment can be considered as an alternative or complementary approach.
Note: Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but are generally available in health food stores and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.