The Pandemic Pestilences and Internet Institutes

Whether the recent “Pandemic Pestilences” are of clear sign for the “World End”? Both “Atheists” and “Christians” have deeply believed so. During such a subtle time-period, many exciting results can be produced by the Internet Institutes.

On“Pestilences”in an Ancient Vietnamese Medical Book,Nan Yao Shen Xiao(《南药神效》Miraculous Vietnamese Medicine)

Nan Yao Shen Xiao(《南药神效》Miraculous Vietnamese Medicine)is“an ancient Vietnamese medical book in Chinese language”that is extant in Vietnam and plays an important part in Vietnamese medical development history.In the chapter of“Pestilences,”the characteristics,prevention,and treatment of pestilences were described in detail.By comparing Miraculous Vietnamese Medicine with Chinese medical books including Ben Cao Gang Mu(《本草纲目》Compendium of Materia Medica),it can be seen that the prevention and treatment of pestilences were profoundly influenced by Chinese medical books.The folk-proven prescriptions in Compendium of Materia Medica,Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang(《肘后备急方》Handbook of Prescriptionsfor Emergency),Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang(《备急千金要方》Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency),and other Chinese medical books were included directly or after adaptation(slight modification in dosage and usage)in Miraculous Vietnamese Medicine.This form of“foreign acceptance”witnessed the history of medical culture communication between China and Vietnam,expanded the application scope of Chinese medicine in prevention and treatment of pestilences in a foreign land,promoted the overseas spread of folk-proven prescriptions in Chinese medicine to treat pestilences,and played a major part in treatment and prevention of disease in ancient Vietnam.

Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine:Example of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and COVID-19

Epidemic diseases,known and studied in China since antiquity,are one of the main chapters of the School of Exogenous Febrile Diseases(温病学派)•Along with the legends about epidemic demons,China has developed over the centuries a medical approach based on the teachings of Huang Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Internal Classic),Nan Jing(《难经》Classic of Difficulties'),and Shang Han Lun(《伤寒论》Treatise of Harmful Cold).However,it was in the 17th century,after the great break of the Song,Jin,and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit Wu Youxing(吴有性)first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now.His Wen Yi Lun(《瘟疫论》Treatise on Pestilences)foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases,particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21st century:severe acute respiratory syndrome 2003-2004 and the COVID-19 pandemic are perfect examples.In this first article,which will be followed by two others,we will examine the classical and modern Chinese definitions of these dreadful plagues.

The method of external use of Chinese medicine in prevention of epidemic disease and its application in COVID-19

The ancient people of our country have accumulated rich experience in prevention of epidemic disease in the course of fighting the epidemic for thousands of years,and invented effective methods of external use of Chinese medicine for preventing epidemic,some of these methods have been still used today,in addition to ensuring the health and safety of ancient people in China.In the COVID-19 ravaged China today,all kinds of protective supplies for the general public is difficult to get,so the study of external use of Chinese medicine that preventing epidemic for modern society is still very significant and valuable.According to the characteristics of COVID-19 and the theory of combination of disease-syndrome,based on the applicability and feasibility for modern society,combed out three methods of external use of Chinese medicine,including medicine hanging,medicine smearing and medicine fumigation,and made corresponding application recommendations for hospitals,communities,families to prevent epidemic disease.

Discussion on the composing principle of "Qingfei Paidu Decoction"in the treatment of anti-COVID-19 from the theory of syndrome-differentiation of the six meridians in Treatise on Febrile Diseases

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was a newly discovered infectious respiratory disease and characterized by wide prevalence,high incidence rate and fast progress and dangerous,which belonged to the category of"cold-wet plague"in TCM.The onset of COVID-19 was caused by pestilence,which mingled with seasonal cold-dampness and invaded the human body when external defensive qi was weak and then leaded to the accumulation of Yang qi.Different from exogenous pathogenic factors transmitted from the external to the internal or followed the transmission law of Wei,Qi,Ying and Xue,the nature of pestilence belonged to the category of pathogenic fire,spreading as soon as possible,from the external to the internal and from the upper and lower part of triple energizer,even to every part.At the very beginning,the pestilence attacked from the Taiyang meridian into the Yangming meridian quickly,or straight into the three Yang meridian,which was called"triple-yang combination of diseases".Manifestations of fever,aversion to cold and pain of body were conformed to the exterior syndrome of Taiyang,as well as manifestations of fullness and discomfort in chest,vomiting and spitting and diarrhea were conformed to the syndrome of half-interior-half-exterior;And symptoms manifested as high fever,faint,and abdominal fullness and constipation were conformed to the syndrome of Yangming;But sometimes,there was cold-dampness surrounding the exterior at the beginning along with intense interior pathogenic fire.Or at the beginning,the exterior factors invaded into three Yin meridians quickly while have not been eliminated,which may lead to the syndrome of inner blocking causing collapse or Jue exhaustion.The most typical syndrome of COVID-19 was triple-yang combination of diseases,which was often seen in mild,moderate and part of severe cases.Hence"Qingfei Paidu Decoction"was prescribed especially for this kind of syndrome.Its accurate efficacy has been proved by that mild cases converting to severe cases in the mobile cabin hospital have been effectively restrained and thus the progression of the disease has blocked.Composition analysis showed that Mahuang decoction with Maxing Shigan decoction was to relieve exterior Taiyang syndrome,Xiaochaihu decoction was for harmonizing half-superficies and half-interior Shaoyang syndrome,and large dose of gypsum was used to clear interior heat of the Yangming meridian,and Shegan Mahuang decoction and Xiaoqinglong plus gypsum decoction was for lowering the adverse qi and resolving fluid,and Wuling San was for warming the triple energizer and transforming qi and draining water."Qingfei Paidu Decoction"was an syncretic innovation of classical prescriptions from Treatise on Febrile Diseases,which was not made up of herbs but multiple concordant prescriptions helping to get twice the result with half the effort,so that the"cold-wet plague"can be quickly discharged.

Theory of Fighting the Epidemic with Traditional Chinese Medicine Qigong(气功)Therapy

Qigong(气功)therapy is an active self-paced exercise therapy and it has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).As early as the mention of it in the Huang Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Huangdi s Internal Classic),there is a record of using qigong therapy to prevent and treat pestilence.This thesis discusses the idea and methods of qigong therapy in TCM,such as daoyin(导引),expiration and inspiration,and meditation.These methods purpose to have the functions of strengthening and consolidating the primordial qi,improving health conditions,and resisting pestilent qi.Therefore,the core idea of fighting the epidemic with qigong therapy is to enhance the healthy qi,and to prevent the intrusion of pestilent qi into the human body.It embodies the TCM thought of“when there is sufficient healthy qi inside the body,the evil cannot invade the body.”

Analysis on the traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and Six-Meridian Pattern Identification of coronavirus disease 2019

Zhongjing Zhang’s Shang Han Lun(Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases,an ancient Chinese medical book written by Zhongjing Zhang in the Eastern Han Dynasty)was pioneering to conduct the Six-Meridian Pattern Identification,which provided later generations with a theoretical basis for the treatment of Exogenous Febrile Diseases.The coronavirus disease 2019 belongs to the category of“Pestilence”(the general term for virulent infectious epidemic diseases)in“Febrile Diseases”(the general term for acute externally contracted diseases caused by Warm Pathogens,with fever as the chief manifestation,also known as Warm Diseases)and the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 is mostly based on the Triple Energizer Pattern Identification(the a categorization of Pattern Identification according to the theory of the Triple Energizer)or Defense,Qi,Nutrient and Blood Pattern Identification(the categorization of Febrile Diseases Pattern Identification according to the theory of Defense,Qi,Nutrient and Blood which indicates the stages of the clinical course with corresponding pathological changes).Although the theory of Cold-induced Diseases(the condition caused by Cold,manifested as chills and fever,absence of sweating,headache and floating-tense pulse)and the theory of Febrile Disease seem to be entirely distinct with each other,Zhongjing Zhang’s theory contained Triple Energizer Pattern Identification or Defense,Qi,Nutrient and Blood Pattern Identification,and Triple Energizer Pattern Identification or Defense Qi,Nutrient and Blood Pattern Identification also contained Zhongjing Zhang’s Six-Meridian Pattern Identification(the categorization of Pattern Identification according to the theory of the Six Meridians,applied to the diagnosis of acute Febrile Diseases at different stages,and also useful for the Pattern Identification of other diseases).The basic principles and therapeutic methods of Cold-induced Diseases and Febrile Diseases are intertwined.Therefore,this paper will combine the two theories to analyze the traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of coronavirus disease 2019,and try to use Six-Meridian Pattern Identification to guide the treatment of this disease.

Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine:Example of SARS and COVID‑19:Part Two

Along with the legends about epidemic demons,China has developed over the centuries a medical approach to epidemic diseases based on the teachings of Huang Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Huangdi’s Internal Classic),Nan Jing(《难经》Classic of Difficult Issues),and Shang Han Lun(《伤寒论》Treatise on Cold Damage).Other doctors and scientists participated in this evolution of knowledge,like Wang Shuhe(王叔和),Ge Hong(葛洪),Chao Yuanfang(巢元方),Sun Simiao(孙思邈),and Liu Wansu(刘完素).However,it was in the 17th century,after the great break of the Song,Jin,and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit,Wu Youke(吴又可1582–1652)first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now.His Wen Yi Lun(《瘟疫论》Treatise on Pestilence)foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases,particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21st century.After them,traditional Chinese medicine developed a comprehensive method of diagnosing and treating of these diseases(Epidemic Diseases Theory瘟疫学说)within the School of Heat Diseases(温病学派).In a third article,we will examine some applications in the treatment of the SARS 2003–2004 epidemic(非典型肺炎)and the current COVID-19(新型冠状病毒肺炎)pandemic.

Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine: Example of SARS and COVID-19: Part Two

Along with the legends about epidemic demons,China has developed over the centuries a medical approach to epidemic diseases based on the teachings of Hucng Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Huangdi s Intermnal Classic),Nan Jing(《难经》Classic of Difficult Issues),and Shang Han Lun(《伤寒论》Treatise on Cold Damage).Other doctors and scientists participated in this evolution of knowledge,like Wang Shuhe(王叔和),Ge Hong(葛洪),Chao Yuanfang(巢元方),Sun Simiao(孙思邈),and Liu Wansu(刘完素).However,it was in the 17^th century,after the great break of the Song,Jin,and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit,Wu Youke(吴又可1582-1652)first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now.His Wen Yi Lun(《瘟疫论》Treatise on Pestilence)foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases,particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21^st century.After them,traditional Chinese medicine developed a comprehensive method of diagnosing and treating of these diseases(Epidemic Diseases Theory瘟疫学说)within the School ofHeat Diseases(温病学派).In a third article,we will examine some applications in the treatment of the SARS 2003-2004 epidemic(非典型肺炎)and the current COVID-19(新型冠状病毒肺炎)pandemic.

Discussion on the Prevention and Treatment of Pestilence with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Significance to the International Dissemination of Pestilence Theory

From a historical point of view,this paper studies the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theories and methods of prevention and treatment of pestilence.By collecting information on the prevention and treatment of pestilence with TCM,we sorted out and studied the theories of pestilence prevention and treatment with TCM in the past dynasties and the clinical application methods of pestilence prevention.We explained the clinical application of TCM for the treatment of pestilence from 2 aspects,including internal treatment and external treatment,and discussed the clinical application of some famous prescriptions for the treatment of pestilence;and many external treatment methods,the clinical application of acupuncture and scraping are explained for modern epidemic prevention.

Correlation Analysis of Rubella Incidence and Meteorological Variables Based on Chinese Medicine Theory of Yunqi

Objective: To analyze the correlations between the incidence of rubella and meteorological factors over the same period and previous periods including 1, 2, 3 and 4 year ago(defined according to Chinese medicine Yunqi theory of "pestilence occurring after 3 years") and establish the rubella-meteorological forecast models for Beijing area, China. Methods: Data regarding the incidence of rubella between 1990 and 2004 from Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the meteorological variables including daily average temperatures, daily average wind speeds, average precipitations, average relative humidity, average vapor pressures and average low cloud covers between 1986 and 2004 were collected from the Beijing Meteorological Observatory. Descriptive statistics and back-propagation artificial neural network for forecast model’s establishment were adopted for data analysis. Results: The average temperature and relative humidity have a great contribution(100%) to the rubella morbidity. But the combination of other meteorological factors contributed to improve the accuracy of rubella-meteorological forecast models. The forecast accuracy could be improved by 76% through utilizing a combination of meteorological variables spanning from 3 years ago to the present rather than utilizing data from a single year or dating back to more earlier time than 3 years. Conclusions: There is a close relationship between the incidence of rubella and meteorological variables in current year and previous 3 years. This finding suggests that rubella prediction would benefit from consideration to previous climate changes.

Successful Treatment of Coronavirus Disease with Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine: A Case Report

Background:Coronavirus disease(COVID-19)is a new outbreak infectious disease,caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Nearly 80,000 people have got infected in China in just 2 months.Up to now,there still has no specific effective treatment for this disease.While integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine has definite curative effect,could significantly reduce the disease mortality and shorten the course of treatment.Case Report:Here we report a 31-year-old female case of COVID-19 in a family cluster in Beijing.She reported low fever,cough with a little white sputum,fatigue,watery diarrhea,anorexia on admission.The COVID-19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)belonged to plagues caused by dampness toxin.The patient was treated with TCM from dampness combined with antiviral drug abidol.After four visits,the patient was significantly improved with symptoms disappearing,chest-computed tomography dissipating,viral nucleic acid turning negative.She discharged and donated 200 ml convalescent plasma after 19 days hospitalization.Conclusion:The present case demonstrated that integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine could treat COVID-19 effectively.However,clinical randomized controlled trials are warranted to verify the precise clinical efficacy.