EBOLA – HOW CHINESE MEDICINE CAN SAVE LIVES

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is escalating but Chinese Medicine can play a vital role.

With 3,338 deaths of confirmed, suspected or probable cases of Ebola recorded so far, the biggest international Ebola virus outbreak ever could infect 20,000 people before it is over. A total of 7,178 cases have been reported, according to the World Health Organisation.

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is often fatal and outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90% (50% being the lowest in cases of Ebola). Over its 5,000-year history Chinese Medicine has not only survived devastating outbreaks of deadly epidemics and plagues but continuously developed innovative solutions that saved countless lives. With its vast experience, Chinese Medicine can help in the prevention and treatment of the Ebola virus.

THE EBOLA VIRUS – AN ESCALATING INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY

As the Ebola virus can spread very easily and quickly the current outbreak is moving fast, forcing Liberia to declare that the pandemic is above the government's control, and, prompting WHO to issue a roadmap to guide and coordinate international responses to the outbreak and its “unprecedented dimensions”.

Ebola is a level-4 biohazard virus and it takes just a single viral organism to enter the human body for the person to be infected. Even doctors wearing protective masks, gloves and with adequate medical training are still getting infected with EVD from nearby patients. As of 28th September 377 health-care workers have been infected, with 216 of whom have died, according to WHO.

The Ebola infection results from direct contact of broken skin or mucous membranes with the bodily fluids (e.g. blood, secretions) or organs of infected people. The EVD infection can also result from indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids.

EVD can also spread through air in liquid particles as aerosol released from an infected person's sneezing, coughing or vomiting. It takes just 10 such aerosolised particles to cause an infection in humans.

Men who have recovered from the Ebola disease must exercise caution as EVD can still be transmitted through semen for as long as 7 weeks after recovering from the illness.

THE EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE - A CHINESE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

In Chinese Medical terms the Ebola virus is essentially a type of a warm disease, although more specifically this is a type of epidemic febrile disease. It is not a coincidence that the warm disease concept - which covers a substantial area across the system of Chinese Medical theory and practice - was developed and successfully applied in response to viral epidemic outbreaks which historically took place in Southern China. Hence, for diseases of a warm nature such as Ebola, Chinese Medicine is well suited as a treatment solution.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Tongue Diagnosis: Deep red/crimsonn yellow or purple. Pulse Diagnosis: Thin and Fast but is more likely to be Floating or Superficial and Rapid or Choppy.

Chinese Medicine recognises EVD as a warm disease which progresses as a severe Blood Heat syndrome that causes Liver Wind – hence the typical spasms and shaking experienced by patients – amongst other afflictions, including a severe immunosuppression. The excessive Heat caused by EVD rapidly depletes the body's Yin (the body's material substance such as Blood, body fluids and essence, according to Chinese Medical theory) while internal bleeding occurs caused by the disturbance of the Blood circulation. Blood shows up in vomiting, stools, urine and can also come from the nose. These bleed outs also occur under the skin layers where they manifests as maculopapular rashes over the entire body.

In addition to bleeding in all the epithelial tissues, the exhaustion of Blood also causes bleeding on the surface of the organs. As the Blood gets infected by the pathogen the internal organs become seriously affected due to the systemic relationship between Heart and Liver which plays out as the former controls the Blood while the latter organ stores the Blood. As both organs suffer, the damage spreads to the Kidneys. EVD often renders the intestines unable to absorb water, thus leading to fatal internal dehydration.

CHINESE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE

During a viral outbreak such as the current Ebola emergency, Chinese herbal medicine can save lives. For EVD certain Chinese herbs can be combined into a formula based on Sun Simao's 'Blood Heat' herbal formulation which he developed in response to a devastating outbreak of an infectious disease which occurred in China.

The formula consists of the following Chinese herbs, many of which are now available as Phytoform herbal extracts for easy and convenient dispensing and administration:

  • Xi Jiao - was traditionally used, however, several botanical substitutes for rhino horn have been identified as suitable alternatives on the basis of their ability to reduce fever and counter toxins. The following Chinese herbs can be used in place of Xi Jiao (rhino horn):

           - Shu Di Huang (Phytoform code R31)

           - Huang Lian (Phytoform code G11)

           - Jin Yin Hua (Phytoform code G14)

           - Lian Qiao (Phytoform code G18)

           - Xuan Shen (Phytoform code G34)

           - Gou Teng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis)

           - Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis)

           - Dan Shen (Radix Salvia Miltiorrhozae)

           - Zi Cao (Radix Arnebiae)

The Chinese Medical Institute and Register (CMIR) will be providing courses in Chinese Herbal Medicine prescription, including modules dedicated to using the complete Phytoform system of herb extracts. Click here for more information.

CHINESE MEDICINE FOR PREVENTION OF THE EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND OTHER VIRAL INFECTIONS

Chinese Medicine can be used effectively as protection against the Ebola virus disease not only by people in good health by also by those suffering from immunodeficiency disorders - the group that is even more vulnerable to EVD. A combination of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, nutritional supplements and observation of Chinese lifestyle and diet principles relevant to the individual can support and strengthen their immune system.

A number of Chinese herbs have been identified as having anti-viral effects:

  • Shui Niu Jiao (Bubali Cornu)
  • Da Qing Ye (Isatadis Folium)
  • Zi Cao (Lithospermi seu Arnebiae Radix)

As a general preventative measure and a natural means of fortifying the immune system, Chinese Medical practitioners should be prescribing Ling Zhi Herbal Tonic. If a patient requires a stronger dosage then Ling Zhi should be prescribed on its own or mixed with other herbs into a formula (as Ling Zhi is often used). Ling Zhi is available as Phytoform herb extract (B5) as well as in the form of C65 herbal capsules from AcuMedic's TCM Classics range.

 

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