How to treat chikungunya fever with traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for chikungunya fever requires a combination of syndrome differentiation and treatment, mainly through methods such as clearing heat and detoxifying, removing dampness from the surface, and harmonizing qi and blood to alleviate symptoms. Common intervention methods include traditional Chinese medicine decoction, acupuncture and moxibustion, cupping, etc., but they should be carried out under the guidance of professional Chinese medicine practitioners and cannot replace the symptomatic support treatment of modern medicine.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Soup

In response to symptoms such as chikungunya fever and joint pain, Chinese medicine commonly uses modified formulas such as Baihu Tang and Qingwen Baidu Yin. Baihu Tang is mainly made of gypsum and cicadas, and is suitable for high fever, irritability, and thirst; Qingwen Baidu Yin contains ingredients such as Huanglian and Huangqin, which can clear heat and detoxify. For those with severe dampness and heat, San Ren Tang can be added to dispel dampness. For those with obvious joint swelling and pain, Du Huo Shi Yin Tang can be used in combination. Pay attention to individual differences and avoid self medication.

II. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Select acupoints such as Dazhui, Quchi, Hegu to clear away heat and relieve exterior syndrome, and cooperate with Yanglingquan, Zusanli and other acupoints to relax muscles and activate collaterals. During the acute phase, the laxative method is used, while during the recovery phase, the tonifying and laxative method is used. Acupuncture and moxibustion can relieve fever and muscle pain, but it is forbidden for patients with bleeding tendency. The treatment needs to be carried out by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, once a day or every other day, with 5-7 sessions as the course of treatment.

III. External Treatment

Joint swelling can be treated with topical application of Jinhuang powder, or fumigation and washing with decoction of Artemisia argyi and Lonicera japonica. Cupping is suitable for muscle soreness. Take the bladder meridian acupoints and use cupping. Massage techniques mainly involve gentle kneading and pressing to avoid exacerbating joint inflammation. External treatment should avoid skin damage and should be stopped immediately if allergies occur.

IV. Diet Conditioning

In the acute phase, mung bean Congee, Winter melon soup and other heat clearing and moisture relieving foods should be eaten. In the recovery phase, yam and coix seed can be added to strengthen the spleen. Avoid spicy and greasy food, drink more light bamboo leaves and honeysuckle tea drinks instead. Dietary therapy such as stewed turtle shell with Poria cocos can assist in dispelling dampness, but it should not be excessive and should be adjusted according to physical constitution.

V. rehabilitation Intervention

During the recovery period of joint function, gentle exercises such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi are used, combined with moxibustion at acupoints such as Guan Yuan and Qi Hai to warm and replenish qi. Emotional regulation is mainly focused on recuperation to avoid anxiety. Chronic joint pain can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation, but severe deformities require the use of modern rehabilitation medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for chikungunya fever emphasizes staged differentiation, with the acute phase focusing on dispelling evil and the recovery phase emphasizing supporting the body. Patients should maintain sufficient rest, drink no less than 1500 milliliters of water per day, and keep the indoor environment ventilated and dry. If severe symptoms such as persistent high fever and consciousness disorders occur, immediate transfer to Western medicine emergency treatment is required. Regularly check blood routine and liver and kidney function during treatment to avoid adverse drug reactions. It is recommended to record daily symptom changes for joint evaluation of treatment efficacy by doctors and patients.