Feeling hot or flushed? Sweaty? Weak and dehydrated? Warm to the touch? You might just have a fever.
The body often responds to symptoms associated with a fever when it is fighting off a foreign invader. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, this invader is often called an external pathogenic influence or "EPI", and is seen as a manifestation of heat or fire within the body. "Heat signs" within the body can be seen as a sore throat, dry cough, and thirst. When the body’s immune system kicks into play, it will often increase the body temperature to burn off this EPI. Fevers are viewed in many traditions, including TCM, as part of the body's natural response to internal imbalance.
Some History and More Background
During the end of the Ming and the rise of the Qing dynasties centuries ago, a new school of thought emerged within Traditional Chinese medicine which revolved around pathogens and how they attack the human body, emphasizing “wind and heat" - these diseases were called Wen-Bing.
Each is classified according to four levels (Defensive, Qi, Nutritive, and Blood), and they all manifest with fever. As with many facets of Chinese Medicine, there are many nuances and classifications of symptoms, such as fevers, which allow for a more tailored traditional support strategy based on individual patterns of imbalance.
In traditional Chinese herbal practice, a variety of herbs are used to support the body during episodes of elevated temperature and seasonal discomfort. These herbs are often chosen not to suppress the response outright, but to support the body's natural vitality—what is known as Qi—and to promote balance. In many cases, the goal is to strengthen the body's resilience against external imbalances rather than simply reduce symptoms.
Specific Herbs for Fevers
As this article is being written, there are a myriad of situations where Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is being used for strength and support. Fever is one of the earliest key symptoms, and there are currently many studies¹ documenting the usage of herbs such as Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Chuan Xiong, Gui Zhi, Lian Qiao, and Jin Yin Hua, among other herbs, to support the body's natural defenses and promote internal balance, according to traditional use.
“Chinese medicine and its compound preparations have certain antipyretic effects, which are mentioned (in this study) and are commonly used in clinical settings, exploring their role in supporting general respiratory well-being and immune function. TCM has remarkable properties of multi-components and multi-targets. These herbs are recognized in TCM for their supportive roles in maintaining immune health and internal balance.
In boosting the body's Qi and defensive mechanisms, these herbs are able to bring more balance and health to the body.
Sources
- Ma LL;Liu HM;Luo CH;He YN;Wang F;Huang HZ;Han L;Yang M;Xu RC;Zhang DK; Fever and antipyretic supported by Traditional Chinese medicine: A Multi-pathway regulation. Frontiers in pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33828481/. Accessed July 28, 2021.
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Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options. If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.
Lenore Cangeloso, LAc is a state-licensed and board certified Acupuncturist and Herbal medicine practitioner. She is the owner of Wild Earth Acupuncture in Portland Oregon. Lenore has spent many months traveling to deepen her knowledge of the human body, and is a dedicated and skilled practitioner that strives to help you achieve optimal states of wellbeing. You can learn more about Lenore at wildearthacupuncture.com.
