Covid-19, how to improve our chances

During these unprecedented times we are being asked to self-isolate, keep social distancing, and observe stringent hygiene. These are all very important and effective measures to prevent the spread of covid-19. In this series of articles I would like to focus on how we can reduce our chances of contracting the virus, and if we do how we can significantly improve our chances of making a full recovery. 

My name is Dr Hung D Tran and I have been in the study and practice of medicine both Western and Chinese for over twenty years. Having experienced the power of these medicines in my recovery from poliovirus when I was 6 months old has had a deep impact on my chosen career path. My view is that there is no better or worse type of medicine so long as the underlying disease mechanism is clearly understood and appropriate treatment given at the right time.

The strength of Western medicine is in harnessing technology and pharmaceutical interventions to deal with medical emergencies and life threatening illnesses. The strength of Chinese medicine is built upon a very coherent and sophisticated appreciation of how all parts of the human body work together to sustain life and it’s innate ability to heal itself. This is the most compelling force of human life.

These articles shall focus on the strength of Chinese medicine in self care with particular emphasis on the prevention and / or recovery from the current epidemic and beyond.

Chinese medicine has been continuously practiced and refined for over 3500 years. During this time it has seen a plethora of sicknesses in war and peace, famine and epidemics. So it contains a rich and vast body of recorded material and teachings that modern physicians continue to draw from and adapt to meet contemporary health issues. It’s main emphasis is on prevention of sickness and in empowering the individual to take care of themselves.

The healing methods of Chinese medicine include food therapy, qigong (chee kung) exercises, meditation, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine. The principles that underpin all these therapies harness the power of nature. A balance in all aspects of our life ensures we live in harmony with all things. An imbalance creates tension in the system and if not corrected then illness ensues.

Implicit to this medicine is prevention through taking personal responsibility for maintaining our health and wellbeing. Maintaining one’s health isn’t an end point but a continual personal endeavour. It places importance on prevention through living in balance and harmony with oneself and one’s environment. When these principles are understood and applied it becomes a very potent form of self healing.

Let’s now explore effective methods of self care for improving our resilience and / or recovery from covid-19. The key is supporting our wei qi - the force behind a strong and healthy immune function. We will explore how to improve our wei qi in the following articles : 
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• What exactly is wei qi?

• Ways we can improve our wei qi through

  - Food therapy & Lifestyle

  - Qigong exercises

  - Acupressure massage