Influenza refers to acute infection of respiratory tract due to influenza virus. Clinically it is marked by sudden onset, evident general poisoning symptoms, appearance of fever, headache, general aching and lassitude as well as mild symptoms of the respiratory tract. This disease is similar to "Shixing Ganmao" (Influenza) in TCM. Exoge-nous seasonal pathogenic factor is the main cause of this disease. Due to difference in seasons and constitution, this syndrome is manifested either as wind-cold or wind-heat with the complications of summer-heat and damp-ness. It may be caused by pathogenic wind, cold and dampness that block the pores, stagnate yang-qi and hinder the dispersion of pulmonary qi; or by pathogenic wind, heat, summer-heat and dryness that affect the conveyance of the muscular interstices, leading to scorching of the lung by pathogenic heat and failure of the lung to depurate.
Treatment
Prescription: Fengchi (GB 20), Lieque (LU 7),
Hegu (LI 4) and Yingxiang (LI 20).
Modification: For wind-cold syndrome, Fengmen (BL 12) and Zhizheng (SI 7) are added; for wind-heat syndrome, Chize (LU 5) and Yuji (LU 10) are added; for complication of dampness, Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) are added; for complica-tion of summer-heat, Dazhui (GV 14) and Ouchi (LI 11 are added; for headache, Yintang (EX - HN 3), Touwei (ST 8) and Ashi acupoints are added; for sore throat, Shaoshang (LU 11) and Futu (ST 32) are added.
Performance: Reducing needling technique is used. Shaoshang (LU 11 ) is pricked for bloodletting. Dazhui (GV 14) and Fengmen (BL 12) are needled with the addi-tion of moxibustion or cupping. The needles are usually retained for 30 minutes. For the treatment of patients with high fever, the retention of needles can be pro- longed. The needles are manipulated once every 5 10 minutes and the treatment is given once or twice a day.
Prescription: Lung (CO14), Internal Nose (TG4), Trachea (CO16), Throat (TG3), Forehead (AT1) and Adrenal Gland (TG2p).
Performance: Each time 2 - 3 acupoints are selected and needled with filiform needles with moderate stimula-tion. The needles are retained for 20 - 30 minutes each time and manipulated once every 5 - 10 minutes.
