Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible disease characterized by sudden onset

rapid transmission

and high susceptibility. Prof. Liu Qingquan believes that

in TCM terms

COVID-19 falls in the category of dampness toxin epidemic in epidemic febrile disorders

caused by pestilent qi of dampness toxin

which can be mixed with seasonal pathogens and possibly complicated by heat

cold and dryness due to geographical and physical differences. He stresses that dampness is the branch while toxin is the root. The core pathogenesis includes dampness

toxin

heat

phlegm

stasis

and deficiency. The diagnosis and treatment for the disease should prioritize staged treatment

identifying the root

and stopping and reversing progression. In response to the constituents of the disease mechanism and their progressive nature

we apply the method of dispelling dampness

resolving toxins

clearing heat

unblocking the bowels

increasing body fluids

cooling blood

invigorating blood

and supplementing deficiency. The focus has been placed on the integration of both TCM and modern pharmaceuticals so that they complement each other for the sake of optimal efficacy

the combined use of classic formulas and novel ones

and acupuncture

moxibustion and daoyin as supplements.