Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine: Example of SARS and COVID-19: Part Two

Along with the legends about epidemic demons, China has developed over the centuries a medical approach to epidemic diseases based on the teachings of Huang Di Nei Jing ([Image: see text] Huangdi’s Internal Classic), Nan Jing ([Image: see text] Classic of Difficult Issues), and Shang Han Lun ([Image: see text] Treatise on Cold Damage). Other doctors and scientists participated in this evolution of knowledge, like Wang Shuhe ([Image: see text]), Ge Hong ([Image: see text]), Chao Yuanfang ([Image: see text]), Sun Simiao ([Image: see text]), and Liu Wansu ([Image: see text]). However, it was in the 17(th) century, after the great break of the Song, Jin, and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit, Wu Youke ([Image: see text] 1582-1652) first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now. His Wen Yi Lun ([Image: see text] Treatise on Pestilence) foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases, particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21(st) century. After them, traditional Chinese medicine developed a comprehensive method of diagnosing and treating of these diseases (Epidemic Diseases Theory [Image: see text]) within the School of Heat Diseases ([Image: see text]). In a third article, we will examine some applications in the treatment of the SARS 2003-2004 epidemic ([Image: see text]) and the current COVID-19 ([Image: see text]) pandemic.