Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches to COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) approaches to COVID-19 represent a paradigm shift from Western medicine, in that TCIM emphasizes prevention, encouraging wellness, and supporting health and recovery. A wide range of TCIM approaches exist: whole medical systems (such as traditional Chinese medicine), mind-body approaches, biological therapies, body-based treatments, and energy therapies. TCIM is used to help people resist infection, but people with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms often relied on integrative approaches using both traditional and Western medicine. It is estimated that over 90% of the infected population in Hubei China had used some form of traditional medicine to treat COVID. Ayurvedic medicine promotes immune-boosting strategies. Among biologically based therapies, there are vitamin therapies and “immune-nutrition” as well as traditional botanical treatments. Energy therapies have been promoted by the Chinese government to treat COVID-19 which may cause a loss of qi energy and an imbalance with too much yang energy in relation to yin. In many ways, it is difficult to apply Western approaches of clinical trials to TCIM, where most treatments are preventive, restorative, and highly individualized. However, the role of TCIM in COVID-19 was significant and underscores the value of TCIM approaches not just in this pandemic but for other infectious diseases as well. This is a narrative review rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis.

Traditional and Complementary Medicines Methods Used by Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19

“…A narrative review reported that T&CM methods offer a versatile approach to prevent diseases, ensure health and well-being, and strengthen the mind/body balance and the body and immune system. For this purpose, it has been stated that T&CM methods are used to help prophylaxis, treatment, and well-being of those who recover from COVID-19 [ 28 ]. In this study, 7 out of 10 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 reported that they believed T&CM methods would be beneficial when used with medical treatment.…”

Herbal Medicine and COVID-19: An Umbrella Review

“…The ten narrative reviews 10,[12][13][14]16,19,20,25,32,33 that examined herbs used in traditional Chinese, 10,12,13,14,16,19,32 Tibetan, 33 and Thai 10 medicine, and Ayurveda 12,20,25 highlighted the antiviral, 10,13,14,16,20,25,32,33 antiinflammatory, 10,13,32,33 immunomodulatory, 12,13,14,16,20,33 and hepa topro tective 16 properties of a broad variety of herbs and formulations.…”