### RESEARCH PAPER TCM 1: CHIKUNGUNYA

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#### INTRODUCTION

Chikungunya is a viral fever caused by an alpha virus, primarily spread by the bites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The name originates from the Makonde language of Africa, meaning “that which bends up,” referring to the stooped posture resulting from the severe arthritic symptoms. Initially, it was not considered fatal; however, the outbreak in 2005-2006 led to over 200 deaths in Reunion Island and India, affecting states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.

#### SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Chikungunya include:
- Fever up to 39°C (102.2°F)
- Petechial or maculopapular rash (limbs and trunk)
- Severe arthralgia or arthritis affecting multiple joints
- Intense headache, conjunctiva infection, and photophobia

The fever generally lasts for two days, but joint pain, headache, insomnia, and fatigue persist for 5-7 days. Urine tests often show albumin, blood tests show reduced hemoglobin, increased white blood cells (especially neutrophils), and reduced platelets.

**Dermatological manifestations** can include:
- Maculopapular rash
- Nasal blotchy erythema
- Freckle-like pigmentation
- Flagellate pigmentation
- Lichenoid eruption, aphthous-like ulcers, lymphoedema, ecchymotic spots, vesiculobullous lesions, and more.

#### PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents with DEET, wearing protective clothing, and preventing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

Acupressure treatment during the onset of the epidemic has shown to prevent disease spread effectively. Recommended acupressure points include: Sp 1, Sp 2, Sp 4, Liv 1, Liv 3, LI 4, LI 11, St 36, GV 14 (with star magnets applied on all points of both hands).

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#### ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT

While there is no specific treatment in allopathy, Chinese acupressure provides significant relief. Chikungunya shares symptoms with epidemic fever, and thus, similar treatment phases can be applied:

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### PHASE 1: HIGH FEVER

**Main Symptoms:**
- Fever up to 104°F
- Thirst, red face, sweating, congested eyes, rashes, dark urine, constipation, impaired consciousness, and delirium.

**Principle of Treatment:**  
Remove stasis and toxins.

**Treatment Points:**
- TW 5, LI 4, UB 15, UB 18, P 8, GB 34 ↓
- If relief is inadequate: Lu 11, LI 4, LI 11, GV 14, GB 20, UB 12 ↓
- For infection halfway inside the body: TW 5, GB 34, GB 41, Liv 2, Liv 3 ↓
- If uncontrollable temperature: Liv 2, Liv 3, SI 3, GV 16, GV 20, GB 20 ↓

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### PHASE 2: HYPOTENSION/SHOCK

**Main Symptoms:**
- Low blood pressure, restlessness, excessive thirst, sweating, deep red tongue, and coma.

**Principle of Treatment:**  
Raise vital energy and blood pressure.

**Treatment Points:**
- UB 15, 18, 23, K 1 ↑
- LI 4, TW 5, Liv 2 ↓
- If collapse occurs: GV 20, CV 4, CV 6, St 36, UB 23 (apply red color or moxa)

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### PHASE 3: OLIGURIA

**Main Symptoms:**
- Scanty and dark urine, body ache, joint pain, constipation, yellow tongue coat.

**Principle of Treatment:**  
Increase urine output.

**Treatment Points:**
- UB 23, UB 28, Sp 9, CV 3 ↓
- Sp 6, SI 3 ↑

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### PHASE 4: POLYURIA

**Main Symptoms:**
- Increased urine frequency, severe thirst, dry mouth, vertigo, lower back pain.

**Principle of Treatment:**  
Promote yin and tonify kidneys.

**Treatment Points:**
- CV 4, CV 6, UB 23, GV 20 ↑

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### PHASE 5: CONVALESCENCE

**Main Symptoms:**
- Evening fever, dry throat, continuous lumbar pain, anorexia.

**Principle of Treatment:**  
Promote vital energy and tonify spleen.

**Treatment Points:**
- St 36, UB 20, UB 23, CV 4, CV 6 ↓
- If bleeding occurs: Sp 1, Sp 3, Sp 4, Sp 10, UB 17, UB 20, UB 21, St 21, St 36, CV 6, CV 12 ↑

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#### NOTE:
For severe cases, apply magnets for 8-12 hours daily on one or both hands.

**Legend:**
- ↑ = Tonification using white byol magnets.
- ↓ = Sedation using yellow byol magnets.

This acupressure treatment plan can provide relief from the debilitating symptoms of Chikungunya and accelerate recovery.