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The Growing Need for Post-Covid Syndrome Treatment
It is no secret that all strands of the Covid virus have increasingly affected people globally for the past few years since the beginning of the pandemic. From its onset in 2020, Covid has drastically changed the world and how it operates.
Recent studies and cases have found that patients with Covid-19, whether mild, severe or even asymptomatic, might leave long-term sequelae, such as fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain or tightness, cough, smell or taste disturbance, memory loss, etc. Persistent symptoms, these sequelae often bring pain and inconvenience to the patient’s life and work, and the recovery time is still unknown.
Potential Long-term Effects of Covid-19 Exposure
Given the limited amount of research due to Covid-19 being such a new virus still, the long-term effects that could come with contracting Covid-19 are still developing and being actively studied (for example, the study of 100 patients with long COVID https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2). For now, some of those effects are at least known and individuals can therefore seek relief when experiencing them.
Long-term sequelae of Covid-19 could be:
- The lungs are pulmonary fibrosis- fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain or tightness, cough
- Smell or Taste disorders
- Foggy head- attention and memory loss
How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Effectively Treats Sequelae of Covid-19
The achievements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of Covid-19 have been affirmed by the public. In the treatment of confirmed patients, in addition to improving clinical symptoms, it can also prevent the disease from becoming critically ill. In terms of treating the sequelae of Covid-19 and restoring bodily functions, TCM also has good advantages.
In addition to trying its best to prevent and treat Covid-19, TCM could also provide appropriate Chinese herbal prescriptions and acupuncture for patients with long-term sequelae to help patients gradually get rid of the residual discomfort and restore normal body functions.
The lungs are pulmonary fibrosis- fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain or tightness, cough
The main sequelae of the lungs are pulmonary fibrosis that means the lungs are invaded by viruses, and thicker and harder scars appear after tissue repair. TCM treats the lungs and removes blood stasis as the principle. To nourish blood and moisturise, add yang-boosting drugs, such as Polygonum multiflorum, Angelica sinensis, dodder, etc.; if you have qi deficiency and yang deficiency, you could use qi-boosting and yang-boosting drugs, such as astragalus, ginseng, bupleurum, could add radix et rhizoma rhei, almonds, etc., if necessary, which would gradually improve dry cough, shallow breathing, unstable blood oxygen saturation, and fatigue.
Smell or Taste disorders
For smell or taste disorders, current research shows it might be caused by inflammation and damage caused by the infection of smell or taste-related cells. According to the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) of TCM, could help gradually restore the original sense of smell or taste by the pungent and cool, pungent and warm, benefiting qi, nourishing yin or tonifying yang Chinese herbs.
Foggy head- attention and memory loss
In addition, the problem of attention and memory loss (also known as "foggy head"), current research believes that it might be related to the direct or indirect damage to the brain nerves and brain microvessels caused by the virus. Through yang-boosting drugs to help repair the cranial nerves and cerebral microvessels, use the phlegm-resolving drugs to help expel metabolic waste, and it also could add radix et rhizoma rhei, asarum, magnolia biondii and other brain-refreshing drugs to restore original cognitive function.
Acupuncture for Post-Covid Syndrome Treatment is Promising
While it is important to note that scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for post-COVID syndrome (also known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection) is limited, acupuncture may offer several potential benefits for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19.
At Ponsonby Wellness acupuncture clinic, our experienced practitioners are waiting to help with your post-covid syndrome. The potential benefits of acupuncture for long Covid symptoms and issues include:
Pain Relief from Acupuncture for Long Covid
Acupuncture is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Many individuals with post-COVID syndrome report ongoing pain, such as muscle aches, joint pain, or headaches. Acupuncture may help alleviate these symptoms by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.
Reduced Inflammation from Acupuncture for Post-Covid Syndrome Treatment
Post-COVID syndrome can involve chronic inflammation in various body systems. Acupuncture has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation associated with long COVID.
Improved Respiratory Function With Acupuncture for Long Covid Treatment
COVID-19 can affect the respiratory system, leading to shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. Some research suggests that acupuncture may enhance lung function and respiratory capacity, potentially benefiting individuals with post-COVID respiratory issues.
Enhanced Energy and Fatigue Management
Fatigue is a common symptom of post-COVID syndrome and can significantly impact daily life. Acupuncture may help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue by promoting relaxation, balancing the body’s energy flow (Qi), and addressing underlying imbalances.
Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being from Acupuncture Treatments
Post-COVID syndrome can be accompanied by psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Acupuncture is thought to have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It may also help regulate neurotransmitters and promote a sense of well-being.
Sleep Improvement from Acupuncture for Long Covid Treatment
Sleep disturbances are prevalent among individuals with post-COVID syndrome. Acupuncture has been shown to enhance sleep quality and alleviate insomnia in some cases, potentially providing relief for those experiencing sleep problems.
Acupuncture for Post-Covid Syndrome Treatment Considered Safe
The good news is that acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive treatment option for post-covid syndrome treatment. Using acupuncture for long Covid treatment has few side effects. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments or medications.
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Add Acupuncture to Your Health and Wellness Regimen
For information or to get started with post-covid syndrome acupuncture treatments, contact us today and get closer to relief. We are waiting to answer any questions you may have and schedule your initial appointment.