The Covid-19 virus has been around in our community for just over 2 years now and whether you have personally contracted the virus or not, we have all been affected by its presence. What is really starting to hit home however is the long-term effects of contracting the virus, also termed Long Covid.
This sneaky virus hijacks our cells and has been reported to cause over 60 different symptoms across 10 different bodily systems. It affects not only our respiratory system, but also our kidneys, digestion, cardiovascular and neural tissues therefore producing a wide range of short and long-term problems.
Often it is difficult to diagnose, or to get recognition and treatment for Long Covid because its presentation varies in type, intensity and duration of symptoms. Symptoms of Long Covid may include fatigue, concentration problems, memory problems, headache, shortness of breath, loss of smell, unusual muscle pains, persistent cough, sore throat, fever, chest pain and abdominal pain.
It is also interesting to note that the severity of how you experienced Covid-19 and whether you later go on to experience Long Covid are not linear. For example, you may have only had mild symptoms of the actual virus, but later go on to have prolonged Long Covid which severely impacts your quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat Long Covid. An increasing number of studies show acupuncture’s ability to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation; what this means is it can increase the body’s ability to fight infection while hampering the detrimental effects of the body to overreact. This is particularly useful in patients suffering from symptoms caused by the coronavirus.
Acupuncture is a form of therapy that uses fine, single-use needles to stimulate specific points around the body that have certain therapeutic outcomes. It is a relaxing and gentle treatment best done weekly initially until most of the major Long Covid symptoms are resolved. I generally find that the sooner one addresses a health condition the shorter the duration of treatment however this will all be discussed in your first appointment.
Acupuncture is often accompanied by massage and cupping to further stimulate the immune system and help to clear out toxins. Herbal preparations, usually in the form of ready-made liquids or tablets, can also be very helpful to increase the effectiveness of treatment bringing about faster results.
It has been said many times of late that we are, “living in unprecedented times!” However, many in the Chinese Medicine community have been treating symptoms of post-viral depletion for decades, commonly presenting in the form of Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lupus and more. The silver-lining is perhaps that post-viral complications are getting more air-time and being seen for what they truly are; having a serious impact on our lives and that it is time to start addressing this with all the resources we have available.
Shirley practices from Ranges Integrative Health on Saturdays.
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