Acupuncture eliminates long COVID symptoms at a high percentage rate. Research demonstrates that acupuncture improves breathing and cognitive function while reducing pain levels and fatigue. The research is consistent with the findings from related investigations.
In Canada, an investigation of 85 cases of long COVID finds acupuncture effective. The total effective rate was 85%, with 85.71% cured of shortness of breath and fatigue, 84.62% cured of body pain, 82.35% cured of brain fog, and 71.42% cured of irregular menstruation. Seventy-two patients achieved the clinically cured level and 13 cases were non-responders. [1]
The clinical investigation outlines acupoints used for long COVID recovery as recommended by the Guidance for acupuncture and moxibustion interventions on COVID-19 (2nd edition):
- PC6 (Neiguan)
- CV6 (Qihai)
- CV12 (Zhongwan)
- ST25 (Tianshu)
- ST36 (Zusanli)
- BL13 (Feishu)
- BL15 (Xinshu)
- BL17 (Geshu)
- BL20 (Pishu)
- BL23 (Shenshu)
The research highlights specific acupoints recommended for the alleviation of symptoms. For tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, and fatigue, both CV17 (Danzhong) and LU1 (Zhongfu) are recommended. For digestion disorders including anorexia and diarrhea, CV13 (Shangwan) and SP9 (Yinlingquan) are used. KD3 (Taixi) and TB4 (Yangchi) are the officially recommended points for the treatment of dry mouth and thirst. Learn more about the treatment of COVID-19 and viral infections in the acupuncture continuing education course: Influenza, Asthma, Bronchitis.
The guidelines recommend BL15 (Xinshu) and BL14 (Jueyinshu) for the treatment of heart palpitations. Our editors comment that this is standard practice for many licensed acupuncturists because they are the back-shu points of the pericardium and heart. Another combination, LI4 (Hegu) and KD7 (Fuliu), is recommended for excessive sweating. For insomnia, the guidelines recommend HT7 (Shenmen), Extra (Yintang), NHN54 (Anmian), and KID1 (Yongquan). Also, for coughing with phlegm ST40 (Fenglong) EX-B1 (Dingchuan) are listed.
Based on the analysis of 85 case histories, the research notes, “Acupuncture is not only effective in treating post COVID-19 condition, but it is also effective in preventing recurrence after recovery.” [2] This is consistent with the findings of Williams and Moramarco. They cite research noting that “acupuncture exerts an overall regulatory role through multitarget effects. The body systems influenced by acupuncture include interconnections between neuroimmune functions. Acupuncture can alleviate many of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, including headaches, myalgia, and abdominal pain.” [3, 4]
In related research, investigators from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (Ohio), Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center highlight a case history of a long COVID patient treated with acupuncture. The patient had fatigue, anosmia (loss of smell), chest pressure, palpitations, and other symptoms. The researchers note, “The patient's chest pressure and palpitations resolved after 1 acupuncture treatment. With 6 additional treatments, spanning 9 weeks, overlapping with PT-led SPTA [symptom-titrated physical activity], she recovered completely and resumed her normal exercise.” [5]
Primary acupoints used for this patient were:
- ST36 (Zusanli)
- LI4 (Hegu)
- LU7 (Lieque)
- TB5 (Waiguian)
- GB41 (Zulinqi)
Supplementary acupoints were the following:
- GV20
- GV24
- KD3
- LV3
- GB8
- PC6
- SP6
- SP7
- SP9
- SP10
- LI11
- LI10
- ST25
The researchers comment that ST36 (Zusanli) and LI4 (Hegu) were used to clear lingering heat and dampness. LU7 (Lieque) was used for lung and spleen deficiency. TB5 (Waiguian) and GB41 (Zulinqi) were used to benefit immunity, wei qi, drain dampness, and regulate the yangwei and daimai vessels. [6]
References:
[1] Peng, Xiangping. "The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in The Treatment of Post COVID-19 Condition: A Retrospective Study. J Gynecol Reprod Med, 6 (3), 106-109." Keywords: Post COVID-19 condition, Long COVID, Acupuncture, TCM Introduction Since the WHO announced the outbreak and subsequent pan-demic of COVID-19 on March 12 (2022): 2020.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Williams, James E., Jacques Moramarco. "The Role of Acupuncture for Long COVID: Mechanisms and Models." Medical Acupuncture 34, no. 3 (2022): 159-166. Florida Integrative Medical Center, Sarasota, Florida. Affiliation: Emperor's College of Traditional Medicine, Santa Monica, California.
[4] Han, Zhenzhen, Yang Zhang, Pengqian Wang, Qilin Tang, and Kai Zhang. "Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms? Based on bioinformatics/network topology strategy." Briefings in Bioinformatics 22, no. 5 (2021): bbab110.
[5] Trager, Robert J., Elise C. Brewka, Christine M. Kaiser, Andrew J. Patterson, and Jeffery A. Dusek. "Acupuncture in Multidisciplinary Treatment for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome." Medical Acupuncture (2022).
[6] Ibid.
