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As we navigate the post-pandemic world, many are still tethered to COVID-19 through its lingering aftermath — long COVID. This persistent condition can touch every corner of one’s life with a slew of frustrating symptoms, including severe fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, joint pain, depression and anxiety, persistent cough, heart palpitations and more. For those struggling with it, long COVID is a daily battle that affects their work, relationships and sense of self.
The exact mechanisms of long COVID are still unclear to the Western medical community, and conventional treatment options are scarce. In search of relief, more and more people are turning to holistic and integrative therapies, like acupuncture. But how exactly can acupuncture help those wrestling with the shadows of long COVID?
Though so much is still left to uncover, what we do know is that people with long COVID often have upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, the presence of autoantibodies and some type of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. When patients come in struggling with the effects of long COVID, it presents very similarly to other autoimmune conditions that we successfully treat with acupuncture and other integrative therapies. In many ways, acupuncture is a perfect treatment for long COVID because it helps to reduce inflammation, modulate the immune response and regulate the nervous system. In my clinical experience, these are actually three of the things acupuncture does best!
Patients often describe acupuncture as not just a treatment, but a solace. “The sessions give me a moment to pause, to breathe,” says Emily, a 32-year-old graphic designer who found herself struggling with crippling fatigue and brain fog. “Acupuncture hasn’t just eased my symptoms; it has given me back moments of clarity and days where I feel revitalized, like myself again.”
Michael, a former marathon runner sidelined by long COVID, shares a similar story: “Dealing with constant pain and breathlessness has been a nightmare. Acupuncture has been crucial in managing my symptoms and helping me feel hopeful about recovery. When nothing else worked, I feel like I’m finally getting back to my life again.”
While for many the journey with long COVID is far from over, acupuncture may provide a gentle, effective way to manage it. Offering a quiet space for mental and emotional recovery, acupuncture is a therapy that acknowledges the person as a whole, not just the symptoms they carry. It stands as a testament to the power of alternative healing and a reminder that sometimes, the oldest remedies offer new hope. With each session, patients find not just relief, but a pathway to reclaiming their lives from the grip of long COVID, one needle at a time.
Wildflower Acupuncture offers complimentary consultations for patients dealing with long COVID. Call or text (818) 333-6324 to book.
The opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers and staff of Toluca Lake Magazine. The publishers and staff do not endorse any specific viewpoint expressed in this content. Readers are advised to consult with professionals or appropriate authorities for specific advice concerning their unique circumstances.