When thinking about COVID-19, consider how far we have come since the outbreak of the pandemic in spring of 2020. While COVID-19 is no longer considered the crisis that it was in this country, and globally, we are still dealing with it as a persistent health concern, and with the reality that it is here to stay. The existence of Long COVID is the other reality here to stay, and about which we still have much to learn.
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or long-haul COVID, refers to the condition where individuals experience a range of persistent symptoms that last beyond the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms may continue for weeks or months after the initial infection has resolved.
The Long COVID condition can affect individuals of any age, including those who initially had mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19. The symptoms can vary widely and affect multiple organ systems, leading to a significant impact on the physical, mental, and cognitive well-being of the affected individuals. Furthermore, Long COVID may not affect everyone the same way. People with Long COVID may experience health problems from different types and combinations of symptoms that may emerge, persist, resolve, and reemerge over different lengths of time. The unpredictability in both the variance and severity of symptoms, and their duration, consequently impairs the ability of affected individuals to carry out daily activities and may result in a reduced quality of life.
Symptoms of Long COVID
There is a long list of common symptoms associated with Long COVID, affecting practically every major system in the body in some way or at some point. Here is a brief overview, much of which I’ve seen in my own practice:
- Fatigue – Persistent and overwhelming exhaustion, which can greatly impact daily functioning.
- Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness even during mild physical activity.
- Brain fog – Cognitive difficulties, such as problems with concentration, memory, and thinking clearly.
- Muscle and joint pain – Persistent or intermittent pain in muscles and joints.
- Headache – Frequent or persistent headaches of varying intensity.
- Chest pain or tightness – Discomfort or pressure in the chest area.
- Sleep disturbances – Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or having unrefreshing sleep.
- Loss of taste and/or smell – Persistent or recurring loss, or changes in taste and/or smell.
- Anxiety and depression – Increased levels of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Some individuals may also experience ongoing issues with the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, or neurological system.
Functional Medicine and Long COVID
Like the condition itself, the treatment of Long COVID typically demands a multifaceted approach. Functional Medicine is ideally suited for this task because of the holistic perspective it brings to identifying and managing the symptoms, which we’ve discussed can be very individual for each affected person. A Functional Medicine practitioner assesses your symptoms and develops a personalized treatment plan, which typically and particularly focuses on addressing the chronic fatigue and brain fog reported by the majority of Long COVID sufferers, and includes a comprehensive evaluation, nutritional support, and targeted mind-body techniques. When combined with specific acupuncture points to deal with systemic complaints, Functional Medicine is a very effective modality.
Here are some key components of the Functional Medicine approach for Long COVID:
- Comprehensive evaluation: This involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors to understand the contributing factors. Bioscan, or Biomeridian, also known as bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical currents in the body to assess various health parameters. Biomeridian assessments may potentially play a role in identifying and treating underlying chronic factors associated with Long COVID.
One aspect of Biomeridian assessments involves evaluating meridians and organs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Meridians are energy channels that are believed to connect various organs, and imbalances within these meridians can indicate potential health issues. Biomeridian assessments can help identify any imbalances or blockages within the meridians, which may aid in understanding how certain organs or systems are affected in Long COVID patients.
Additionally, Biomeridian can also be utilized to assess chronic underlying factors such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, respiratory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and more. For example, if the Biomeridian assessment reveals imbalances in the cardiovascular meridians, it helps to treat this underlying condition. Similarly, for diabetes, respiratory issues, or autoimmune disorders, Biomeridian assessments may help identify imbalances or dysfunctions in the related meridians or organs, providing a basis for targeted treatments or therapies.
- Nutritional support: A nutrient-rich diet plays a crucial role in supporting overall health and recovery. Functional medicine may involve personalized dietary recommendations, including adequate intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods to promote healing and boost energy levels.
- Gut health optimization: The gut microbiome has a significant impact on overall health, including immune function and the production of neurotransmitters affecting cognitive function. Addressing gut health issues, such as dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) or leaky gut, through targeted interventions like probiotics, prebiotics, or dietary modifications, may help improve brain fog and fatigue symptoms, digestion, absorption, and strengthen the immune system.
- Mitochondrial support: Dysfunction of mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production, can contribute to fatigue. Functional Medicine may involve supporting mitochondrial function through targeted supplements, such as Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, or NAD+, to enhance energy production and alleviate fatigue. Other beneficial supplements include Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin C.
- Stress reduction and sleep optimization: Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can exacerbate fatigue and brain fog, reducing immune system strength. Implementing stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, Yoga, or relaxation exercises, along with improving sleep hygiene and addressing sleep disorders, can be beneficial. Supplements such as Baikal Skullcap, Lemon balm, Passionflower, and Melatonin can also offer support in this area.
- Exercise and movement: Gradual and tailored exercise programs can help improve energy levels, strength, and overall well-being. Supplements are a great way to boost the body when exercising, particularly with Biotin and amino acids, among others. It is essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate exercise plan considering individual abilities and limitations.
- Mind-body approaches: Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), neurofeedback, or acupuncture may be recommended to address cognitive symptoms, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.
Acupuncture and Long COVID
Acupuncture can play an important role in helping with long COVID recovery by addressing various symptoms and conditions that persist after the acute phase of the illness. It is an effective treatment for pain, inflammation, fatigue, stress and a host of other complaints, all common symptoms found to accompany Long COVID. Here’s how acupuncture can help:
- Pain Relief: Many Long COVID patients experience persistent pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. Once the underlying source of the pain is identified, acupuncture can deliver targeted relief or alleviate the pain altogether. For example:
- Improved Circulation: Acupuncture can enhance blood flow to the affected area, promoting the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells, which can aid in tissue healing and reduce pain.
B . Restoration of Nerve Function: Acupuncture can stimulate nerve pathways, helping to restore normal nerve function in the area and reduce pain signals sent to the brain. It may also release endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals.
- Activation of Specific Acupoints: Acupuncture relies on the insertion of needles into specific acupuncture points that have been identified as having analgesic effects. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can activate the body’s natural pain-modulating mechanisms, providing targeted pain relief.
- Inflammation Reduction: Long COVID often involves chronic inflammation in various body systems. Acupuncture can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation by stimulating specific points that have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Respiratory Support: Some Long COVID patients may continue to experience respiratory issues like shortness of breath, chest congestion, or cough. Acupuncture can help clear the lungs, improve lung function, and remove phlegm by stimulating specific points associated with the respiratory system.
- Energy Restoration: Fatigue and low energy levels are common in Long COVID. Acupuncture can help restore energy levels by improving blood circulation, regulating the nervous system, and rebalancing the body’s energy flow. This can lead to increased vitality and reduced fatigue.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Long COVID can cause significant mental and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). Acupuncture can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation, aiding in stress management and improving mental well-being.
- Sleep Improvement: Many long COVID patients struggle with sleep disturbances and insomnia. Acupuncture can help regulate sleep patterns, promote relaxation, and alleviate insomnia by addressing underlying imbalances in the body.
So much is still unknown about how, why and how long Long COVID and its mixed bag of symptoms will occur or can last. Since this is a health condition that is here to stay, it’s most important to note that the treatment for Long COVID should be personalized and tailored to individual needs. It should also be noted that everything written above is true for immune system enhancement during cold and flu seasons. The holistic health care approach of Functional Medicine in conjunction with acupuncture is an effective treatment method to consider if you are one of the countless sufferers looking for answers and relief.
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If you’re interested in exploring Functional Medicine approaches, with or without acupuncture for your health concerns related to Long COVID, schedule a FREE consultation with us to develop a treatment plan. Contact our office: 301-881-2898 or email us at: [email protected].