COVID-19 virus has been at the forefront of all our minds this year. We are constantly bombarded by new daily infection numbers at home and abroad. One thing that doesn’t get as much attention are the recovery numbers. As we learn more about this epidemic and our treatment methods improve, our percentage of recovered patients will increase. But just because someone has recovered from COVID-19 doesn’t mean they are out of the woods.

The SARS epidemic in 2002 was caused by a similar coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1) as COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Some patients who recovered from that SARS-CoV-1 still had lingering health issues that persisted for up to 4 years after the initial infection. Those symptoms ranged from chronic fatigue and joint pain to shortness of breath. The Italian Health Ministry found that more than half of their recovered COVID-19 patients still had 3 or more related symptoms 60 days after their diagnosis. Interview studies done earlier this year by the CDC found that 20% of 18-34 year olds who had contracted the disease, but not been hospitalized, had not returned to their previous level of health. Current research from the University of Oxford reported that 1 in 5 recovered COVID-19 patients developed some form of psychiatric disorder.

Through the lens of Traditional East Asian Medicine, the COVID-19 virus is considered a Pestilence, or Pathogenic Damp Toxin. These diseases typically progress to deplete the body of Qi (Energy) and weaken the Yin (Muscle and Organs). Qi and Yin Deficiency can present as a lingering cough, chronic fatigue, low grade fever, or even mental/emotional disorders like memory issues and anxiety.

The Five Pillars of Traditional East Asian Medicine are Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Massage, Dietary Prescription, and QiGong/Therapeutic Exercise. Herbal remedies from the 2,000 year old classic ShangHanLun are being used in Chinese Hospitals at various stages of COVID-19 treatment and recovery. Acupuncture is an excellent modality for reducing inflammation and increasing low energy levels often seen in patients who have endured a prolonged illness. Hospitals in China have even used Traditional QiGong forms like the BaDuanJin (The Eight Brocades) as rehabilitation to increase lung function.

If you have any questions about Traditional East Asian Medicine and how it can work for you, please give us a call and schedule a (free) 30 minute consultation.

Portland: (207)773-5778

Brunswick: (207)844-8280

References:

Commentary: What We Know So Far About Post-COVID Syndrome

The Role of Chinese Medicine in the COVID-19 Epidemic (transcript)

After COVID-19 Diagnosis, Nearly 1 In 5 Are Diagnosed With Mental Disorder

Meet James Constantine DAIM, L.Ac! James received his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA, where he completed an 8 month orthopedics/sports medicine externship at UC Berkeley.

James works in our Portland office. Call today to schedule a free 30-minute consult or acupuncture appointments.

Portland: (207)773-5778