Acupuncture Can Help Treat Post Covid Symptoms

Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a growing number of people contact us to ask if acupuncture can help treat post Covid symptoms.

These patients are given the diagnosis Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Studies indicate that about 10% of people infected with COVID-19 will experience long haul symptoms.

One physical manifestation that seems to be apparent in many patients who develop Long COVID is called a “cytokine storm”. Cytokines are inflammatory markers and in a “storm” they remain at an elevated level. Essentially, the patient’s body is stuck in overdrive. Calming the “storm” is key to providing relief from symptoms of Long COVID.

Although we don’t understand the mechanisms of Long-COVID, acupuncture can help to speed up the recovery process. In addition, acupuncture can strengthen the immune system and also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system helping the body to relax and rebalance. It’s as if we are hitting the body’s reset button.

Each treatment is customized, so while most treatment plans include acupuncture, some might also include herbal medicine, dietary intervention, cupping and/or gua sha.

In order to gauge progress, we like to see improvement within 1-2 weeks (treatment given 1-2 times per week) although many patients see improvement sooner. If patients aren’t improving in that timeframe, we then need to re-evaluate, re-strategize, and possibly refer out.

If you are suffering with “Long COVID” symptoms, you may benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Call us at 914.472.2600 to schedule an appointment so we can help you regain your health.