What is long haul covid?
An infection like covid is viewed through TCM lens as entering through layers deeper into the body. First it meets the immune system (or as well call it in TCM, wei qi). This is the period of time when the infected person experiences chills, fever, and sweating.
Then if the immunity is not strong enough against a pathogen like coronavirus, it penetrates into the deeper layer of lungs and intestines (Yang Ming in TCM). Whichever one is weaker (lung or large intestine) will manifest symptoms affecting the function of these organs such as cough or digestive discomfort. If the disease progresses, it will enter the deeper layer (Ying Qi) and cause damage to the actual organ such as pneumonia visible on X-ray. The final phase is when the pathogen invades the blood causing the most serious damage such as blood clots and cardiovascular damage.
Long term effects of Covid-19 can be detrimental to mental and physical health. Many are suffering from fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, memory loss, headaches, loss of taste and smell, and heart palpitations just to name a few. Almost half of people who were hospitalized with Covid-19 have lingering symptoms even a whole year later.
While fatigue and muscle weakness are most common, nearly all symptoms of this infection can persist. Anxiety and depression, shortness of breath, weakness are all negatively impacting the long haulers’ quality of life.
How does electro-acupuncture help with long term sequelae?
When the body clears the infection, the remaining weakness can be explained by constitutional weakness exacerbated after the fight with a serious pathogen. Acupuncture is an incredible support because it can nourish damaged tissues, provide oxygen and nutrients to the organs that were hit the hardest, and give the immune system a much-needed reset to calm down lingering inflammation. Acupuncture is especially exception in regulating emotions, calming down anxiety and elevating mood.
Some sub-modalities of acupuncture such as cupping or moxibustion are especially helpful for blood circulation and tissue oxygenation, while electro-acupuncture excels in releasing calming and “happy” neurotransmitters and relieving pain.
In fact, electro-acupuncture is a way for the body to receive “free” electrons. A good supply of electrons is how the body can protect itself from oxidative stress (which can be described as lack of electrons) and protects, reduce inflammation and recover from pain and fatigue.
Electro-acupuncture treatment can also help for the loss of taste and smell. There are acupuncture points that activate the areas of the brain correlates with these senses and stimulate the blood flow to the sensory orifices.
Receiving acupuncture comes with many other benefits including a boost of energy, better mood, sleep, and digestion. In other words, acupuncture stimulates the body to restore its normal function. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, which causes more blood and oxygen to flow through the body to all the organs so they can function efficiently and to the best of their abilities to provide a healthier immune system. Adding electro-stimulation to acupuncture amplifies its effect for a more robust and faster healing.
Why do we add ozone sauna therapy to the treatment of long covid?
Ozone infrared sauna is very beneficial because it is activated oxygen, which is helpful for muscle aches, pain and inflammation. It allows oxygenation of all the tissues in your body promoting more energy. It helps get rid of any bacteria, fungi and viruses. Sweating allows the body to release toxins and heavy metals through the skin. Together with acupuncture, ozone helps oxygenate all tissues which relieves both mental and physical fatigue and improves mood, focus and energy.
Acupuncture and ozone combined stimulate blood flow and bring oxygen rich blood to the brain to relieve headaches and migraines, alongside improving mental health such as anxiety, depression and stress. Long Covid brain fog is decreased immediately with ozone therapy. Ozone triggers the body’s own anti-inflammatory mechanisms
These treatments combined allow your body to feel rejuvenated and to mentally and physically feel better as the treatments continue. These treatments will make you feel like yourself and will only improve!