Long COVID & Post-Viral Fatigue

Long COVID and post-viral fatigue can occur when symptoms persist following a viral infection, sometimes continuing for months or longer after the initial illness has resolved.

Symptoms can vary considerably and may include fatigue, post-exertional malaise, brain fog, dizziness, poor sleep, headaches, breathlessness, palpitations and digestive disturbances.

Acupuncture for Long COVID & Post-Viral Fatigue

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to support people experiencing persistent symptoms following a viral illness.

Treatment is individualised and may focus on symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches, digestive symptoms, stress and nervous system regulation.

For people experiencing significant fatigue or post-exertional malaise, treatment can be adapted to their capacity on the day, using a gentle approach that does not unnecessarily tax the body.

Long COVID & Post-Viral Fatigue Through a Chinese Medicine Lens

Chinese medicine considers how an illness has affected the individual as a whole, rather than focusing on the diagnosis alone, however, in many cases part of this pattern can be understood as a ‘lingering pathogen’. Treatment involves complete venting of the pathogen to allow recovery.

Treatment may consider energy, sleep, digestion, breathing, dizziness, temperature regulation and other accompanying symptoms. Two people experiencing post-viral symptoms may therefore receive very different treatments.

The aim is to provide individualised support for symptoms and recovery while respecting the body’s current capacity.

If you are experiencing Long COVID or ongoing fatigue and symptoms following a viral illness, please GET IN TOUCH to discuss whether acupuncture or Chinese medicine may be a useful addition to your care.