Most people when they’ve had any type of viral illness recover and that’s the end of it. This illness is different. Covid-19 seems to linger in a manner that is uncharacteristic for viral behavior. While most people recover without any lingering symptoms, for others it just seems to hang on, and on, and on! This is now referred to as “Long Haul” Disease or Syndrome, or “Post-Covid-19” syndrome.
Some of the common signs or symptoms that linger include: cough, chest tightness (not associated with cardiovascular disease), shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue (usually a deep fatigue), joint pain, mood changes (such as anger, irritability, anxiety, or depression), memory loss, brain fog, or difficulty focusing, insomnia, hair loss (can start 3-6 months post-covid), headache, dizziness, muscle pain (worsened after exercise), heart beat that is either faster or harder than normal, high blood pressure that isn’t responding as typically expected to BP medications, nausea and low grade fever.
That’s quite a list and it’s growing! Little about this virus is typical. Many physicians are discussing what works to help these suffering individuals and what isn’t. Doctor’s, like myself, who have been in practice for decades, have never seen anything like this. With lots of experience under our belts we have come to rely on certain remedies that work for like conditions. But this doesn’t seem to follow the rules.
However, as time goes on, we are figuring it out and coming up with protocols that help. Understanding the pre-covid state of health seems to be key, however, like I stated above, this virus isn’t following the rules.
I am a huge fan of acupuncture and the good it does for most health conditions. Fortunately, this ancient form of medicine, combined with our modern understanding of nutrition, herbal medicine and supplements geared towards building the body up, rather than symptom chasing, is making a positive dent in the recovery of this crazy disease. Patients are amazed at how much better their long-haul symptoms are after each and every acupuncture treatment. It is why, after over 30 years of practice in acupuncture, I continue to love this healing art that has withstood the test of time and proven itself over and over again in research and health recovery.
If you are suffering from the chronic residuals of this disease, consider acupuncture and a practitioner skilled in acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition.
©2022 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
