How TCM Can Help to Improve Long COVID Symptoms

The rapid spread of COVID-19 caused the whole world to come to a standstill merely a few years ago. While the pandemic has changed the way we live, it is also a relief to see that the world is slowly returning to normal as we all learn to coexist with the disease. 

However, many who were infected or got reinfected are still grappling with the aftereffects of COVID-19. Although most patients recover within four weeks after infection, some find that symptoms persist for four to 12 weeks and sometimes even beyond this period. 

Also known as ‘long COVID’, these long-term effects can take a toll on both our mental and physical health. TCM, being a form of preventive medicine, provides holistic practices that aim to improve one’s health from within and can help to alleviate some of these lingering symptoms. 

If you have been infected and are still struggling with post-COVID symptoms, keep reading to find out how some of these TCM practices in Singapore can lend a helping hand. 

Common Post-COVID Symptoms

Here is a list of the common persistent symptoms you may be experiencing. 

• Fatigue that interferes with daily life
• Shortness of breath
• Lingering cough 
• Heart palpitations
• Brain fog also known as difficulty concentrating
• Change in smell or taste
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Stomach issues like diarrhoea and pain
• Joint or muscle pain

Tackling Long COVID Symptoms with TCM Practices

There is no need for you to resign to fate or wait it out till symptoms disappear on their own. In TCM, these symptoms are a result of your body’s Qi being depleted after fighting the infection, causing your immune system and key organs to weaken. 

As TCM practices aim to restore the body’s balance and achieve harmony between the internal organs and external elements, many of these long COVID symptoms get alleviated in return. 

Here is how various TCM practices can nurse you back to optimum health post-COVID: 

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of TCM therapy that involves inserting thin needles into acupoints located throughout the body to treat pain and promote overall wellness. It works by easing blockages of your Qi and Blood, allowing your body to self-heal naturally.

This targets joint and muscle pain as stimulating the acupoints results in endorphins, a natural painkiller, being released to provide pain relief. Additionally, acupuncture tackles brain fog and fatigue too so you can concentrate better at work.

The benefits of acupuncture do not just end there – it even helps with menstrual problems by removing any Qi stagnation or blockages to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. If you noticed that your menstrual cycle has become irregular after infecting COVID-19, consider visiting a TCM clinic in Singapore for acupuncture treatments. 

Learn more: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Helps With Menstrual Problems

2. Herbal Medications

Your physician may also prescribe customised herbal medications to work in tandem with acupuncture.

Different herbs are known to support varying organs and address different health concerns. Thus, when you visit a TCM clinic, the physician will evaluate your constitution and understand the root cause of your symptoms before coming up with tailored herbal medications that will target the underlying imbalances.

Herbal medications can treat and soothe a lingering cough, and help with nasal congestion that has been altering your smell sensitivity and taste buds.

3. Moxibustion

Your digestive system can also become weak after infecting COVID-19, causing issues such as diarrhoea, bloating and stomach pain. Moxibustion is a form of TCM therapy which involves burning mugwort leaves along the meridians to increase the circulation of Qi, helping your body deal with a wide range of issues including but not limited to digestive problems.

Aside from relieving stomach problems, moxibustion can also help with fatigue and muscle and joint pain that is often experienced in long COVID. It can sometimes be paired with acupuncture for quicker results.

Combat Long COVID Today

Consult a physician at a TCM clinic in Singapore today for your long COVID symptoms. 

At Thomson Chinese Medicine, we provide a range of TCM therapies including acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medications that will help you to get your health back on track. 

Book an appointment!