Most people with COVID make a full recovery within a few weeks. But some people —even those who have had mild versions of the disease —continue to experience symptoms that can last for months after their initial recovery. In the post-COVID recovery period, acupuncture can be very effective for faster recovery.

Older people and people with many serious medical conditions are more likely to experience long-term symptoms of COVID, but even young, otherwise healthy people can still be unwell for weeks or months after becoming infected. The most common signs and symptoms are severe fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint and chest pain or headache, muscle weakness, loss of smell or taste, problems with memory, concentration, or sleep, and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder after admission to the hospital or intensive care unit . And if left untreated, these symptoms can linger for a long time in the recovery period. Much is still unknown about how COVID will affect people over time.

Most "post-ovidial" patients have respiratory symptoms due to damage to the lung parenchyma by pneumonia. Acupuncture has proven to be a useful addition to regular treatment in patients with restrictive respiratory insufficiency such as COPD decompensation. Acupuncture improves the breathing capacity and quality of life of these patients. Since patients with COVID also suffer from shortness of breath due to alveolar lesions of the lungs, acupuncture also makes a significant contribution in this area. And acupuncture is beneficial, it regulates and strengthens the immune system in general. In addition, anxiety, depression and insomnia are very common in post-COVID patients. Acupuncture calms the nervous system and helps us to calm the stress hormones of flight and anxiety and to regulate the autonomic nervous system. In addition, many patients who have recovered from COVID complain of persistent cognitive effects or problems with memory and an inability to stay focused. This is especially true for patients who were in the intensive care unit.

And acupuncture helps improve cognitive abilities. Finally, it should be mentioned that acupuncture is a safe treatment with no side effects.

Therefore, in addition to regular treatment, lifestyle counseling with healthy eating, some exercise and good sleep, acupuncture can be of great help in recovery from COVID.