Find out how TCM can help you recover from Long COVID!

After contracting COVID, you drank lots of water and rested well at home. After 1 week, you are COVID-free. But why are you still coughing? If you have a persistent cough for weeks or even months after recovering from COVID, you may have Long COVID. This is a condition whereby people infected with COVID continue to experience symptoms for 4 weeks or longer. Other than coughing, you may face other symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, brain fog, and more. You are not the only one experiencing this. As of 2021, nearly 145 million people worldwide have post-COVID symptoms (Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation). You may be worried that these symptoms will accompany you forever, that you will not be able to work and socialise like you used to. Thankfully, with solutions like TCM, Long COVID is treatable. Why TCM? It is a natural and effective treatment that identifies and targets the root cause of your symptoms for long-term resolution. If you want to say goodbye to your long COVID symptoms for good, read on to find out how TCM can help you.

What is TCM’s Perspective on Long COVID?

From a TCM perspective, COVID-19 is categorised by a combination of dampness, toxins, and heat in your body. These conditions obstruct the flow of Qi in major organs like the lungs, kidneys, spleen, and heart.

Qi deficiency in the lungs and kidneys is responsible for cough and breathlessness, and chest pain is associated with an obstruction of blood and qi to the heart. A weakened liver, kidney, and spleen will result in neurological issues like fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness as well. As our immune system fights hard to get rid of the virus, our bodies utilise even more Qi and become too weak to expel the dampness and toxins. Hence, the Qi deficiency remained unresolved, causing persistent long COVID symptoms.  

How can Singapore Paincare TCM help to treat Long COVID?

At Singapore Paincare TCM Wellness, we provide a customised treatment involving TCM acupuncture, moxibustion, and traditional Chinese herbs to reactivate your body’s natural healing abilities to combat post-COVID symptoms. This is how each TCM treatment can benefit you:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a widely recognised form of TCM treatment that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into unique pre-identified acupoints on the body. During this process, you may feel a range of sensations from heaviness, numbness, and soreness to distension and warmth. The objective is to promote Qi and blood flow throughout the body.

By correcting Qi deficiency, major organs like the liver, kidney, and spleen can function better to combat coughs, chest pain, and fatigue. In addition, acupuncture can stimulate the release of pain-relieving hormones like endorphins to help with headaches and joint pain.

The improvement in overall yin-yang balance helps with your body’s homeostatic functions such as digestion and sleep. With that, you get to have a full-body recovery to regain your pre-COVID health.

Herbs

Herbs may be prescribed by our physician to complement TCM treatments for improved efficacy. Our physicians will have a consultation with you to better understand your symptoms before giving you specific herbs that strengthen your organs with improved Qi and blood flow. Our herbs can be easily consumed without the need for cooking as they are in a powdered concentrate, capsule, tablet, or pill form.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a painless process that involves the burning of mugwort leaves in the form of a stick near your body’s meridians and acupuncture points. The heat can stimulate the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the major organs, strengthening your body for recovery.

Commonly used to improve digestion and regulate the menstrual cycle, moxibustion can also resolve fatigue and joint pain which are common long COVID symptoms. Performing moxibustion with acupuncture can expedite the recovery process.

Easy DIY Remedies to Improve Long COVID Symptoms

If you are too busy to seek out TCM services, here are some easy TCM remedies like acupressure and herbs that you can do at home to relieve some of your symptoms:

Cough & Shortness of breath

Breathlessness is the consequence of a combination of liver and kidney Qi deficiency, phlegm build-up, and pathogenic cold invading the lungs. Hence, the following techniques help to remove any Qi blockages in the major organs:

Acupressure

1. 定喘 Ding Chuan:

Function: Stabilise breathing, and relieve cough and asthma symptoms.

Location: Upper back, 0.5 inches to the left and right from the seventh cervical vertebrae ie. The first protruding bone that you can feel on your spine. Apply steady pressure on the point for 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

2. 太渊 Tai Yuan:

Function: Curb coughing, wheezing, sore throat, and chest pain. 

Location: Place your hand straight on the table. Raise your thumb and feel for the depression between the raised tendon (on the thumb side) and the crease of your wrist. Apply pressure on that point for 1 to 3 minutes. 

Food

1. Apricot Kernel (杏仁):

Function: Treat cough and remove toxins. Sweet apricot kernels are better for those with dry coughs, while bitter apricot kernels are more suited for those with asthma.

How to prepare: Bitter apricot kernels are mildly toxic, hence they should be soaked and boiled in water before consumption. You can eat the apricot kernel seeds after peeling off the skin.

2. Ginkgo (白果):

Function: Improve blood circulation and symptoms of asthma including breathlessness.

How to prepare: Remove the skin, boil the ginkgo with hot water, then place them in cold water for a few hours. After that, you can add them to soup or any other dishes of your choice.

Note: Avoid ginkgo if you are epileptic, prone to seizures, pregnant, or have a bleeding disorder.

3. Walnuts (核桃):

Function: Contain omega-3 fatty acids to support lung health. Can also improve brain health and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

How to prepare: You can eat them raw or roasted. Add them to any dishes of your choice or you can eat them as a snack.

Chest pains

Chest pain is attributed to Qi and blood deficiency in the heart, causing poor blood circulation throughout the body. Tonifying the heart will help to relieve some of your chest pain.

Acupressure

1. Dan Zhong (膻中):

Function: Relieve chest pain, heart palpitation, and shortness of breath

Location: Using your thumb or the heel of your palm, place pressure at the center of the chest (midpoint between the nipples) and rotate 50 to 100 times while taking deep breaths.

2. Nei Guan (内关):

Function: Regulate heart Qi flow and open the chest, relieving stress and tiredness

Location: Middle of the wrist (between the 2 tendons), 3 fingers below the wrist crease line. Apply pressure for 3 to 5 minutes while taking deep breaths.

Food

1. Rose Tea (玫瑰花):

Function: Contain polyphenols that can reduce pain caused by inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that can boost your immune system.

How to prepare: Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of rose petals to boiling water. Steep the petals for 5 minutes before straining for maximum benefits. You could add a small spoonful of honey for some sweetness.

2. Panax notoginseng (田七):

Function: Relax blood vessels to improve blood flow, which helps to relieve chest pain, reduce swelling, and lower blood pressure. It also nourishes the heart and liver, lowering the risk of diseases.

How to prepare: Make it as soup alongside other ingredients like red dates, chicken, and other seasonings of your choice. Alternatively, you can get them in powder or pill form.

3. Immune Plus (免疫宝):

Function: Contains carefully harvested and processed herbs to boost your immune cell function.

Where to buy: You can get them at our TCM Wellness Clinic @ Marina Square #03-134-136

Fatigue

As our immune system works hard to keep out the virus, our body’s Qi becomes depleted, causing tiredness.  Acupuncture and herbs can help to replenish your organ’s Qi.

Acupressure

1. Zu San Li (足三里):

Function: Regulate your blood and qi flow and remove dampness, which can strengthen your gastrointestinal tract. This helps to improve digestion as well as your overall energy.

 Location: At the anterior side of your calf, place 4 fingers below your kneecap (index, middle, ring, and little fingers). Use your thumb and press on the spot below your little finger for 15 to 20 times per minute, up to a total of 5 to 10 minutes. You should be able to feel some soreness.

2. Qi Hai (气海):

Function: Regulate lungs and abdomen Qi flow

Location: 1.5 inches (about 2 fingers) below your belly button. Use your thumb or palm to rub the spot for about 100-200 times.

Food

1. Rose Tea (玫瑰花):

Function: Hydrates the body which can reduce fatigue and headaches. It also contains antioxidants that can boost your immune system for a faster recovery.

How to prepare: Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of rose petals to boiling water. Steep the petals for 5 minutes before straining for maximum benefits. You could add a small spoonful of honey for some sweetness.

2. Ginseng (党参):

Function: Like rose tea, ginseng has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which help to strengthen your immune system. It also helps to increase cellular energy production, which has energy-boosting effects.   

How to prepare: Cut ginseng into slices and steep them in hot water to make ginseng tea. Otherwise, you can add them to soup or stir-fried dishes.

Note: As ginseng is also known to lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should be careful with the amount of ginseng they eat.

3. Brain Power Plus (脑力宝):

Function: Specifically formulated with Chinese herbs, ginkgo biloba extract, phosphatidylserine (a nutrient found in brain cell membranes), and vitamin E, this product helps to improve and maintain your energy levels while optimizing brain health.

Where to buy: You can get them at our TCM Wellness Clinic @ Marina Square #03-134-136

Lifestyle:

Our bodies need time to fully replenish their Qi. Hence, taking rest is important for physical and mental recovery. Limiting alcohol or smoking, along with a balanced diet, will nourish the body with sufficient nutrients for a fuller recovery.

Dizziness

An excess of phlegm, pathogenic wind, or fire in our body disrupts blood flow to the brain. Coupled with Qi and Yin deficiency in our liver and kidney, our brain lacks blood and nourishment, causing light-headedness. The lack of blood flow to the inner ear can also result in vertigo, which is the sensation that your surrounding environment is spinning.

Acupressure

1. Feng Chi (风池):

Function: Expels pathogenic wind out of the body, stimulating more blood flow to the brain.

Location: Place your thumbs on 2 points between the base of the skull and the top of the neck (near your hairline). You should feel 2 slight indentations where the trapezius tendons end. Apply pressure in a circular motion for 1 to 3 minutes.

2. Nei Guan (内关):

Function: Regulate heart and lung Qi flow which is useful in treating nausea and vomiting.

Location: Middle of the wrist (between the 2 tendons), 3 fingers below the wrist crease line. Apply pressure for 3 to 5 minutes while taking deep breaths.

Food:

1. Red date (红枣):

Function: Remove yin deficiency, regulate and nourish Qi and blood flow to relieve headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

How to prepare: You can eat them raw, or use them to make tea, soup and other dishes.  

2. Prunella vulgaris (夏枯草):

Function: Commonly known as self-heal, this plant can expel pathogenic fire and improve Qi flow to the liver, achieving therapeutic effects for dizziness, headaches, eye pain, and more.

How to prepare: Add some leaves to boiling water to make tea. It is also sold as a pill or extract form.

3. Brain Power Plus (脑力宝):

Function: Specifically formulated with Chinese herbs, ginkgo biloba extract, phosphatidylserine (a nutrient found in brain cell membranes), and vitamin E, this product helps to improve and maintain your energy levels while optimizing brain health.

Where to buy: You can get them at our TCM Wellness Clinic @ Marina Square #03-134-136

Brain Fog

Brain fog, which indicates having problems with your memory and concentration, is associated with spleen dampness. This results in a lack of kidney Qi nourish the other organs like the heart and the brain with blood and oxygen, leading to poorer cognitive function and fatigue.

 Acupressure:

1. Bai Hui 百会

Function: Clear the mind, relieve headache and dizziness.

Location: Place your thumbs on either side of your ear apex and lay your middle fingers on top of your head. The acupoint is the point where your middle finger connects. Apply pressure on that point in a circular motion for 5 minutes.

2. Si Shen Cong 四神聪

Function: Clear the mind and relieve headaches and insomnia.

Location: There are 4 points: one inch north, east, west, and south from Bai Hui acupoint. Massage the areas for 5 minutes every day.

Food:

1. Lotus seeds 莲子

Function: Contains Vitamin B1 that provides energy to the brain and nervous system, increasing neurotransmission in the brain to enhance cognitive function. Additionally, lotus seeds have sedative properties which help to alleviate headaches and insomnia.

How to prepare: Can be consumed raw, roasted, or as extra ingredients in dishes.

2. Wolfberries 枸杞

Function: Replenish Qi in the liver and kidneys, thereby nourishing the brain to improve concentration. Extra benefits include improving vision, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening your body’s immune system.

How to prepare: Can be eaten raw or added to dishes like porridge, soup, tea, and other stir-fried cuisines.

Note: Wolfberries are not recommended for pregnant women and people who are taking blood thinners.

3. Brain Plus 脑力宝

Function:  Specifically formulated with Chinese herbs, ginkgo biloba extract, phosphatidylserine (a nutrient found in brain cell membranes), and vitamin E to boost brain performance. This product helps improve and maintain your energy levels while optimizing brain health.

Where to buy: You can get them at our TCM Wellness Clinic @ Marina Square #03-134-136

Insomnia

Normally, yang qi will dominate during the day while yin qi increases at night to relax our body and mind. However, illnesses like COVID and insufficient rest exhaust our Qi, resulting in a yin-yang imbalance. Consequently, we get into a state of restlessness and sleeplessness at night. Below are some tips to regulate your Qi:

Acupressure

1. Shen Men (神门):

Function: Regulate the Qi and blood in the heart, which helps to calm the mind.

Location: Place your finger on the hollow at the base of your inner wrist crease near your pinky finger (beside the pisiform bone). Apply pressure for 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Bai Hui (百会):

Function: Clear the mind, relieve headache and dizziness.

Location: Place your thumbs on either side of your ear apex and lay your middle fingers on top of your head. The acupoint is the point where your middle finger connects. Apply pressure on that point in a circular motion for 5 minutes.

Food:

1. Longan (龙眼):

Function: Longans can replenish the spleen and heart Qi, which relieves rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and forgetfulness. From a western perspective, longans reduce a stress hormone called cortisol, which helps with relaxation as well.  

 How to prepare: Can be eaten raw when the skin is peeled or added to desserts for a sweeter flavour. However, you should keep it to 9-15g per day as excessive amounts can develop phlegm in your body.

2. Red date (红枣):

Function: Tonify the Qi and blood in the body to re-establish yin-yang balance. It is also an antioxidant that helps to protect your neuronal cells from damage, thereby strengthening your cognitive function.  

How to prepare: Can be eaten, added to soup and dishes, or steeped in hot water to drink as tea.

3. Lily (百合):

Function: Calms the mind and regulates the heartbeat for a restful sleep. It also contains antioxidants to protect your nervous system, which can alleviate brain fog too.

How to prepare: While fresh lily flowers are also edible, dried ones will last longer. For dried flowers, you have to soak them in warm water for a few hours until they become soft and cut off the hard edges before cooking them. You can save the water for tea or soup. Lily flowers can be fried as a stand-alone dish or added to other meats or vegetables.

4. Sleep Plus (安眠宝):

Formulated with natural herbs and lemon balm, Sleep Plus can help to reduce stress and prompt relaxation. You can get them as a bottle of 60 capsules at our TCM Wellness Clinic @ Marina Square #03-134-136.

Get the Appropriate Pain Care

 At Singapore Paincare TCM Wellness, we integrate a unique east-west approach to maximise the effects of our treatments. Our physicians and therapists undergo multiple training at Singapore Paincare Academy (administered by Singapore Paincare Medical Group) to gain a better understanding of clinical conditions so that together with their TCM expertise, they can help patients recover.

If you and your loved ones wish to recover from Long COVID, call @ 6266 2168 or WhatsApp @ 9824 1758 to book an appointment with us today.