Acupuncture now the jab of choice for long-Covid patients

Jul 27

LONG-COVID sufferers are avoiding over-crowded hospitals and trying their luck with alternative medicines instead, it has emerged. The shift to treatments such as acupuncture comes as fears grow about the highly infectious new strain of Covid known as Arcturus, or XBB.1.16.

Cases of the variant have tripled in Ireland and are on the rise around the globe, leading to mask laws being reintroduced in India, where five British nationals died from Arcturus.

Professor Stephen Griffin, chair of independent SAGE, a group of scientists who pro- vide advice to the UK government and public, said people should go back to regular testing and mask-wearing, adding: ‘This may seem like a throw-back to last year, but the reality is the virus continues to do harm and those least able to cope continue to suffer.

Meanwhile, Dublin-based acupuncturist William O’Donnell has reported a big increase in people with long Covid coming to him for help.

The licensed acupuncturist and owner of AcuFusion, in Blanchardstown, Dublin, has been using acupuncture to treat chronic ailments for more than five years.

Mr O’Donnell saw a big rise in long Covid sufferers turning to acupuncture instead of going to overwhelmed GP surgeries and hospital A&Es during and after the pandemic.

Mr O’Donnell, who always advises clients to visit their GP first, said: ‘Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating these conditions, and as a result, many people have turned to this ancient medicine for relief.

‘Acupuncture treatments are individualistic and tailored to the person.’

‘The pandemic has given people time to look inwards. We saw the good, bad and the ugly in ourselves and society.’

He continued: ‘During the pandemic, many people experienced heightened levels of stress, anxiety and physical pain. The aftershocks are still palpable and will continue to persist until people face up and seek treatment.

‘Aftershocks are still palpable’

‘Not all of their symptoms can be attributed to long Covid; some may have been brewing already – we will never know.’ He added that ‘people need help regardless’.

International estimates show that between 10 and 20% of Covid patients develop longer-term symptoms.

Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, myalgia (muscle pain), depression, stomach problems and sleep disturbance.

Mr O’Donnell said: ‘Ireland is no exception. Since there is no specific way to treat the condition, doctors prescribe medications based on an individual’s symptoms. Many patients are put on steroids or antiviral drugs designed to treat seizures, high blood pressure or muscle weakness. ‘It’s a trial-and-error process, but unfortunately, not all long Covid sufferers get the relief they seek. This is when they turn to acupuncture.’ Mr O’Donnell added that his clients have seen ‘very positive results’ after a number of acupuncture sessions.

Acupuncture involves inserting tiny, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate blood flow and initiate a biochemical response. This results in the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters which promote the healing process.

Research into acupuncture’s impact on long Covid patients is being carried out by UK- based clinical oncologist Dr Imogen Locke, who is treating 160 patients with 15-minute sessions over six weeks. While the full results are not expected until 2025, Dr Locke reportedly said participants ‘do seem to be responding’.