Post COVID-19 syndrome has been documented in medical journals such as Journal of American Medical Association. There have been news reports and interviews with individuals who have suffered from long term symptoms for 6 months, 9 months and those who continue to suffer. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Unfortunately, once the patient recovers from acute and severe symptoms of COVID-19 treatment ceases. There is limited or no rehabilitation treatment.
In the ancient science of herbal prescriptions for viral or bacterial infections and epidemics, distinct phases of an illness were recognized and distinct formulas were given. The acute phase where the illness has not yet gone into the organs of the lungs or stomach, more progressed phases where the illness enters those and other organs and finally a recovery phase were diagnosed. In the recovery phase the body was replenished with formulas to rebuild the immune system and help the organs to regain strength.
Currently, for post COVID-19 syndromes, with these herbal formulas and acupuncture we are equipped to help the patient fully recover. For example there are formulas which are indicated specifically for a cough resulting from a previous illness that has become chronic. This formula will contain herbs that address remaining inflammation, regulate the immune system and help the damaged lung tissue to rebuild.
Modern medicine has recognized that the COVID-19 virus can attack the heart, liver and kidneys as well as the lungs and stomach. Herbs in recovery formulas that are indicated for specific organs will assist the body in repairing those organs. For example:
Fructus Lycii (Goji berries) - enters the liver, lungs and kidneys
Radix Astragali - enters the lungs and spleen
Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis - enters large intestine, lungs, spleen and stomach
Rhizoma Chuanxiong - enters the liver, gall bladder and pericardium
Furthermore, these herbs not only go to the organs but can also go to specific parts of the body. Rhizoma Chuangxiong will go and can direct other herbs to go to the head, chest and pelvis. Since this is a blood moving(circulating) herb it can alleviate pain in those areas and is one of the herbs used in formulas to alleviate headache.
In addition to herbal formulas and acupuncture the slow and gentle exercises of Qi Gong and Tai Chi are also very beneficial to aid in recovery.