Can Acupuncture Help with Long COVID Symptoms?
Long COVID, also referred to as post-COVID-19 condition, is experienced by at least 10% of COVID-19 sufferers, with as many as 30-40% estimated to suffer from extended symptoms weeks to months after their first bout. Long COVID's lingering symptoms can encompass debilitating fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, anxiety, and sleep disorders that greatly impact daily living. Western medicine has scant treatment protocols available for this complex condition, yet newer studies suggest that acupuncture, a therapy form from Traditional Chinese Medicine thousands of years in the making, holds great promise in alleviating many Long COVID symptoms.
At Open Care Community, we are treating increasing numbers of patients who are seeking calming, whole-person care in their Long COVID recuperation. Our sliding-scale acupuncture sessions (50$–$90, +$15 for the first visit) make this evidence-based therapy affordable for all those suffering through Long COVID recuperation because healing shouldn't depend on your zip code or your finances.
What Is Long COVID and What Are Its Common Symptoms?
How Does the CDC Define Long COVID?
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) characterizes Long COVID as new, recurring, or prolonged health conditions that individuals develop 4 weeks or more after first infected with SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization characterizes post-COVID-19 condition as when symptoms happen in individuals who have prior suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from when those symptoms first start, with signs that are prolonged for more than 2 months that can't be explained by another diagnosis.
What Symptoms Are Most Frequently Reported?
The most observed Long COVID symptoms are:
Fatigue (prevalent in up to 70% of patients)
Brain fogginess and difficulty concentrating (65%)
Shortness of breath (60%)
Joint and muscle pain (55%)
Headache (50%)
Sleep disorders (45%)
Anxiety and mood swing (40%)
Depression (35%)
No perception of taste or smell (30%)
Sternum pain (25%)
How Long Do Long COVID Symptoms Typically Last?
Long COVID symptoms can persist for months or years following initial infection. Scientific research explains that while others may recover in a few months, others will possess symptoms that are always changing or are chronic after 12 months or longer. Such inconsistent character in symptoms tends to give rise to individuals' frustration as well as anxiety.
Are Certain Populations More at Risk?
Reports show that women, individuals aged over 40, those with comorbidities, and individuals who had experienced severe acute COVID-19 are possibly at increased risk of developing Long COVID. However, individuals who experienced primary mild infections are also capable of developing lingering symptoms.
How Acupuncture Works from Biomedical Models to Chinese Medicine Models
What Physiologically Occurs under Acupuncture Treatment?
From a biomedical standpoint, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body that trigger measurable physiological responses. Research shows that acupuncture can:
Regulate the autonomic nervous system, assisting in changing the body from chronic states of "fight-or-flight" stress to "rest-and-digest" healing patterns
Decrease inflammation by cytokine as well as immune modulation
Enhance circulation and delivery of tissue oxygenation
Release endorphins and other neuropeptides that reduce pain and improve mood
Stimulate the communicating nerve tracts to the spinal cord and the brain
How Is Acupuncture Explained in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) suggests that disease arises when your qi (pronounced "chee" — your body's life energy) gets blocked or thrown into imbalance. Long COVID symptoms, in the TCM understanding, are usually the result of the following combination of:
Persistent pathologic stimuli from primary viral infection
Stagnation of Qi and blood due to lassitude and pain
Disorder of the five zones, in particular the Lung, Spleen, Heart, and Kidney zones
Impaired defensive qi (your immune system's energetic operation)
What Are Some Points Typically Utilized for Severe Cold Symptoms?
Acupuncturists often select points such as:
ST36 (Zusanli): Boosts energy and immune function
LU9 (Taiyuan): Supports respiratory function and circulation
KD3 (Taixi): Strengthens constitutional energy
DU20 (Baihui): Clears brain fog and supports mental clarity
Yin Tang: Calms anxiety and promotes emotional balance
👉Interested in exploring acupuncture for your Long COVID symptoms? Schedule a private or community appointment in downtown Brooklyn today. Book your visit
What Does Research Say About Acupuncture for Long COVID?
Are There Clinical Studies on Acupuncture for Post-COVID Symptoms?
Acupuncture for Long COVID has gained rapid traction in the scientific literature. A trailblazing systematic review in Frontiers in Neurology in 2024 scrutinized 110 randomized controlled trials involving over 8,500 individuals. Acupuncture effectively alleviated very common neurological as well as neuropsychiatric manifestations in Long COVID, including:
Fatigue scores improved by an average of 2.27 points compared to medication and 3.36 points compared to sham acupuncture
Depression ratings decreased by 1.62 points versus medications and 9.47 points versus sham treatments
Cognitive function improved with better scores on mental state examinations
Sleep quality enhanced significantly across multiple measurement scales
Which Long COVID Symptoms Show the Most Promise?
A retrospective cohort study in 2024 involving 79 Long COVID cases treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine observed that acupuncture was administered to 85% in their treatment regime. Following an average of 7 consultations with TCM physicians, global symptom improvement was rated by physicians as 62% ± 29%, with maximum improvements in:
Fatigue (P < .001)
Physical performance (P < .001)
Shortness of breath (P < .001)
Memory and concentration (P = .003)
What Are the Limitations of Current Evidence?
Though promising works are available, to this date, few works have specifically targeted Long COVID instead of aiming for analogous Long COVID-like conditions. Initial case works as well as preliminary pilot studies that specifically targeted Long COVID are promising. There are numerous works still in progress in the clinical trial registry that are examining the application of acupuncture to manage Long COVID symptoms.
How Are Researchers Approaching This Topic Globally?
Increasingly, world research teams are recognizing the potential of acupuncture. Medical Acupuncture observed in 2022 that "acupuncture is a practical adjunctive health care intervention as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment plan for symptom management and disease control to improve quality of life in Long COVID individuals."
Which Long COVID Symptoms Can Acupuncture Potentially Help With?
Can Acupuncture Help with Fatigue and Brain Fog?
Fatigue and cognitive dysfunction are among the most debilitating Long COVID symptoms. Research shows acupuncture can help by:
Regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that affect energy and mood
Improving sleep quality, which is essential for cognitive recovery
Reducing neuroinflammation that may contribute to brain fog
Supporting mitochondrial function at the cellular level
A case series from South Korea in 2023 found that marked alleviation from fatigue was observed in 16 Long COVID patients after 12 acupuncture treatment sessions, with benefit persistence up to 4 weeks post-treatment
Is Acupuncture Beneficial for Respiratory Problems?
Even after COVID-19, some individuals continue to experience post-viral breathing problems, despite having normal lung scans. Acupuncture might be beneficial by:
Easing respiratory muscles and alleviating breathing pattern disorders
Enhancing oxygen use at the tissue level
Decreasing inflammation and hypersensitivity in the airways
Assisting lung function with better circulation
Can Acupuncture Address Anxiety and Sleep Disorders?
In long COVID, there is often marked anxiety related to symptoms and sleep, which further sustains the illness cycle. Alongside this, acupuncture treats the following:
Activating the parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation
Regulating cortisol and stress hormones
Improving heart rate variability, a marker of nervous system health
Supporting natural melatonin production for better sleep cycles
How Might Acupuncture Support Immune Regulation?
Emerging research suggests Long COVID may involve dysregulated immune responses. Acupuncture has been shown to:
Modulate inflammatory cytokines that may remain elevated post-infection
Support regulatory T-cell function for balanced immune responses
Improve gut microbiome diversity, which affects immune function
Enhance natural killer cell activity for ongoing viral clearance
👉Ready to explore acupuncture for your Long COVID symptoms? Our Brooklyn practitioners understand the complexity of post-viral recovery. Book your consultation
How Does Treatment Work at Open Care Community for Post-COVID Recovery?
What Can I Expect During My First Session?
Your initial visit begins with a comprehensive consultation where we listen to your unique Long COVID experience. We'll ask about:
Timeline of your symptoms since COVID infection
Which symptoms impact you most
Your energy patterns throughout the day
Sleep quality and stress levels
Any digestive or emotional changes
We'll also conduct traditional TCM diagnostic methods, including pulse and tongue examination, to understand your individual pattern of imbalance.
Does Open Care Offer Private or Community Options?
Community Acupuncture: Our multi-treatment room provides individualized care in a comfortable, supportive environment. Long COVID patients are usually reassured by the group healing energy while still receiving personalized point selection.
Private Sessions: For challenging cases or those who like one-on-one time, private appointments provide longer treatment time as well as other modalities such as cupping or gua sha.
Will Treatment Be Tailored to My Specific Symptoms?
Absolutely. While some points are commonly used for post-viral recovery, your treatment protocol is customized based on:
Your specific symptom pattern
Constitutional strength and energy levels
How symptoms affect your daily life
Response to previous treatments
Can Other Treatments Be Combined?
Yes! We often integrate:
Herbal consultations for internal support and immune modulation
Cupping therapy for respiratory symptoms and muscle tension
Gua sha for circulation and lymphatic drainage
Tui na massage for overall system support
Is Acupuncture Safe for Long COVID Patients?
Are There Any Risks Patients Should Know About?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when administered by state-licensed acupuncturists. The systematic review in 2024 found that only 7.8% of the individuals recorded any undesirable occurrences, which were usually light and included:
Minimal bruising in needle sites
Short-tempered or irritated (usually indicative that the person is uncomfortable)
Moderate dizziness (usually due to relaxation)
How Can I Ensure I'm Seeing a Qualified Practitioner?
At Open Care Community, all our acupuncturists are:
State-licensed in New York with strict education needs
Experienced in post-viral illness and complex chronic disease
Pledging to lifelong learning in integrative medicine practices
Educated in trauma-informed care for patients suffering from chronic diseases
What are Open Care's Precautions?
We observe stringent safety measures such as:
Single-use, sterile needles per treatment.
Extensive health screening before treatment
Gentle, slow treatment management in sensitive patients
Clear communication regarding what to anticipate
What do individuals report altering?
Typical enhancements are:
Enhanced energy levels in 3-4 sessions
Enhanced sleep quality is typically experienced after the first treatment
Enhanced mental sharpness transitioning through 4-6 weeks
Reduced anxiety about symptoms
General sentiment of progress and hope
How Many Sessions Are Typically Required?
Though individual responses are diverse, most patients report noticeable progress in the first 3-4 sessions. Best results usually involve:
8-12 treatments to provide significant symptomatic relief
Once-weekly therapy in the first four weeks
Regular appointments every 2-3 weeks for ongoing benefits
It is not necessary to deal with post-COVID symptoms by yourself. Find out how acupuncture and whole-person care can aid your healing process. Begin your healing
What Other Complementary Therapies Can Treat Long COVID?
Can Chinese Herbal Medicine assist in Recovery?
Yes, herbal medicines can provide inner help to:
Regulation of the immune system through herbs like Yu Ping Feng San
Replenishing energy with tonifying herbs like ginseng and astragalus
Lung-relieving herbs with respiratory expectorant aid
Sleep and relief from anxiety through relaxing, soul-calm remedies
How Can Bodywork Contribute to Recovery?
Cupping: Improves circulation to expel lingering pathogenic factors
Gua sha: Reduces inflammation and enhances lymph drainage
Tui na massage: Enhances circulation of the chi and relaxes muscles
What is the Contribution of Nutrition and Rest?
Recovery involves augmenting your body's healing potential through:
Anti-inflammatory nutrition emphasizing whole foods
Adequate protein for tissue repair and immune function
Good sleep as the foundation of recuperation
Quiet exercise like tai chi or qigong Reduction in stress by meditation or counseling
👉Interested in exploring acupuncture for your Long COVID symptoms? Schedule a private or community appointment in downtown Brooklyn today. Book your visit
How Do I Know If Acupuncture Is Right for Me After COVID?
What Questions Should I Ask Before Booking?
Consider these key questions:
How long have your symptoms persisted?
Are you open to a gradual, holistic healing approach?
Can you commit to consistent treatments for several weeks?
Do you prefer community or private treatment settings?
Who Should Consider Acupuncture for Long COVID?
Acupuncture may be particularly beneficial if you're experiencing:
✅ Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
✅ Brain fog affecting work or daily activities
✅ Sleep disturbances or anxiety related to symptoms
✅ Respiratory symptoms without clear medical explanation
✅ Multiple symptoms that seem interconnected
✅ Frustration with limited conventional options
Can Acupuncture Be Used With Conventional Treatments?
Absolutely! Acupuncture works well alongside:
Medications for specific symptoms
Physical therapy for strength building
Counselling for emotional support
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
Gradual return-to-work plans
✨We encourage coordination with your primary care team for comprehensive support.
What's the Next Step Toward Feeling Better Naturally?
How Can You Book at Open Care Community?
Getting started is simple:
Call us at (917) 426-1138 to discuss your needs
Email info@opencarecommunity.com with questions
Visit our website at opencarecommunity.com to book online
Walk-ins welcome during community acupuncture hours, though availability might be limited - scheduling online is always preferred
What Does Our Sliding Scale Mean for You?
Healthcare is a human right. Our sliding scale ($45–$90) means:
No income verification required—we trust you to pay what you can
Consistent access to quality care regardless of employment changes
Same expert treatment whether you pay $45 or $90
First visit is only $15 additional for a comprehensive assessment
How Should You Prepare for Your First Session?
Eat lightly 1-2 hours before treatment
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Bring a list of current symptoms and medications
Arrive 10 minutes early to complete paperwork
Come with an open mind about the healing process
Long COVID can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you don't have to navigate recovery alone. At Open Care Community, we've helped dozens of patients reclaim their energy, clarity, and hope after COVID-19. Our warm, experienced practitioners understand that healing takes time and that every person's journey is unique.
Research continues to validate what Traditional Chinese Medicine has known for centuries: the body has remarkable capacity to heal when given the right support. Acupuncture offers a gentle, evidence-based path toward recovery that honors both your symptoms and your humanity.
Your next step book an appointment today
📍Address: 44 Court Street, Suite 1000 (10th floor), Brooklyn, NY 11201
📧Email: info@opencarecommunity.com
📞Phone: (917) 426-1138
Booking: Book Online Here
FAQs
1. What is the best treatment for long COVID symptoms?
There is no single best treatment. Most approaches focus on symptom-specific care, pacing, nervous system support, and multidisciplinary therapies. Acupuncture may complement medical care by helping regulate inflammation, energy, and stress response.
2. Can acupuncture help with long COVID fatigue?
Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used to address chronic fatigue, improve circulation, and support mitochondrial and nervous system function, which may benefit long COVID–related exhaustion.
3. How are the Chinese treating long COVID?
In China, long COVID is often addressed with integrative care, combining conventional medicine with acupuncture, herbal therapy, breathing practices, and individualized treatment plans.
4. How can you speed up long COVID recovery?
Recovery often improves with rest pacing, gentle movement, stress reduction, nutritional support, and integrative therapies like acupuncture—under professional guidance.
5. What is a bizarre new symptom of Long COVID-19?
Some patients report unusual symptoms such as internal vibrations, altered smell perception, or temperature sensitivity, reflecting nervous system involvement.
