Acupuncture For COVID Brain Fog
Tradition backed by modern research
By Physician Amanda Chua
04 Jul 2022
04 Jul 2022
2 months ago, Derrick Lim+, 35, was tested positive for COVID-19. It took close to a week before he was tested negative, but what caught him by surprise was the severity of “hang over” he felt. "I am constantly exhausted and find it difficult to focus at work,” he said. “My memory has deteriorated, I need a longer time before I can recall the names of some of my acquaintances.”
Derrick is one of the thousands of people worldwide complaining of brain fog after recovering from COVID-19.
Symptoms include:
fatigue
trouble with attention, concentration or memory.
What do we know about COVID-19 brain fog?
It is more common than we think. Nearly 85% of people suffering from post COVID-19 symptoms, and experience neurological symptoms, including brain fog.
It lasts much longer than we think. The average duration of the COVID brain fog is 7 months!
How does COVID-19 affect the brain?
Studies have shown that COVID-19 causes what is known as a cytokine storm. A cytokine storm causes inflammation that not only damages the body’s tissues, but also hinders the ability of brain neurons to communicate effectively, which causes the COVID-19 brain fog.
Can acupuncture really help??
WHO published a report recommending member states to consider the use of TCM, including acupuncture, to manage post COVID-19 symptoms. According to TCM principles, post-viral symptoms such as fatigue, lack of focus and shortness of breath are due to the weakening of the organs’ Qi (or healing energy) and Yin essence. Acupuncture helps improve the circulation of blood and Qi, which in turn boosts the healing and restoration processes of the various organs.
For individuals who are fearful of needles or who do not have immediate access to acupuncture, here’s a simple 3 minutes acupressure routine to help you with your COVID-19 brain fog!
Instructions before you start:
Get yourself into a comfortable position.
Spend 30 seconds for each acupoint, on each side of the body
Apply firm pressure in circular motion. If you are pressing on the right point, you should feel mild soreness.
Perform three-minute routine, once in the morning after breakfast and once before you sleep.
百会 Bai Hui
Location:
Mid-point of the head
Draw an imaginary line between the two apexes of the ear.
The intersection between this line and the mid-point of the head is this acupuncture point!
Function: Stimulating this point improves energy level in the body. This acupoint has been used for hundreds of years to help patients suffering from insomnia have a good night’s sleep.
合谷 He Gu
Location:
Point is located on the dorsum of the hand
In the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone
Function: According to TCM theory, Qi and blood aggregate at this acupoint, hence, stimulating He Gu will boost Qi and blood circulation.
足三里 Zu San Li
Location:
Bend your knee 90 degrees
Place four fingers below the outer depression of your knee cap
The point is located right below your little finger
Function: Zu San Li is commonly referred to as the “point of longevity”. According to TCM principles, Zu San Li is located along the Stomach Meridian, stimulating it will help strengthen the digestive system. A strengthened digestive system will help tonify our blood and “Qi” or healing energy, hence boosting our immunity!