Cupping and Acupuncture Healing

Cupping and Acupuncture Healing professional female specialist is doing cupping therapy on the back

September 15, 2024

Cupping and Acupuncture Healing therapies are emerging as promising treatments for easing fatigue, brain fog, and persistent Long Covid symptoms. While clinical data on their effectiveness is still limited, many Long-Haul Covid survivors, like me, have turned to these alternative methods in search of relief. Since contracting Covid on May 28, 2020, I’ve faced intense and ongoing symptoms, leading me to explore holistic approaches such as cupping and acupuncture.

These therapies, rooted in Eastern medicine, focus on treating the body as an interconnected system. By unblocking stagnant energy, they aim to restore balance and promote healing. As I continue this journey, I’m discovering how these ancient practices may hold the key to managing the long-term effects of Covid on my body.

Yesterday, I had my first acupuncture and cupping treatment since my Long Covid journey began. This feels like the start of a new chapter, one focused on healing and recovery. Following the treatment, I’ve been feeling quite drowsy, so I’ve been resting, staying hydrated, and sticking to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support my body’s recovery. For anyone undergoing similar treatments, I recommend taking it easy afterward, drinking plenty of water, and nourishing your body with light, healthy foods to maximize the benefits of the session.

As healthcare experts and doctors search for effective treatments for long-term Covid patients, acupuncture and cupping have emerged as promising solutions. Both are deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and are now making their mark in modern healthcare for treating complex conditions like Long Covid.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, known as Qi. By balancing this energy, acupuncture helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Acupuncture has long been used to treat chronic pain, migraines, and other conditions, and its applications are expanding as researchers discover its benefits for post-viral symptoms, including Long Covid.

What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy is another method from TCM, where cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps relax muscles. Cupping therapy is often used for pain relief, improving circulation, and removing toxins from the body. It is now being studied for its effectiveness in treating Long Covid symptoms, particularly respiratory and muscular issues.

Statistics on Long Covid Patient Outcomes Using Acupuncture and Cupping

Early studies and anecdotal reports suggest that both acupuncture and cupping therapies provide notable relief for Long Covid patients:

In a recent study, over 60% of Long Covid patients reported improvement in chronic fatigue after regular acupuncture sessions.
Another research found that 45% of patients experienced reduced muscle pain and better respiratory function after undergoing cupping therapy.
Patients who combined both acupuncture and cupping saw a 30% faster recovery rate from symptoms like shortness of breath and brain fog compared to those using standard treatments alone.

Common Long Covid Symptoms That Acupuncture and Cupping Improve

Both acupuncture and cupping therapies have been shown to improve a range of Long Covid symptoms, including:

Chronic Fatigue: Helps restore energy balance and reduce overwhelming tiredness.
Shortness of Breath: Eases respiratory issues by improving lung function and circulation.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Relieves tension, reduces inflammation, and enhances mobility.
Brain Fog: Increases mental clarity and cognitive function by balancing Qi.
Headaches and Migraines: Helps reduce frequency and severity by releasing blocked energy.
Sleep Disorders: Promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality for those struggling with insomnia.
Digestive Issues: Improves metabolism and reduces discomfort related to digestion.

Conclusion:

As research progresses, acupuncture and cupping therapy are emerging as promising treatments for Long Covid patients seeking relief. These therapies actively target the root causes of chronic symptoms, offering a holistic approach to healing that empowers patients and enhances their quality of life. Increasingly, healthcare experts, doctors, and patients are turning to these time-tested methods as innovative solutions in the ongoing battle against Long Covid.

I have made the choice to survive and thrive from this Long Covid Journey. I am profoundly grateful to the doctors who kept me alive throughout this long and difficult journey. Today, I experienced my first acupuncture and cupping session since recovering from Covid. Over the years, I’ve benefited from an excellent blend of Eastern and Western medical approaches, particularly under the care of Northwestern’s Long Covid Care, Dr. Jia Gottlieb at Still Mountain in Boulder, Colorado and Karyn Forman at Stillpoint Acupuncture in Evanston, Illinois.