Acupuncture in acute COVID-19 treatment: A review of clinical evidence

Introduction

By May 5 2023, WHO announced the end of the pandemic due to declining COVID-19 cases and deaths, coupled with high levels of immunity from vaccination and previous infections. However, the virus remains a global health threat with potential for new variants. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has shown promise in treating various conditions, including respiratory infections. This review investigates acupuncture's impact on acute COVID-19 infection and its potential as a complementary therapy.

Methodology

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and CNKI, focusing on the impact of acupuncture on COVID-19 patients.

Results

The search yielded 35 studies, with five meeting the inclusion criteria. These included two randomized clinical trials and three case reports, all incorporating acupuncture alongside conventional treatments.

Case reports and clinical trials indicated that acupuncture improved symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and cough in COVID-19 patients. Acupuncture was associated with elevated SpO2 levels, reduced heart rate, and an anti-inflammatory effect. Studies highlighted that acupuncture may activate neuro-immune pathways, leading to modulation of immune responses.

Common acupuncture points used included S 36 Zú sān lǐ, and LI 4 Hé gǔ. Techniques involved inserting needles at specific depths and angles to achieve the Deqi sensation, with treatments lasting 20–30 min per session.

Conclusion

Acupuncture appears to be a valuable complementary therapy for managing acute COVID-19 infection. It enhances clinical outcomes by alleviating symptoms and reducing recovery time. Further research is warranted to fully integrate acupuncture into standard COVID-19 treatment protocols.