Case Report: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for olfactory dysfunction in the post COVID-19 condition

Abstract

Olfactory dysfunction in the post COVID-19 condition reported worldwide are refractory for some patients. For this reason, appropriate treatment is desired. In this article, we describe two cases of olfactory dysfunction in the post COVID-19 condition that was improved by traditional acupuncture treatment. By using the Yingxiang point (LI20), which is said to improve the sense of smell since ancient times, acupuncture treatment was performed 1–2 times a week in two patients about 6 and 7 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Acupuncture needles with a body length of 30 mm and a body diameter of 0.16 mm were inserted about 10 mm deep into the skin. We stimulated LI20 of the right and left sides until the patients felt the de qi sensation (acupuncture resonance), and left needles in the points for about 15 min. Immediately after the acupuncture treatment, the symptoms of olfactory dysfunction were alleviated, and the improvement in olfactory dysfunction lasted for 2–4 days. As the number of acupuncture treatments increased, the time until the flareup of olfactory dysfunction was prolonged, and the symptoms tended to decrease. In our experience, the acupuncture treatment was effective in a short period for treating residual olfactory dysfunction of the post COVID-19 condition, suggesting that acupuncture may serve as an adjunct to modern medical treatment, and it may also be a new option for patients who are resistant to Western medical treatment or unable to continue treatment because of side effects. In conclusion, acupuncture may be a new option for patients who are resistant to modern medical treatment or who are unable to continue treatment because of side effects.

Advances in the application of traditional Chinese medicine during the COVID-19 recovery period: A review

“…These are primary tonifying points that can regulate the organs of pulmonary, spleen, kidneys, and heart of patients during the recovery period to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate any remaining pathogenic factors. [ 88 ] A case report [ 89 ] also showed that acupuncture at the Yingxiang point (LI20), which supposedly improve the sense of smell, may have a possible positive effect on olfactory dysfunction in the post-COVID-19 condition.…”

Acupoint stimulation for long COVID: A promising intervention

“…Acupoint stimulation can effectively improve residual olfactory dysfunction after recovery from COVID-19 [56] . In a case report, a doctor treated olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19 with acupuncture at Yingxiang(LI20) [57] . Acupuncture was performed 1-2 times a week in two patients about 6 and 7 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19.…”

Effects of Sitting and Supine Positions on Tongue Color as Measured by Tongue Image Analyzing System and Its Relation to Biometric Information

“…Traditional medicine is now one of the most important treatment options, used by about 80% of developing countries and half of developed countries [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Among them, TCM, especially acupuncture, is reported by the WHO to be the most widely practiced traditional medicine in the world [9].…”