Acupuncture for the Win!
Will it end C word Groundhog Day????
As some of you know, I have been receiving acupuncture treatments for Long Covid. I caught Covid again in July (only 6 months after having it again in January of 2023), traveled by plane to visit family in mid-August and caught Covid again either in the airport or on the airplane during the return trip. My oldest son who was also traveling with me caught it as well. I told mom that it sucked to feel crummy for our visit, but in a Pollyanna moment, I recognized the role that unfortunate Covid event played in leading me down the acupuncture treatment path.
My body has paid a health price for traveling, but I have also managed to gain some insight into Long Covid Dysautonomia due to a visit with my mom’s chiropractor who has some extra training in neurological health conditions. This has pointed me down the path of seeking acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for treatment (primarily because the same kind of chiropractic care that my mom’s chiro offers is not available where I live). I am very thankful for the care Dr. Wilson gave me while I was home visiting my family which made it possible for me to be able to travel back home again (to where I currently live) after a very painful flare up of my lower back happened. There are some good articles backing up the success of acupuncture in treating dysautonomia and long covid so I am confident it will be helpful. As I write this, I have already had 4 treatments and I am already seeing improvements in my condition. I am also thankful for the care that Dr. Ly has given me, and I have learned that acupuncture can also be helpful for cancer patients.
From- The Mediterranean Lifestyle - by Stephanie Schaible (substack.com)
My acupuncture treatments started shortly after Labor Day, and I received 2 treatments per week for the first 2 weeks. I was in pretty bad shape when I walked into Dr. Ly’s office, but he assured me that he has had much success in treating Long Covid, and that his patients have not been getting re-infected, and that he has never had Covid himself. He also asked me about my blood type and shared that he noticed that many of his Long-Covid patients were Rh negative which I found very interesting. He encouraged me to rest and to sleep so that my body would heal and to help him, help me, by avoiding things that would make my body acidic which meant eliminating coffee and alcohol from my diet which I had not been consuming anyway. He also asked me to limit sugar, fried foods, and dairy. Oddly enough, I had stumbled across a video that talked about The Acid-Base Disruption Hypothesis for Long Covid around the time I began seeing Dr. Ly, so I found his recommendation to limit foods that contribute to acidic inflammatory conditions in the body to be interesting and understandable, especially since I was already familiar with the role of bicarbonate in cancer treatment as well as the use of bicarbonate in viral infections.
”…..acute disease outcomes were worse in patients with high or low blood bicarbonate levels.”
Hypothesis: inflammatory acid-base disruption underpins Long Covid
Front. Immunol., 14 April 2023
Sec. Viral Immunology
Volume 14 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150105
Most of my symptoms after this latest round of covid in July were neurological, the fatigue was terrible as usual, and the mental/emotional funk was extra horrific which validates, in my mind, some of the latest scientific epiphanies such as -
Low serotonin linked to long COVID
and
Now, researchers studying people who reported these and other symptoms months postinfection propose a new possibility: That inflammation in response to SARS-CoV-2 causes a drop in serotonin—a chemical messenger involved in regulating mood and digestion, among myriad other functions—which in turn causes cognitive problems.
Low serotonin levels might explain some Long Covid symptoms, study proposes
Dr. Ly told me that I would feel a little “floaty” and relaxed after treatments, but he failed to mention that the floaty relaxation would come later because the first 2 weeks of treatments totally wiped me out. I barely moved for 2 days after each of these treatments, and I was super glad my husband was able to drive me to and from my appointments. I figured when Dr. Ly said he wanted me to rest and sleep so that I would heal, he meant it!
I was prepared for the needles which were no problem, they went in pain free, but the electro part of the acupuncture was another story. The thunk, thunk, thunk of the current pulsing through the needles into my body was a bit unpleasant, but I was determined to see it through.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body called acupuncture points, which are thought to be connected to our body's energy pathways, or meridians. By inserting thin needles into these points, acupuncturists believe they can help balance the flow of energy (or voltage) within the body, leading to various health benefits.
By tapping into the body's voltage through the acupuncture channels, we can stimulate the production of new cells and help the body repair itself more efficiently. This could explain the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects often attributed to electro-acupuncture. Furthermore, electro-acupuncture helps to remove toxins from the body, which could otherwise damage newly formed cells.
In addition to these benefits, electro-acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow, reduce stress hormones, and improve immune function. All of these factors contribute to a healthier, more resilient body, which can better withstand the challenges of daily life.
In addition to electroacupuncture, I was also given wet and dry cupping treatments (stimulates blood flow, promotes healing and restores balance) as well as vitamin C and B12 injections at each visit and various Chinese herbs to take home. The first bottle of tea pills I was given helped my tinnitus (ear ringing), which was really bad this time. At the time of this writing, the ringing in my ears has gone away. The first treatment calmed my nervous system down considerably and by my 3rd round of treatments my brain fog cleared up, my sleep improved, the intense nerve flares at night calmed, the burning in my legs stopped, and my energy level started to improve. I started feeling more like myself again as my mood also began to lift.
After receiving treatments twice a week for the first 2 weeks, I went once per week for 2 weeks which was in September. Then in October, I tapered down to treatments every 2 weeks. I had a treatment today which was 3 weeks from my last appointment at the first of November and I have been doing great! I have lots of energy and my sense of well-being and improved mood have felt wonderful. I have been able to keep up with my daily activities which have included the hard and rewarding work of caring for and helping to train my sons new puppy while he is at work, fall harvest and garden activities, traveling to meet my new grandchild, hosting my parents visit and hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Dr. Ly has said to continue to taper off on my treatments for as long as I am doing well. I am scheduled to go back in 3 weeks and then I will decide if I want to extend the time between my treatments to 4 weeks. I am very thankful for what the treatments have done for me and I can whole heartedly agree that-
Acupuncture Produces Long COVID Relief
and
More and more research has revealed that acupuncture can regulate immunity, for example, to enhance anticancer and antistress immune function and exert anti-inflammation effects.
Protects Intestinal Mucosal Immune Barrier in Sepsis.
Ameliorates Crohn's Disease by Regulating the Balance between Th17 and Treg Cells in the Intestinal Mucosa.
Regulates the TLR2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis
…significantly improved the immune function of mice.
and
Acupuncture is effective in alleviating autonomic nervous system dysfunction-associated symptoms in its indications
It was found that acupuncture effectively alleviates ANS dysfunction-associated symptoms in its indications, such as migraine, depression, insomnia, functional dyspepsia, functional constipation.
The autonomic nervous system: A potential link to the efficacy of acupuncture - PMC (nih.gov)
In other Covid news, both of my parents got Covid on their return flight after their visit with us and Dr. Ly told me today, that he is hearing reports of more Covid cases in our area, so I’m hoping that my acupuncture treatments will help me to not get reinfected. I have also cut back on many of the supplements that I have been relying on. I am currently taking D3 with K2 daily along with magnesium as well as a multivitamin, a probiotic, and Zyrtec. I have also been enjoying some Hawthorne tea occasionally which is good for the heart (physical and spiritual). And I’ve been learning more about why Covid is so good at what it does. For example-
and
I can’t help but wonder if what we know about autoantibodies to interferon in other autoimmune conditions might be related to what happens in Long Covid.
Autoantibodies against one or more cytokines have been reported in a number of rheumatological conditions, but their biological role remains undefined. The notable exception is SLE, in which autoantibodies against numerous cytokines, including type 1 interferon, have been reported.
I have also stumbled upon an OTC medication that stimulates the production of Interferon in the body which should help combat the Covid induced delay in interferon production response noted above. It has been safely used in other countries to prevent and improve viral infections, including Covid. It is not made in the USA, but I have been able to order it and after a long wait due to shipping from faraway places, do now have some in my medicine cabinet to try if and when that Covid feeling ever comes my way again. I may even consider using it as a preventative, if I travel by airplane again. I will be providing the name of the medication and all of the notes I have made about it, but it will only be made available at the end of this newsletter.
I hope that you might find what I have shared here to be helpful and that all of the long haulers among us find the help and answers that they are looking for.
Best Wishes,
Stephanie
*Leaving Death in the Dust is a newsletter and is not a replacement for professional, regulated, medical, healthcare. It is informational and educational. Some of us in this community may have worked in the healthcare system, but we are not your medical provider and whatever you find here is not the establishment of a professional medical relationship or medical advice.
Bonus CONTENT (Paid)
SARS-CoV-2 triggers the production of the antiviral protein IFN-γ, which is associated with fatigue, muscle ache and depression. New research shows that in Long COVID patients, IFN-y production persists until symptoms improve, highlighting a potential biomarker and a target for therapies.
Anaferon and pediatric anaferon based on release-active antibodies to interferon-gamma (R-A antibodies to INF-gamma) proved to be efficient in the treatment of many viral infections. Immunomodulating (immunotropic) properties of the drugs were revealed in the preclinical studies at many Russian and foreign research medical institutions and are reviewed herein. Anaferon and pediatric anaferon stimulated the humoral and cellular immune responses and increased the neutrophil and macrophage activity. The crucial mechanism of the immunotropic action of R-A antibodies to INF-gamma was the effect on the system of interferons and in particular on INF-gamma and functionally conjugated cytokines, resulting in normalization of the functional activity of the innate factors of the immune defense and increasing of the antiviral action. The broad spectrum of the immunotropic activity provided the success of anaferon and anaferon pediatric for more than 10 years in the treatment and prophylaxis of the diseases associated with disorders in the immune system functional state.
[Immunotropic properties of anaferon and anaferon pediatric] - PubMed (nih.gov)
Anaferon purchase information-
Amazon.com: Anaferon 20 Tablets
Amazon.com: Anaferon for Children 20 Tablets : Health & Household
Anaferon, Information and Instructions for Use
Anaferon for adults belongs to the group of homeopathic remedies that have an immunomodulatory effect and a pronounced antiviral effect. With the help of activation of certain parts of the human immune system, the natural formation of gamma - interferon occurs, which stimulates the work of immunity, aimed at combating infection of a viral nature.
Anaferon was originally developed in Russia where it saw its first widespread use for the treatment of acute viral and bacterial infections. Eventually, it was tested as a prophylaxis in adults and children. Anaferon is part of a drug class called interferon. When a cell is infected with a virus it releases interferons also known as cytokines which are signaling proteins that essentially warn nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses. When a cell is under viral attack, one of cytokines released is Interferon gamma (IFN-y) which is the primary activator of macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils. Anaferon is a released-active form of antibody that targets the stimulation of INF-y and activation of the innate immune response.
Source-
Jan. 30, 2020, 09:00 AM
WEST CALDWELL, NJ and TORONTO, ON, Jan. 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE – EastGate Biotech Corp. (OTC: PINK: ETBI), a pharmaceutical company, that focuses on innovative technological developments specifically in insulin drug delivery for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, announced today that the company along with its partner EastGate Biotech Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the international marketing rights of Anaferon for the treatment of the novel 2019 Coronavirus, commonly called the Wuhan Coronavirus. Stock of the drug is immediately available and EastGate Pakistan is in discussions with various interested parties.
Although a robust interferon response can help viral infections, studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 inhibits and delays the interferon response.
See more here-
Early immune response may influence COVID-19 progression (medicalnewstoday.com)
Anaferon contributes to the rapid relief from cold and other viral symptoms, relief from nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, tearing and rhinitis. In contact with the mucous membranes of the oral cavity Anaferon exhibits a pronounced antiviral effect. In parallel, the likelihood of the addition of a bacterial infection, as well as the occurrence of superinfection, is reduced. Usually, when combining the drug Anaferon with other anti-inflammatory or heat-lowering agents (ie Tylenol), their dose is reduced (you won’t need to use as much Tylenol). *The effectiveness of Anaferon in the treatment and prevention of various respiratory diseases has been proven. Most often, the drug is prescribed against herpes viruses, influenza, enterovirus (stomach bugs). The tool is active against tick-borne encephalitis viruses and coronavirus, as well as avian influenza virus.
Notably, anaferon is also effective in infections caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which are more frequently (compared to other viral ARIs) associated with lower respiratory tract complications, and are not presently addressed by any specific treatments [12]. From- Anaferon, released-active from of antibodies to interferon-gamma, as an effective medicine for treatment and prophylaxis of a wide spectrum of infections (oatext.com)
Anaferon is available in tablet form. Blister contains 20 tablets. It is packed in individual cardboard packaging containing data on the series and term of validity. In addition to the blister in the package is an instruction describing the drug. Use the tool by slow resorption in the oral cavity.
Anaferon is indicated for the following diseases:
The long-term experience of anaferon’s application has proven its efficacy for the treatment and/or prevention of a wide range of infectious diseases of various etiologies as well as mixed infections:
acute viral respiratory infections caused by influenza virus A (including the А/H5N1 and А/H1N1 flu viruses) and B, adenovirus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, etc.;
herpesvirus infections caused by varicella virus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex (types I and II) virus;
acute viral intestinal infections caused by calicivirus, coronavirus, or rotavirus;
and demonstrated its therapeutic effects in tick-borne encephalitis, pseudotuberculosis, yersiniosis, whooping cough, haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, tubulo-interstitial nephritis, enteroviral and meningococcal meningitis, chlamydial infection, epidemic parotitis, enterovirus infections (Coxsackie A and B viruses, ЕСНО).
· treatment of infections that have developed on the background of immunodeficiency states, as well as the prevention of such diseases.
· Contraindications
· For the treatment of children under the age of 18 years, give children's Anaferon. Anaferon for adults is allowed for use by persons who have reached the specified age. The main contraindication is the existing hypersensitivity to any component of the drug or an additional substance specified in the instructions. During breastfeeding or lactation requires the permission of the attending physician.
Dosing and Administration
Adults should use the drug by long-term resorption in the oral cavity strictly between meals. Hold the tablet in the mouth until dissolved.
In the treatment of viral respiratory infections, neuroinfections, intestinal diseases provoked by viruses, with flu, treatment should be started as soon as possible.
One tablet per dose (the tablet should be held in the mouth until it is completely dissolved, not during the meal).
When giving Anaferon to younger children (6 months - 3 years old), use Anaferon Pediatric Form of Medication. The tablet is recommended to be dissolved in a small volume (a tablespoonful) of drinking water at room temperature.
Standard Dosing For Influenza and most other viruses-
On day 1, five tablets are taken in the first 2 hours (one tablet every 30 min), followed by three more tablets regularly spaced during the rest of the day.
From day 2 on, one tablet is taken three times daily until complete recovery. If no improvement occurs by the third day of treatment of acute respiratory virus infections and influenza, a doctor should be consulted.
Throughout the epidemic season for prophylaxis (preventative) purposes the drug is administered 1 tablet daily for 1-3 months. If necessary, Anaferon can be co-administered with other antiviral and cold medications.
Anaferon is not recommended for use in children below age of 6 months due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.
Treatment of herpes lesions:
During the first 3 days, Anaferon should be taken 8 times a day, 1 tablet under the tongue. Further course should not be less than 3 weeks for longer lasting lesions. During this period, the required dosage is 1 tablet 4 times for 24 hours.
Clinical efficacy of anaferon in herpesvirus infections, which are among poorly controlled ones, has been demonstrated in a number of ramdomised studies. The drug was shown effective against 4 out of the 8 herpesviruses pathogenic for humans. Anaferon results in the elimination of herpes simplex virus in non-symptomatic host patients. It substantially decreases the duration of symptoms in varicella aka chicken pox (fever duration, development of new lesions and itching) [16] and infectious mononucleosis (duration of sore throat, lymphadenopathy, Banti’s syndrome) [17], and the occurrence of bacterial complications.
Anaferon is well compatible with specific anti-herpes-virus therapies (acyclovir, valacyclovir), which, together with the former, provide an effective combination for resolving both systemic and topical symptoms of recurrent genital herpes [18], managing recurrent ocular herpes infections [19], and treating infectious mononucleosis [20].
If there is a need for the prevention of possible exacerbations of herpetic (liver) diseases, Anferon is taken 1 time per day, 1 tablet. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor. Sometimes the prophylactic course takes about six months.
Prevention and therapy of immunodeficiency states is carried out according to the scheme 1 dose per day once. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor.
For emergency prophylaxis, for example, after a tick bite, you should take a course with the drug Anaferon lasting for 21 days. The required dosage is 1 tablet three times a day.
If necessary, joint administration with other symptomatic or antiviral drugs is possible.
Side effects
The product is considered safe; rare reactions of an individual nature are possible in the form of hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to the components. There is a possibility of dyspeptic (stomach) upset if more than the recommended dosage is taken. A small laxative effect is caused by the presence of additional components in the composition of the tablets.
special instructions
If the patient has congenital galactosemia, Anaferon is better not to use it. Limitations of use also apply to people with insufficient digestibility of lactase, galactose or glucose, malabsorption syndrome. There is no information about the safety of Anaferon in nursing mothers and women carrying a child. These groups of persons are allowed to use the drug only for medical purposes.
The incompatibility of the components of the drug with other means is absent, therefore, parallel use of Anaferon with other drugs is allowed.
Anaferon has no effect on concentration. There are no restrictions on driving.
Anaferon is a homeopathic drug. In the pharmaceutical market there is a huge range of other products that have antiviral effects. The most famous and effective are Kagocel, Arbidol and Aflubin. The composition of these drugs is not identical. Appointment of a suitable method of treatment is within the competence of the doctor.
Pharmacological properties Pharmacodynamics: The medicine exerts antiviral effects upon prophylactic and therapeutic administration. Effectiveness is established experimentally and clinically towards influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, herpes simplex virus of type 1 and 2 (labial herpes, genital herpes), other herpes virus diseases (varicella, infectious mononucleosis), enterovirus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, rotavirus, coronavirus, calicivirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus. The drug reduces the concentration of virus in the affected tissues, influences on the system of endogenous interferons and related cytokines, induces the production of endogenous ''early" interferons (IFN a/β) and interferon gamma (IFN γ). The drug stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Affinity-purified antibodies to human interferon gamma (Anaferon) increases antibody production (including secretory IgA), activates the functions of T-effectors and T-helpers (Th) and normalizes their ratio. The drug increases the functional reserves of Th and other cells involved in the immune response. The drug induces combined Th1 and Th2-type immune response through enhancing the production of Thl (IFN γ, IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4, 10) cytokines, normalizes (modulates) the Thl/Th2 activity balance. The drug increases the functional activity of phagocytes and natural killer cells (NK cells).
Due to its immunomodulatory activity in addition to the marked antiviral effect, anaferon can be successfully used in infections secondary to immunodeficiencies, and for managing chronic infections, which are particularly refractory to treatment as a result of high virus mutability and their ability to suppress the immune response [22].
The clinical evidence accumulated is indicative of a high safety of anaferon, including when administered in young children (neonates and older infants): no serious drug-related adverse events have been reported; it is safe in patients with co-existing conditions, including children with atopic disease (allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, acute urticaria), and specifically – noninfectious and infectious allergic (atopic) asthma. Owing to its high safety, anaferon has a number of advantages over recombinant interferons, which may produce complications.
In summary, the numerous nonclinical and clinical studies conducted have demonstrated that anaferon has a broad range of antiviral and antibacterial activities, which, given almost no adverse events due to the drug, make it a product of choice for treating infectious diseases of different etiologies (including in infants < 1 year of age), and infections in the presence of underlying medical conditions.
Early immune response may influence COVID-19 progression (medicalnewstoday.com)
Abstract
Anaferon (pediatric formulation) reduces the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections in sickly children and children with bronchial asthma and has a positive effect on the course of asthma. The preparation produces an immunomodulating effect (increases initially low IFN-gamma levels and normalizes elevated levels of IL-1beta), stimulates synthesis of IgA and IgG, exhibits cytoprotective activity, and improves local immunity of the upper airways in sickly children.