Acupuncture for breathlessness in COVID-19

Abstract

Background: At present, accumulative attention has been paid to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to its global prevalence. Acupuncture may play a beneficial role in patients with breathlessness in COVID-19. This study is designed to determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for breathlessness in COVID-19. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) will be searched from 7 electronic databases, with the last search update being 30 June 2020. Studies by registers of clinical trials will be additionally searched. Two investigators will independently select studies, extract data and evaluate study quality. Finally, a meta-analysis will be used to evaluate the pooled intervention effect if possible. Results: Our present findings will indicate the application of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for dyspnea in COVID-19, which will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: Our study will provide a reference foundation for clinical optimization of treatment. Prospero registration number: CRD42020182323.

Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms? Based on bioinformatics/network topology strategy

“…Although acupuncture may be effective against COVID-19 [ 24 , 30 , 80 , 85 ], no study has systematically investigated its potential mechanisms against COVID-19. Here, by using a potent strategy of bioinformatics and network topology, we aimed to uncover the integrative mechanism of acupuncture against COVID-19.…”

“…No adverse reactions or complications were found, and no acupuncturists were infected. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are currently being conducted to treat COVID-19 patients with TCM, including acupuncture [ 80 , 85 ]. Meanwhile, some systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating COVID-19 are under way [ 30 , 80 , 85 ].…”

“…A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are currently being conducted to treat COVID-19 patients with TCM, including acupuncture [ 80 , 85 ]. Meanwhile, some systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating COVID-19 are under way [ 30 , 80 , 85 ]. Functionally, acupuncture therapy may ease the negative emotions in patients, relieve symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue [ 30 , 70 , 80 , 82 , 85 ], playing a role in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19.…”

“…Meanwhile, some systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating COVID-19 are under way [ 30 , 80 , 85 ]. Functionally, acupuncture therapy may ease the negative emotions in patients, relieve symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue [ 30 , 70 , 80 , 82 , 85 ], playing a role in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19. In particular, the meta-analyses of RCTs have shown that acupuncture is an effective adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment to improve symptoms in patients under medical treatment for respiratory disease, such as asthma and COPD [ 31 , 70 ].…”

Ultra-Low-Level Laser Stimulation of LU7 Lieque Promotes Breath Functionality: Could it be of help in Covid 19 Rehabilitation? - A Multiple Case Report

“…It is the Luo opening point of the Ren Mai, the extraordinary Meridian governing all the yin meridians. It can be stimulated to nourish the yin energy of the whole body and lower the symptoms of Kidneys yin deficit in heat or emptiness syndrome [22][23][24] .…”