Multi-effective characteristics and advantages of acupuncture in COVID-19 treatment

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Immunology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents complex pathogenesis with limited specific treatments.
• Current COVID-19 management is primarily supportive, lacking targeted therapies for diverse symptoms.
• Acupuncture's potential to modulate inflammatory, neuroinflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways is recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize the mechanisms of acupuncture for COVID-19 symptoms and complications.
• To analyze acupoint selection for COVID-19-related symptoms using complex network analysis.
• To evaluate acupuncture's efficacy in improving clinical and concomitant symptoms of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across multiple databases.
• Complex network analysis of acupoints and associated symptoms.
• Review of evidence on acupuncture's impact on immune, neural, and physiological pathways.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture may improve respiratory, digestive, nervous, and psychological symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
• Mechanisms include inhibition of immune/neuroinflammatory reactions, regulation of oxidative stress, and HPA axis activity.
• Acupuncture can alleviate symptoms by influencing gut microbiota, mitochondrial function, and neurotransmitter release.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture demonstrates potential in managing a range of COVID-19-related symptoms and complications.
• Evidence suggests benefits for respiratory, digestive, neurological, and psychological manifestations.
• The complex mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects require further in-depth investigation.