Acupuncture + Chinese Herbal Medicine for Post-COVID Syndrome

(ACUCM-LC Trial)

Overseen By Leah Grout, PhD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Southern California University of Health Sciences

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Pulmonary fibrosis, Cancer treatments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 17

Duration: 8 weeks

10 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine whether acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can alleviate symptoms of long COVID. Researchers seek to assess the usability, patient satisfaction, and effectiveness of these treatments in improving symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and breathing issues. The trial includes 16 acupuncture sessions over eight weeks, with some participants also taking herbal supplements. Individuals who have had COVID-19 and continue to experience common long COVID symptoms, like tiredness or difficulty thinking clearly, for at least four weeks may be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore alternative treatments for long COVID symptoms.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for long COVID patients?

In past studies, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have shown promise in treating symptoms similar to those experienced by long COVID patients. Research shows that acupuncture, in particular, can help manage several symptoms simultaneously, which is often difficult with medications.

Regarding safety, studies suggest that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is generally well-tolerated. Related trials have reported no major negative side effects. This indicates that most participants did not experience serious problems from the treatments. Therefore, if considering joining this trial, current evidence suggests these treatments might be safe options. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for post-COVID syndrome because these treatments offer a holistic approach that differs from conventional options like medications and physical therapy. Acupuncture targets the body's energy flow, potentially alleviating symptoms like fatigue and pain by restoring balance, while Chinese herbal medicine uses natural ingredients aimed at strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation. This combination might address multiple symptoms simultaneously, offering a natural and integrative alternative to standard treatments.

What evidence suggests that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine could be effective for long COVID?

Research has shown that acupuncture can help with symptoms similar to those experienced by long COVID patients. Recent studies suggest that acupuncture might benefit long COVID patients by addressing multiple symptoms simultaneously. In this trial, some participants will receive acupuncture alone, while others will receive a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture and herbal remedies, has demonstrated significant improvements in post-COVID symptoms. Combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine offers a simple and effective way to treat post-COVID symptoms. These findings are promising for using these treatments to improve symptoms and quality of life for those with long COVID. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals experiencing long COVID symptoms. Participants will be those who are looking to try acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as potential treatments. The study aims to include a small group of patients, with ten participants in total.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

Willingness to comply with the treatment schedule

Ability to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

I have other health conditions that could mimic long COVID symptoms.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's or demonstrating onset of dementia

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive acupuncture treatment or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine twice per week for 8 weeks

8 weeks

16 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Acupuncture

Trial Overview

The trial is testing the effectiveness of acupuncture alone or combined with Chinese herbal medicine on improving symptoms and quality of life in long COVID patients over an 8-week period, followed by a 4-week follow-up.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Pragmatic experimental arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Single-arm study looking at feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture treatment for 5 patients and acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for 5 patients

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Southern California University of Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

10

Recruited

420+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12055149/

Traditional Chinese medicine for post-COVID

TCM treatment was associated with significant improvements in post-COVID symptoms, warranting further evaluation through randomized controlled ...

2.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07285707?cond=SARS-COV2

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Long COVID

If acupuncture treatment alone and/or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine combined are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious in the ...

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451865425001310

Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine compound for the ...

TCM granules possess the distinctive advantages of being simple, economical, and effective in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and play ...

4.

researchprotocols.org

researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e69417

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Post–COVID-19 ...

This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of PCI.

5.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/05020/traditional_chinese_medicine_for_post_covid__a.43.aspx

Traditional Chinese medicine for post-COVID

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating post-COVID symptoms.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12269130/

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for post ...

Regarding safety, no significant adverse events were identified across the included trials, suggesting that TCM is generally well tolerated in ...