How can we boost our immune system after recovering from COVID-19? Listen to the expert explanation from an academician.

Many people still experience physical discomfort after recovering from COVID-19, with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, insomnia, and excessive sweating persisting. As new immune-evading variants continue to emerge, “long COVID” has become yet another formidable challenge we face.

What is “long COVID”?

“Long COVID” refers to the prolonged persistence of symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, resulting in long-term health damage. In many countries, an increasing number of COVID-19 patients continue to suffer from lingering symptoms even months—or sometimes a year—after their nucleic acid tests turn negative, making “long COVID” a key focus of research.

WHO Releases Definition of “Long COVID” (Oct. 8, 2021)

· Definition of Long COVID: Symptoms that appear 3 months after infection and persist for at least 2 months, with no other diagnosis able to explain them.

· Long COVID symptoms: Affect multiple organs and systems throughout the body, impacting daily life, work, and study.

· Duration of long COVID: Currently, there is no definitive conclusion;

The Dangers of “Long COVID”

According to the report released by the World Health Organization on the impact of long COVID on organs and tissues throughout the body, the novel coronavirus can infect tissues and organs across the entire body. In addition to the lungs and bronchi, which are initially affected, no other human organs—such as the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, or nervous system—are spared.

1. Decline in exercise endurance and weakening of muscle strength: This manifests as an inability to tolerate activities that were previously quite normal, accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

II. Central Nervous System Dysfunction;

The study found that the novel coronavirus can induce unique neural transcription patterns and exert an inhibitory effect on the thalamus. In addition to the well-known loss of taste and smell, this virus can also lead to impairments in cognitive functions, mood, sleep, and memory.

3. Autonomic nervous dysfunction;

Manifests as unexplained sweating, even profuse sweating; unexplained hypotension, dizziness, or elevated or lowered body temperature;

4. Pain Syndrome: Manifests as headaches, muscle pain, joint pain of unknown origin, or unexplained skin itching.

The WHO’s definition of long COVID notes that the duration of long COVID remains inconclusive. Strictly speaking, there is currently insufficient evidence to determine the exact duration of long COVID. Therefore, it is particularly important to proactively address its potential harms.

Active rehabilitation to cope with long COVID

The functional impairments caused by long COVID are widespread and long-lasting; therefore, the focus should shift from past prevention and treatment efforts to rehabilitation. Proactive rehabilitation has become an important measure for individuals to cope with long COVID.

① Exercise training: Addresses frailty, fatigue, and decline in cardiopulmonary function.

② Cognitive training: Addresses symptoms related to higher-level brain functions, including attention deficits.

③ Nutritional support: Corresponds to decreased digestive and nutritional functions.

④ Breathing exercises: For shortness of breath and cough; prone position ventilation in kneeling posture

⑤ Physiotherapy and traditional therapies: For bone, joint, and muscle issues.

Recovering from COVID-19 doesn't equal recovery—how can we avoid re-positive results?

The definition of “recovered from COVID-19” is: a negative nucleic acid or antigen test result. The definition of “recovered” is: regaining one’s original physical strength and ability to perform daily activities. Many people are concerned about whether the virus still persists in the body after recovery. Research suggests that the virus can remain active in the body for a long time, yet most people show no symptoms. However, when immune function declines, the virus may reactivate and replicate extensively again, leading to a positive retest result. Therefore, to effectively address long COVID, we should actively boost our immune system. Engaging in appropriate exercise, ensuring adequate nutrition, and maintaining a positive mindset are all broad-spectrum measures that help enhance immunity.

Boost your immune system and defeat pathogens.

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that “When the righteous qi is abundant within, pathogenic factors cannot invade; where pathogenic factors gather, it is because the qi is deficient.” The “righteous qi” referred to in TCM corresponds functionally to the immune system in Western medicine. As an important component of traditional medicine, Tibetan medicine also advocates “balancing the three factors—lung (air), trekcha (fire), and bden-pa (water).” Tibetan medicine believes that the treatment of epidemic diseases should...

“Start by addressing the root cause of the illness and tailor the treatment according to the disease’s progression.” In the early stage, focus on clearing heat and combating pathogenic toxins based on the specific cause of the illness. In the middle stage, target the symptoms of heat-related diseases by clearing heat. In the later stage, it’s essential to strengthen the body’s overall constitution.

Classical Tibetan medical texts such as the "Four Medical Tantras" and "Supplement to the Decisions of Tibetan Medicine" have long contained insights into epidemic diseases as well as effective prevention and treatment methods. For instance, the external pathogen known as "Bari Bada" is described as microorganisms, and the causes of disease are categorized into two main types: external factors—such as "time" and "dun (evil qi)"—and internal factors—such as "diet" and "lifestyle." The work "Medical Compendium: The Radiant Blue Lapis Lazuli Ornamented by the Intent of the Buddha of Medicine," authored by Desi Sangye Gyatso, notes that Rhodiola rosea—"neutral, pungent, dry, astringent"—is used to treat fever associated with pneumonia and infectious diseases, as well as to clear heat from blood vessels. The "Jingzhu Materia Medica" states that large-flowered Rhodiola rosea is effective in treating epidemic diseases and infectious fevers, clearing lung heat, and addressing vascular disorders. Moreover, Tibetan medicine has accumulated numerous time-tested prescriptions over the centuries; during the COVID-19 outbreak, these prescriptions were clinically applied with remarkable success and were incorporated into the Gansu and Tibet COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Protocols for Tibetan (Tibetan) Medicine.

The original driving force behind humanity’s victory over pathogens is not merely medical care—it’s our own immune system. By responding proactively, we can minimize the damage viruses inflict on our bodies.

On January 16, renowned rehabilitation expert and academician Li Jian'an was a guest on the COVID-19 medical science popularization livestream, sharing with viewers medical knowledge about long COVID and the latest rehabilitation approaches for long COVID.
It is reported that this live lecture also featured Dr. Chen Weiwu, Chief Scientist of Qizheng Tibetan Medicine, who shared his insights into Tibetan medicine’s experience and case studies in fighting the epidemic, and provided a professional interpretation of the “Gansu Formula” and the “Pediatric Formula.”

Reporting media: Guangming Net

Report link: https://health.gmw.cn/2023-01/19/content_36314869.htm