Holistic Support for Long COVID Recovery
A Comprehensive Approach at The Anderida Practice
At The Anderida Practice, we take a truly holistic approach to Long COVID recovery, offering natural, integrative therapies that support both physical and mental well-being. Since the pandemic began in 2020, we have developed significant experience in this field, helping patients and clients return to good health and energy by addressing the root causes of Long COVID symptoms. We continue to support many patients and clients with Long COVID, helping them regain vitality and overcome the challenges that persist after the acute phase of the illness.
Understanding Long COVID
Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a collection of symptoms that can persist long after the initial COVID-19 infection has resolved. Symptoms vary widely, and can include chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, muscle aches, and mood changes. Some people experience persistent issues with sleep, memory, and taste or smell, while others suffer from joint pain, headaches, or heart palpitations.
The impact of Long COVID on an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being can be profound. This is why a holistic approach is essential, addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental challenges that often arise.
Our Holistic Approach to Long COVID Recovery
We take a multi-faceted approach to support your recovery, combining therapies that target physical healing, emotional support, and nutritional restoration. Through treatments such as acupuncture, osteopathy, psychotherapy, nutritional support, and Heart Rate Variability & Cell Vitality Therapy, we work to rebalance and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
Acupuncture: Restoring Energy and Balance
Acupuncture is an effective therapy for Long COVID, and at The Anderida Practice, we offer it through the expertise of Jia Cheng, Rebecca Wheatley, and Simon Casciano. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is used to restore energy flow (Qi) and address imbalances that can cause a range of symptoms.
Our acupuncturists use a combination of acupuncture and moxa (a heat therapy) to improve energy flow, lift energy levels, and help alleviate fatigue, poor sleep, and low mood. Acupuncture can also enhance immune function, reducing the body's vulnerability to further viral or bacterial infections, which is often a concern for those recovering from Long COVID.
Acupuncture helps improve:
• Fatigue: Restoring balance to the body's energy pathways, alleviating chronic tiredness and promoting vitality.
• Poorer Sleep: Calming the nervous system, promoting restorative sleep.
• Low Mood/Anxiety: Regulating mood and reducing anxiety, common concerns for those facing the emotional toll of Long COVID.
• Vulnerability to Viral/Bacterial Infections: Strengthening the immune system to become more resilient against other infections.
• Energy Flow and Circulation: Improving circulation, which helps reduce muscle pain, improve cognitive function, and support overall recovery.
By using acupuncture and moxibustion, our acupuncturists help lift energy levels and improve energy flow, resulting in noticeable improvements in Long COVID symptoms and aiding in faster recovery.
Osteopathy: Restoring Structural Balance and Supporting the Nervous System
Osteopathy is a holistic therapy that focuses on the body's structure and its ability to heal itself. At The Anderida Practice, our osteopaths work with you to address musculoskeletal issues, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Osteopathic techniques can benefit Long COVID sufferers in several ways:
• Supporting the Nervous System: Osteopathy works to regulate the central nervous system (CNS), reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and neurological imbalances often seen in Long COVID.
• Adrenal Support: Osteopathic treatment can help support adrenal health, which is crucial for individuals recovering from the chronic fatigue and stress associated with Long COVID.
• Restoring Mobility: Osteopathy helps alleviate pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints, which are common complaints among Long COVID patients.
• Improving Breathing: Techniques aimed at enhancing rib cage and diaphragm movement can help with breathlessness, improving oxygenation and overall recovery.
• Detoxification and Lymphatic Flow: Osteopathy stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting detoxification and reducing inflammation in the body.
Our osteopaths work with each patient to develop a tailored treatment plan aimed at restoring balance, improving mobility, and supporting overall health during Long COVID recovery.
Psychotherapy & Counselling: Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-being
Long COVID doesn’t just affect the body; it can have a significant impact on mental health. Miche Tetley, our psychotherapist, offers support to individuals navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of Long COVID.
Psychotherapy and counselling are invaluable for helping individuals cope with the disruptions caused by Long COVID. Many people experience feelings of confusion, grief, anger, and isolation as they adjust to life with persistent symptoms. The condition can also lead to difficulties in work, relationships, and self-identity.
Miche Tetley explains:
"Psychotherapy & Counselling can be a really useful support to people experiencing the impact of Long COVID. Long COVID can have devastating effects on the shape of everyday living, leading to difficulties in all areas, especially work and professional responsibilities, relationships, and family commitments, identity, and self-image. Feelings of confusion, anger, grief, and bewilderment are common. The disruption often requires the sufferer to learn how to deal with uncertainty, isolation, lack of energy and resilience, and disability.
Psychotherapy & Counselling can be a place to explore those changes, to process what has occurred, to acknowledge the impact, and to find ways to re-shape life so it can become more manageable. Having someone who listens with compassion and empathy can make the territory of it easier to navigate."
Miche offers a 20-30 minute free phone call for anyone wanting to explore how psychotherapy could support their Long COVID journey.
Nutritional Support: Healing the Body from the Inside Out
Nutritional support plays a vital role in Long COVID recovery. Cressida Reese, our nutritionist, uses targeted approaches to help patients restore balance to their body chemistry and support healing from within.
Cressida says:
"I have helped with Long COVID before - it seems to affect the central nervous system and glands, and it is very similar to post-viral fatigue. I use Hair Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to assess the state of body chemistry at the cellular level. This test helps me to support the body to heal itself by balancing minerals and major ratios, which indicate metabolism issues, immune function, and glandular health."
By providing the correct minerals and glandular support, fixing diet, and promoting proper nutrient absorption, Cressida helps the body rid itself of Long COVID symptoms. She helps patients develop a nutrient-rich, healing diet and supports them in restoring their gut health so nutrients are absorbed effectively.
Heart Rate Variability & Cell Vitality Therapy: Supporting Cellular Health
In addition to the therapies already mentioned, Arabella Harding offers Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Cell Vitality Therapy, which can be particularly helpful for Long COVID patients. HRV therapy focuses on improving autonomic nervous system function, which plays a key role in regulating the body’s response to stress and inflammation. This therapy helps enhance resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Cell Vitality Therapy aims to support cellular health and regeneration, promoting energy production at the cellular level, which can be depleted in Long COVID. By improving cellular function, this therapy aids in overall recovery and boosts the body’s ability to heal from the lingering effects of the virus.
Ongoing Support for Long COVID Recovery
At The Anderida Practice, we remain dedicated to supporting Long COVID patients throughout their recovery journey. We have built a wealth of experience since 2020, and continue to offer comprehensive care that addresses the complex physical, emotional, and nutritional needs of our patients.
Whether you are seeking acupuncture to restore energy, osteopathy to improve movement, psychotherapy for emotional support, nutritional advice to help heal from the inside out, or specialized therapies like HRV and Cell Vitality Therapy, our team is here to guide you towards recovery.
Long COVID recovery is a journey, but with the right support, you can regain your vitality and return to a life of health and well-being.