Introduction: Living with Long COVID
For many people, recovering from COVID-19 is not the end of the story. Weeks or even months after the initial infection, lingering symptoms can persist — a condition now widely known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Symptoms often include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle and joint pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Headaches or migraines
- Sleep disturbances
These issues can significantly impact quality of life, leaving patients searching for safe and natural solutions. One promising approach is acupuncture. At Aiello Family Chiropractic in Franklin, TN, we use acupuncture as part of an integrative plan to help patients restore balance, reduce symptoms, and support their body’s natural healing process.
Understanding Acupuncture and the Nervous System
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing fine, sterile needles at precise points on the body. From a modern perspective, these points influence the nervous system, circulation, and immune response.
Research shows that acupuncture can:
- Regulate the autonomic nervous system, calming stress and anxiety
- Reduce inflammation, a key factor in long COVID
- Improve circulation and oxygen delivery, which helps with fatigue and brain fog
- Support the immune system, aiding recovery and resilience
By addressing multiple body systems at once, acupuncture provides a holistic way to manage the complex and varied symptoms of long COVID.
Fatigue: Restoring Energy Naturally
One of the most common long COVID symptoms is unrelenting fatigue. Patients describe it as “energy crashing,” where even small tasks leave them drained.
Acupuncture helps by:
- Stimulating energy pathways (known as meridians) to improve vitality
- Enhancing mitochondrial function at the cellular level
- Reducing inflammation that contributes to exhaustion
- Improving sleep quality, which restores natural energy
Many patients report feeling calmer and more energized after a course of acupuncture sessions.
Brain Fog and Cognitive Support
“Brain fog” is another hallmark of long COVID, leaving people struggling to focus, recall information, or feel mentally sharp. This may be linked to inflammation and reduced blood flow to the brain.
Acupuncture can support cognitive function by:
- Increasing cerebral blood flow
- Regulating neurotransmitters associated with memory and focus
- Calming overactive stress responses that drain mental clarity
In our Franklin TN acupuncture clinic, patients often notice improvements in clarity, mood, and focus after regular treatments.
Respiratory and Circulatory Support
Lingering shortness of breath or chest tightness can persist long after the acute infection is gone. Acupuncture has been shown to:
- Improve lung function and breathing patterns
- Enhance circulation, helping tissues get the oxygen they need
- Relax the nervous system, easing chest tightness and anxiety
When combined with chiropractic and massage therapy, acupuncture becomes part of a comprehensive approach to restoring normal breathing and circulation.
Pain, Sleep, and Emotional Health
Long COVID often comes with widespread aches, headaches, and sleep disruptions. These issues are interconnected: pain increases stress, stress worsens sleep, and poor sleep intensifies fatigue and discomfort.
Acupuncture helps break this cycle by:
- Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers
- Relaxing tight muscles and calming the nervous system
- Improving sleep quality and restoring natural rhythms
- Reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms linked to long COVID
This whole-body effect is why acupuncture is particularly suited to complex conditions like long COVID.
Why Choose Acupuncture in Franklin, TN?
At Aiello Family Chiropractic, we specialize in integrative care. Our acupuncture sessions are delivered in a calm, EMF-shielded environment, designed to support relaxation and maximize healing. Patients with long COVID benefit from:
- Personalized care: Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s symptoms and health history.
- Integrative approach: Acupuncture is combined with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and lifestyle recommendations for a comprehensive recovery plan.
- Safe and natural therapy: Acupuncture is gentle, drug-free, and well tolerated, even for patients with multiple sensitivities.
- Local convenience: Serving patients in Franklin, Cool Springs, and the greater Nashville area, we are easily accessible for ongoing care.
What to Expect During Treatment
When you visit our clinic for acupuncture, here’s what the process looks like:
- Initial Consultation – We review your symptoms, health history, and long COVID experiences.
- Personalized Plan – We identify acupuncture points best suited for your needs.
- Relaxing Session – Thin needles are gently placed, and patients rest for 20–30 minutes in a calm environment.
- Follow-Up Care – Multiple sessions may be recommended, as cumulative treatments often yield the best results.
Most patients describe the experience as deeply relaxing — some even fall asleep during treatment.
Lifestyle Tips to Complement Acupuncture
To maximize results, we also recommend simple lifestyle practices that support recovery:
- Mindful breathing exercises to improve lung capacity
- Gentle movement like walking or yoga to boost circulation
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition rich in antioxidants and omega-3s
- Stress management practices such as meditation or guided relaxation
Together with acupuncture, these strategies can help you regain control of your health after long COVID.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Recovery
Long COVID can feel overwhelming, but natural therapies like acupuncture offer hope. By addressing fatigue, brain fog, pain, and nervous system imbalance, acupuncture helps the body restore harmony and resilience.
If you or someone you love is struggling with lingering COVID symptoms, acupuncture may provide the relief you’ve been looking for.
📞 Contact Aiello Family Chiropractic in Franklin, TN today to schedule an appointment and explore how acupuncture can support your recovery.