Acupuncture for post-Covid loss of taste and smell

Since the pandemic, we have collectively learned a lot. We understand the pathogen better and thankfully, the brilliant scientists who’ve dedicated their time and resources to developing solutions to this world-altering virus have developed effective medical treatments and vaccines that have saved countless lives. 

However, despite these accomplishments, there are to date no fail-proof treatments for post covid loss of taste and smell. For most people infected with the virus who experience these unfortunate side effects of viral infection, their senses will return within approximately 8 weeks. For some, the loss of taste (dysgeusia) and smell (anosmia) continues far longer. 

While this may not sound like a big deal to some people, imagine for a moment that all the foods and drinks you’ve enjoyed were no longer enjoyable to you. Or the perfume you love is just a distant memory. Worse yet, the loss of smell creates potentially embarrassing scenarios if you are unable to smell your own body odors or even dangerous circumstances if you are unable to detect the smell of hazardous gases or smoke. These are life altering losses. 

Fortunately, there is promise in the field of alternative medicine. Acupuncture studies have shown that the utilization of specific protocols may help to restore these senses without the potential for perilous side effects. Several studies have established the use of particular acupuncture points on the face, body and ears which have beneficial effects to restore the sense of taste and smell when other treatment options have failed. 

Loss of smell is one of the most prevalent symptoms in people diagnosed with COVID-19. A recent study (Lechien et al. 2021) published in January 2021 showed that 85.9% of patients with a mild form of COVID-19 experienced loss of smell (olfactory dysfunction). 54.3% of the patients in the study recovered their sense of smell within 30 days. However, 25% of the patients’ sense of smell remained unresolved even after 60 days.

These acupuncture procedures to restore lost taste and smell have been around longer than COVID-19. This isn’t the first viral infection that causes loss of smell and taste! For many, these senses do not return with conventional interventions such as olfactory training or medications. 

In 2010, Vent et al. found that Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA) could offer a new therapeutic regimen for post-viral dysosmia. 8 out of 15 patients treated with TCA had improved olfactory function after 10 weeks of weekly treatments (30 mins each). There was a significant improvement in olfactory function in the acupuncture group compared to control group.

Following the work done by Vent et al., Dai et al published a study in 2016 to assess the impact of TCA in postviral olfactory dysfunction patients who were refractory to standardized treatment. The acupuncture group received acupuncture 3 times a week for a total of 10 treatments at the following acupuncture points: LI20 and EX-HN8 Bitong. The observation group received no study-related care. 11 of the 25 patients in the acupuncture group showed improved olfactory function, the success rate was 44% compared to 16% in the observation group.

If you or someone you know suffers with post-COVID or other loss of taste and smell, acupuncture may offer hope where western medicine is limited - and without deleterious effects. For questions email hi@ocwellstudio.com to communicate wth Dr. Pierce, Newport Beach chiropractor and acupuncturist. To make an appointment click here.