Electroacupuncture in Regulating Gastrointestinal Symptoms of COVID-19: A Mini-review

Abstract

Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still no effective treatment. In the meantime, more and more evidence indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms are important manifestations of COVID-19. Therefore, the involvement of multiple system symptoms brings a lot of burden and harm to patients. To our knowledge, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a remarkable effect on improving gastrointestinal function. In particular, a considerable number of clinical practices during the pandemic have demonstrated the significant value of electroacupuncture (EA) in regulating the gastrointestinal function of COVID-19. In summary, EA can regulate the gastrointestinal function of COVID-19. As more is learned about EA, its potential value in COVID-19 deserves further consideration. In this review, we will elucidate the potential efficacy and mechanism of EA in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; electroacupuncture; gastrointestinal; gastrointestinal symptoms; pandemic; traditional Chinese medicine.