TCM Management of Side-Effects of COVID-19 Vaccine

Currently, our clinic has a special interest in managing COVID-19 vaccine side-effects through Eastern herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments.

COVID-19 vaccines are now in common use worldwide, as different countries race to reach their vaccine targets to protect the public and safely reopen businesses again. COVID-19 vaccinations can save lives, and its safety is closely monitored, however, vaccine side-effects have also been reported which have attracted expert and public attention. In Australia, around 44% of subjects have reported side effects. While most side-effects are mild and go away in several days, some can be more serious and long-term, which require medical attention. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, most of these side-effects occur as a result of an invasion of external pathogenic Wind-Cold or Toxic Heat, and are worse in individuals who have underlying chronic illness or constitutional weakness.

Common vaccine side effects include:

• Headache

• Fever & chills

• Fatigue

• Muscle pain/ joint pain

Less common side effects include:

• Redness/ itching at the injection site

• Nausea

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Insomnia
  

Some more concerning, unexpected & rare side effects include:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Swelling in leg

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Persistent headaches

• Bell's Palsy

• Short-term changes to women's menstrual cycles

Similar to the signs/ symptoms of common cold/ flu and other health conditions, many of these vaccine side-effects can be well managed using TCM modalities such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Additionally, emerging research is showing that TCM may be an effective supplementary treatment for COVID-19 patients, however, further research is required. The effective management of vaccine side-effects through appropriate treatment is essential to ensure a faster recovery time, reduce loss of work hours and productivity, and promote a greater sense of health and wellbeing, with a strengthened immune system.

If you are experiencing side effects from a recent vaccination, and would like to find out more on how we can help you, please contact us on 9635 1715 or email yli.tcmclinic@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you.