Acupuncture, the Coronavirus, and the Blood Vessels

Researchers around the world are beginning to discover the assault impugned upon the blood vessels by the coronavirus. It's being discovered that this virus enters the endothelium (which is a single layer of cells lining the blood vessels) and is the defense line of the blood vessels. This action by the virus brings down this aspect of the body's defense system to cause problems with microcirculation which can ultimately lead to multiple organ failure. Smokers and people with pre-existing conditions tend to have weakened endothelial function, or we can simply say unhealthy blood vessels. These individuals tend to have a poor response to this virus. COVID-19 can cause swift and fatal damage by way of blood clots. Researchers are assuming that clumps of platelets discovered inside of blood vessels are why COVID-19 patients are rapidly deteriorating.

It is being discovered that pro-clotting effects are more pronounced in people with coronavirus. Studies in several parts of Europe are finding that as many as 30 percent of COVID-19 patients suffered from a pulmonary embolism. There are physicians who are beginning to see this disease as less of a respiratory disease and more of one that involves dangerous clotting. What's becoming more of a common symptom of this virus is blood clots in the legs, lungs, and arteries....there have been cases of COVID-19 patients having had strokes. We're also witnessing an increase in children being hospitalized as a result of this virus showing signs of inflammation in blood vessels.

Now let's take a look at this from a Chinese medicine perspective. The blood vessels are considered an extraordinary yang organ because it functions as a container for blood. In Chinese medicine, the blood vessels contain the blood and are the vehicle for the circulation of Qi and blood. The blood vessels transport refined food essences, Qi, and blood all over the body. The blood vessels are indirectly related to the kidneys because kidney essence is responsible for producing marrow which plays a part in producing blood, and also because the yuan Qi of the kidneys is responsible for transforming food Qi into the blood. The heart and lungs have a strong influence on the blood vessels by way of the heart governing blood and controlling the blood vessels, and the lungs control all channels and vessels. The free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body is of extreme importance for a healthy life. Acupuncture as well as herbs present a clear focus on the free flow of Qi and blood to restore and maintain balance within the human organism.

Until next time...Acupuncture Is My Life, what's yours?