NCT07285707 · Southern California University of Health Sciences
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Long COVID
(ACUCM-LC)
What this study is about
List of the Hypothesis: Primary hypothesis: A flexible acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine protocol will be feasible, acceptable, and useful for the treatment of long COVID.
View original scientific description
List of the Hypothesis: Primary hypothesis: A flexible acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine protocol will be feasible, acceptable, and useful for the treatment of long COVID. Secondary hypothesis: Long COVID patients receiving acupuncture treatment or acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbal supplements over an 8-week period will see improvements in their symptoms, function, and quality of life measurements. Specific Aims of This Research (Purpose of the study): To study the feasibility, acceptability and utility of an acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplement treatment protocol for patients with long COVID and preliminarily assess the effects of treatment. Currently Available Research on This Subject: Studies indicate that acupuncture can effectively treat symptoms that are similar to those often seen in long COVID patients. Additionally, recent studies and clinical evidence suggest that there is substantial potential for acupuncture in the treatment of long COVID. Acupuncture may be beneficial because it can address many symptoms simultaneously with a single intervention, whereas symptom clusters can be difficult to manage with pharmaceuticals due to the need for multiple pharmaceutical agents. Summary of the research protocol/methodology: Five patients will receive acupuncture treatment, and five patients will receive acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Each participant will receive 16 acupuncture treatments over the course of eight weeks (i.e., twice per week). Each treatment session will last for 30 minutes. Follow-up will occur at 12 weeks (i.e., four weeks after the final treatment session). Significance of this research to the health and welfare of general public: There is currently not a single, specific treatment for long COVID. If acupuncture treatment alone and/or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine combined are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious in the improvement of long COVID symptoms, it will offer patients additional treatment options, which may help some patients to avoid pharmaceutical treatment side effects or polypharmacy challenges.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Acupuncture
The investigators have developed a list of core acupoints, which will be used by all clinicians for each specific TCM diagnosis pattern identified in each patient. Similarly, a list of common herbal formulas, that we will keep in stock based on the specific diagnosis patterns, has been developed. Clinicians will have the option of using additional acupoints as necessary and will be asked to record and explain any variations from the core protocol. 1. Residual Heat: LI-11, KI-6;Bai He Gu Jin Tang 2. Residual Phlegm: ST-40, Sp-9;Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang,Er Chen Tang 3. Deficiency of Spleen: SP-3, ST-36;Gui Pi Tang,Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang 4. Lung Qi Deficiency with Dampness: LU-9, LU-7;Zhi Sou San,Er Chen Tang 5. Blood Stagnation: SP-10, SP-6;Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang,Tao Hong Si Wu Tang 6. Deficiency of Lung: LU-9, LU-7; Bu Fei Tang 7. Liver Qi Stagnation: LV-3, PC-6;Xiao Yao San, Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang 8. Yin Deficiency: KI-6, SP-6;Liu Wei Di Huang Wan 9. Deficiency of Kidney: KI-3, KI-6;
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of Implementing a Combined Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Intervention for long COVID
Time frame: From enrollment to the final follow-up at 12 weeks
Feasibility will be measured through a feasibility assessment questionnaire which will evaluate recruitment, retention, and adherence metrics across the 12-week intervention and the final follow-up. Feasibility indicators will be summarized as proportions and descriptive statistics to evaluate the practicality of the study procedures and protocol implementation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18 years of age or older
- We will include adults of any age in our study. Adults of all ages can experience long COVID symptoms, although it is more common in older adults • Confirmed and documented COVID-19 illness (confirmed by healthcare provider or test; acceptable documentation includes but is not limited to a doctor's note or a photo of test result)
- COVID-19 illness is a necessary precursor to the development of long COVID • Experiencing at least one of the following common long COVID symptoms for at least 4 weeks after confirmed COVID-19 illness:
- Fatigue or post-exertional malaise,
- Dyspnea, cough,
- Brain fog, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety,
- Arthralgia, myalgia, or
- Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Over 200 different long COVID symptoms have been identified. The proposed study is a small pragmatic pilot study which only plans to enroll 10 participants. It is necessary to limit inclusion to some of the most common symptoms to ensure that the findings are broadly relevant across the long COVID patient population.
- The symptoms were not present prior to the confirmed COVID-19 illness o If the symptoms were present prior to the confirmed COVID-19 illness, then they are most likely attributable to a cause other than long COVID
- Willingness to comply with the treatment schedule o It is important that all those who qualify for the study are willing to comply with the protocol that is being adopted. If the patient is not willing to attend acupuncture treatment sessions or comply with the supplement schedule, then they may not be enrolled in the study.
- Ability to read and understand English o Informed consent will be in the English language. Inability to read and understand English will interfere with provision of informed consent. Moreover, compliance is a potential issue with herbal supplementation. Recruiting patients who are able to read and understand English instructions for supplement intake will help to improve compliance with the protocol.
- Ability to provide informed consent o It is important that participants are aware that they are required to provide written informed consent before they are allowed to participate. Some individuals who are eligible might be unwilling to sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
- • Under 18 years of age
- Pulmonary fibrosis or on continuous oxygen treatment
- Certain preexisting conditions:
- Diagnosed with Alzheimer's or demonstrating onset of dementia
- Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions
- Other comorbid conditions that might imitate long COVID symptoms
- Undergoing cancer treatments
- Use of acupuncture or Chinese medicine in the past three months
- Involved in health-related litigation or legal claims
- Missing either baseline visit and deemed unlikely to comply with the study protocol
- Pregnant or breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant
Where
- Whittier, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 16, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations