“An integrative approach with Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in post covid parosmia – A case study”

Abstract

This case is about a post viral olfactory dysfunction due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, since six months treated effectively by a unique integrative approach with Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA). It started as a sudden onset of anosmia in the month of August 2020 with fever history two weeks prior. After three months Parosmia commenced which gradually worsened. A month later she experienced dysgeusia and nausea leading to tremendous stress and sleep disturbances. Ayurveda treatment included Shadbindu taila marsha nasya for seven days followed by Shadbindu taila pratimarsha nasya (intra nasal oil instillation) for a period of four months. Naradiya laxmivilasa rasa orally for one month. GV.20, LI.20, Ex.1, H.7, LI.11, GB.8, GB.21 and GV.25 Points were selected for TCA. The Indian Smell identification test score on day one of treatment was zero, day seven was four, at the end of one month was eight and after four months it was ten. Parosmia was assessed by VAS which was ten on day one and zero on day seven. We could achieve complete normalcy in olfactory function within four months of this treatment. This integrative approach was found to be safe and effective in treating Post covid parosmia.

Keywords

• Ayurveda
• Traditional Chinese acupuncture
• Integrative approach
• Parosmia