Utilizing acupuncture in the management of post-viral sequelae.
No, i didn’t author a study.
Catchy name though, right?
I just think it’s important to think about the utilization of folk medicine and standardized versions of what we consider “alternative” medicine when it comes to the basic maintenance of our meat suits.
Maintenance as Medicine
Do you ever think about the way that the scientific method, science itself, and Western medicine have influenced human longevity, and how that surpasses our evolutionary ability to keep up?
No? Well, I do. So here are some thoughts on that—and as an acupuncturist, of course, I think about the ways acupuncture figures into it.
Human lifespan has doubled since 1918
…which is bananas: My grandparents were born in 1899, 1917, 1918, and 1923. To think—without the advent of modern medicine, I wouldn’t be here. Maybe my parents wouldn’t be here either. Each of those grandparents lost siblings in early childhood, and yet they went on to have a generation of kids who made it out of childhood alive. And now? Forget making it out of childhood alive: we have reproductive technology that helps people get and stay pregnant.
Me and my sisters entertaining ourselves with cards in 1988!
It has been a wild 106 years.
Science and human longevity have co-evolved at a breakneck pace over the past century. Yet, we’re still left with these human bodies that — while they respond remarkably well to modern medicine — also respond incredibly well to ancient maintenance practices.
How do we marry the two? When it comes to our cognitive capabilities, how do we wrap our brains around this? Looking at the bigger picture, it’s easy to see why some people might distrust older medicines: modern medicine doubled our lifespans, and our reptilian brains instinctively recognize that. It’s easy to turn away from what sustained humans for millennia when there’s a shiny new alternative.
It’s also easy to live as though modern medicine has always been here. For me, born in 1982, Western medicine was the standard when I was born. My dad, born to immigrants in the 1940s, didn’t have much access to antibiotics as a child. But me? I have fond memories of taking “pink medicine” (with all those strep throat episodes, it’s no surprise I needed my tonsils out as an adult!).
I have high standards for Western medicine, but I also recognize that in the grand scheme of human history, this medicine is still in its infancy.
We can’t force our bodies to evolve faster (though epigenetics, a fascinating field, sheds light on how evolution happens in real time). However, we can be smart about how we utilize both modern and ancient medicines to stay as healthy as possible.
Ancient Maintenance in a Modern World
As acupuncturists, we are legally prohibited from claiming that we can cure illnesses—which is fair, as that’s a significant responsibility. However, examining something like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) offers an intriguing perspective. EBV, which often manifests as mono during childhood or young adulthood, remains in the body in a latent state. Under certain conditions, it can reactivate.
Research indicates that EBV-infected cells with specific mutations can contribute to cancerous changes, increasing the risk of rare cancers like B, T, and NK lymphomas, as well as nasopharyngeal and gastric cancers. This connection highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced immune system to reduce these risks.
After a decade of treating patients, I’ve observed a compelling pattern: acupuncture appears to tone the immune system. Patients who were previously prone to frequent illnesses throughout the winter often experience significant improvement after consistent weekly or biweekly acupuncture sessions over several months.
If active EBV contributes to cancers, and acupuncture can encourage EBV dormancy, it raises an important question: can maintaining the nervous and immune systems through Eastern medicine, in combination with Western medical advancements, improve overall quality of life while reducing chronic and age-related illnesses?
Humans like… need stuff to stay alive.
For much of 2023 and 2024, I genuinely feared for my husband Mark’s health. His symptoms included episodes of hypothermia, unexplained anemia, extreme fatigue, and severe gastrointestinal distress. Despite numerous scans showing no abnormalities, I couldn’t accept these results as definitive. While iron supplementation improved his anemia, it didn’t answer the critical question: why was he anemic in the first place?
I suspected that processed foods and sugar — despite my own love for sweets — were exacerbating his condition. As I explored potential causes, I came across the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects folate metabolism. This mutation frequently arises in my acupuncture practice, particularly with fertility patients. It seemed plausible that Mark’s symptoms were linked to dietary factors.
After consulting his attentive doctor, we tested for the MTHFR gene mutation and his homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine, a byproduct of folate metabolism, can damage arteries if unchecked. If someone consuming a normal diet is deficient in folate, it signals a disruption in how their body processes this essential nutrient.
Viral and Nutritional Interactions
Viruses, like EBV, can severely disrupt the body’s systems. Following a family bout with COVID-19 in late 2022, our collective immunity suffered. We endured flu and strep infections repeatedly that winter. By 2023, Mark’s mild folic acid intolerance progressed to a full-blown toxicity. Simple interventions—eliminating folic acid from enriched foods and supplements, while incorporating natural folate and methylfolate—transformed his health. His symptoms resolved, and his bloodwork normalized.
Research highlights that excessive folic acid intake in MTHFR mutation carriers can lead to immune dysfunction by impairing natural killer cells. This dysregulation decreases their innate cytotoxicity, increasing tumor development risk. These findings underscore the delicate interplay between nutrition, immunity, and long-term health.
The Role of Acupuncture in Immunity and Nutrition
This journey brought clarity to a broader truth: chronic nutritional deficiencies and viral interactions shape health outcomes in profound ways. Acupuncture can support the body’s ability to process nutrients, regulate immunity, and maintain viral dormancy. This is particularly significant for managing viruses like EBV, HPV, HIV, and even COVID-19.
Homocysteine levels serve as a useful marker for folate metabolism and inflammation. By addressing nutritional deficiencies and using acupuncture to support immune function, patients can achieve better outcomes. Additionally, acupuncture’s holistic approach can help balance the nervous system and reduce the inflammation underlying many chronic conditions.
Evolutionary Insights into Viral Management
Our relationship with viruses is complex. While they are often seen as purely parasitic, viruses have shaped human evolution by influencing immune system adaptations. Modern research reveals that our innate immune system is optimized for past viral encounters rather than contemporary infections. Understanding these evolutionary patterns can inspire new strategies to strengthen immunity.
For example, B vitamins play a vital role in managing viral infections, particularly by supporting homocysteine regulation and promoting robust immune responses. Acupuncture complements these nutritional strategies by enhancing the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients and maintain equilibrium.
The Case for Maintenance as Medicine
The synergy of acupuncture and nutrition presents an effective model for maintaining health and preventing illness. By focusing on proactive care—nurturing the nervous and immune systems—we can mitigate the effects of chronic conditions and viral reactivations. This integrated approach empowers individuals to take charge of their health, promoting resilience and longevity in a world shaped by the ongoing interaction between humans and viruses.
