Hypoxia in Long COVID and Its Impact on the Krebs Cycle

The Current Understanding of Long COVID in Western Medicine

Long COVID, officially known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), presents with symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, dysautonomia, and exercise intolerance. Despite its prevalence, Western medicine has yet to identify a unifying mechanism behind these symptoms. Proposed causes include immune dysregulation, persistent inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, microclotting, and viral persistence. Treatment remains symptomatic and fragmented. The condition exposes critical gaps in how chronic systemic illnesses are approached within the biomedical model.

Melatonin: A Critical Protector in Modern Health

Melatonin is marketed in the US as a sleep aid, but its role in human health extends far beyond regulating sleep cycles. It serves as one of the body’s most potent neuroprotective agents and antioxidants, safeguarding against oxidative stress, inflammation, and systemic damage. Melatonin influences cellular repair, immune regulation, and the prevention of chronic diseases that include cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes it essential to protect the brain and spinal cord from the oxidative damage that accelerates aging and cognitive decline. Despite its importance, modern lifestyles actively suppress melatonin production and leave the body vulnerable to long-term health consequences.

Integrative Neurology: Autonomic Dysregulation for TCM (1)

Introduction: Understanding Autonomic Dysregulation

Autonomic dysregulation, often referred to as dysautonomia, reflects an imbalance within the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that disrupts its ability to fluidly transition between activation (defense) and rest (return to homeostasis). This imbalance manifests with a range of clinical symptoms, including heightened vigilance, muscular tension, withdrawal (flight), emotional dysregulation and the suppression of physiological functions (freeze).

Autonomic Patterns for TCM: The Fire Water Dynamic (2)

 Sympathetic Dominance: Patterns and Symptoms in a Retained FF Response

The fight-flight (FF) response is a short-term survival mechanism mediated by the adrenal glands and regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This endocrine cascade bypasses neurological pathways like the vagus nerve to prioritize immediate survival. In TCM, this dynamic is represented by the relationship between the heart and kidneys, described as the fire and water dynamic. Adrenaline drives the initial response, and prepares the body for action, but this heightened state is only sustainable for a few minutes. For prolonged stress, the HPA axis shifts to cortisol production, a mechanism designed for endurance. 

The Role of Primitive Reflexes - Character and Structure

The development of the ANS, including proper vagal tone and a healthy fight/flight/freeze response, is dependent on primitive reflexes that present in the earliest life stages. Primitive reflexes are innate, instinctual, and involuntary movements that initially offer protective movements to sensory stimuli (Pryor). More simply, they are life-saving movements to protect us from harmful sensations. The withdrawal from a hot object wasn't learned—it is a reflex.

Introduction: Understanding Autonomic Dysregulation (3) - Yang Patterns

 Yang-Type Sympathetic Dominance and Adrenal Fatigue

The ANS can become dysregulated in various ways, with two primary Yang-type subtypes: 

• Yang-Type Sympathetic Dominance and 
• Adrenal Fatigue. 

Both represent different stages of yang overactivation within the sympathetic system, but their effects and characteristics differ. Understanding these two subtypes provides insight into how prolonged sympathetic activation influences physical and emotional balance.

Introduction: Understanding Autonomic Dysregulation (4) - Yin (Dorsal) Vagus and Mixed Patterns

 Parasympathetic Dominance: The Dorsal Vagal Freeze Response

The dorsal vagal freeze response represents an extreme parasympathetic state, where the body enters a shutdown mode due to overwhelming stress. Unlike typical parasympathetic activation, which restores balance, the freeze state represents pathological yin—a state of hypoactivity and stagnation. In this state, the body cannot access the vagus nerve, blocking the usual parasympathetic calming response. This leads to a complete collapse of normal autonomic regulation and function. The system enters a hibernation-like state, and the body cannot respond to external stimuli, including stressors.