Natural Treatments of Long Covid - Part 1

As our knowledge and expertise in treating Long Covid patients has become widely acknowledged, we have quickly become highly sought after for the holistic-based treatment of Long Covid at our London clinic. We are pleased to share this updated version of our previous blog, Successfully treating Long-Covid. Responding to the need for greater support from our patients, we are also delighted to share that we are now offering an empirically backed Long Covid Recovery Programme integrated with bespoke Ayurvedic wellness offerings at our Sanctuary in Sri Lanka.

At Sen Wellness we believe that each one of us has the power to heal, flourish, and awaken to our highest inner potential. After hundreds of successful treatments, we have now crafted a unique, holistic approach to healing symptoms of Long Covid. Harnessing the power of holistic healing modalities rooted in Ayurveda, we have developed a unique programme that has the power to offer hope to those who may be suffering.

Since the autumn of 2020, I have spent much time observing a large number of patients recovering from Covid. During this time, limited data and research were available and there was much uncertainty in symptoms associated with Covid. We are grateful that our blog post offered hope to those who were suffering and encouraged many to seek a holistic natured treatment programme after they were left disheartened by a more conventional approach.

It is profoundly heartening to have reached and supported such a large group of individuals internationally on their road to recovery from what for many has been an extremely trialing, lonely, and misunderstood condition. I would like to dedicate this blog post to all our patients for instilling their trust in us to walk alongside them on their journey back to equilibrium and well-being.

We are pleased to present this blog post with incredibly relevant information, including feedback from influential academics at the forefront of Long Covid research. It is our hope that this blog offers hope of recovery to those who may be suffering.

What is Long Covid?

“Long Covid is a condition that seems to elude the best efforts of healthcare practitioners operating inside the NHS, as well as private consultants and Long Covid clinics. My opinion is that a holistic approach to the body and treatment is the only way we’re likely to ’shake the tree’ and elicit significant improvement and help us in our journey of recovery. Sam Kankanamge and his team at Sen Wellness have made an enormous difference to me and my recovery - it’s safe to say that I wouldn’t have been able to continue working the way I have without his efforts. His energy, understanding, knowledge, and intuition are unparalleled and I wouldn’t have the slightest hesitation to recommend his approach for a range of health problems as well as that of Long Covid.”

-Gez Medinger-

To begin, I would like to share my experience as well as empirical evidence that my team and I have gathered in treating a large pool of Long Covid patients.

The majority of patients belonged to the 20-45-year-old age group. Common themes among patients were that they were all relatively fit, exercised often, and had busy lifestyles. Many experienced very mild Covid symptoms, however, these symptoms worsened over 4 weeks, developing into Long Covid. In nearly 40 cases, patients had experienced a history of ME/CFS or immune system failure. Lastly, a large group of Long Covid sufferers lived with heightened levels of stress.

Researchers are finding lingering similarities between Long Covid and ME/CFS. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex condition affecting 1 million to 2.5 million people in the United States alone. It is characterized by a cluster of symptoms, including severe and debilitating fatigue, disrupted and unrefreshing sleep, difficulty thinking (commonly called “brain fog”), abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system, and post-exertional malaise — a flare-up of multiple symptoms following physical or cognitive exertion. (Bindu, Paul, and Anthony Komaroff) Gez Medinger and Dr. Ronald Tompkins MD on “Long Covid vs ME/CFS | Why There’s Much We Can Learn From The Similarities” is linked here.

If you would like to read more about Post-COVID and Long Covid conditions, data from The CDC can be found here.

Symptoms presented high level:

Among our Covid patients, these were the most common symptoms presenting themselves: difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, and shortness of breath.

Of our Long Covid patients, many reported physical tiredness, lack of energy for physical exertion, difficulty performing everyday tasks such as cleaning the kitchen, and brain fog. The accumulation of these symptoms created an immense amount of both emotional and physical stress.

Other symptoms include:

Various types of muscle-skeletal pain: Specifically lower back, shoulder, and neck pain. This often led to headaches and migraines induced by physical misalignment.
Abdomen and digestive disorder: This symptom is often presented with inflammation of the intestinal tissue or food intolerance.
Inflammation of myocardial tissue: While not as common, this is worth noting as some experienced inflammation of the heart muscle.
Loss of smell and tinnitus were also extremely common.

Further, there is a large connection between Covid and the microbiome that has been overlooked. Our microbiome is a gateway to our immune function. It holds the power to fight off infection, and disease, and create natural immunity within our intestinal flora.

However, due to the Western diet, many of us are exposed to in modern-day life, we have very little microbiome left in the intestinal flora. In many cases, this is due to chemical damage. Chemicals that are present in processed foods, plastic, and beyond all contribute to the deterioration of our flora. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics from a young age also contributes to the deterioration of the microbiome. Less intestinal flora leads to a weaker immune function.

A study shared by Science titled Seasonal cycling in the gut microbiome of the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania expressed the diversity of microbiota within the Hadza hunter-gatherers in comparison to urbanized communities. The data from the study indicated that some dynamic lineages of microbes have decreased in prevalence and abundance in modernized populations. Hence, the microbiota of the hunter-gatherers in Hadza was much more successful in defending the body against covid.

Common symptoms explained in depth:

Compromised Sympathetic Nervous System

Through and through we have found that our Long Covid patients present with highly aroused and highly-wired sympathetic nervous systems. Many patients' nervous systems have been in a state of overdrive, a state that triggers a compromised immune system. When the immune system is compromised, it is extremely difficult to fight off infection and disease. For many patients who present with highly aroused sympathetic nervous systems, something as simple as a short walk can trigger sympathetic overdrive. Oftentimes setting off symptoms such as chest pain, inflammation of cardiac muscles, and heart palpitations. Upstate Medical University shared-“Some patients who survive COVID infections struggle with a variety of symptoms after they’ve recovered from the infection, a condition called long COVID. Some of those symptoms are related to the body’s autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in involuntary body processes including heartbeat, blood flow, digestion, and breathing.” (Eldokla, Ahmed)

Inflammation of Bowel & Intestinal Tissues triggered by the Vagus Nerve

Another extremely common finding amongst our patients is inflammation of the bowel and intestinal tissues. From my background in osteopathy, a simple osteopathic examination reveals that these tissues are related to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the most influential in the parasympathetic system. When activated and properly functioning it can help you better manage stress, reduce cortisol levels, and achieve a better homeostatic balance, which affects all physiological functions of the body, including better absorption of nutrients and digestion, decreased systemic inflammation, improved short-term memory, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, produces endorphins that make you feel good, relieves anxiety and depression and can stimulate stem cells. The vagus nerve is something that is often overlooked and not examined in traditional healthcare, but it is vital to your optimised well-being. Similar to our first finding, the vagus nerve is compromised by states of overstimulation to the sympathetic nervous system. When your vagus nerve is compromised it is common to experience anxiety, palpitations, and mood swings. All of these lead to inflammation of the intestinal lining and colon. "'I started seeing Sam for my Long Covid and PoTS a year ago. Through a combination of cranial osteopathy, acupuncture, breath-work, and trauma release he and his colleague Lina have helped my symptoms. At Sen Wellness Centre, you are treated as a person rather than a collection of organs. This holistic approach helped unearth issues with my autonomic nervous system and identified the role of prior traumatic experiences in my symptoms presentation. I would strongly recommend their services to anyone with Long Covid’.” -Dr. Asad Khan

Brain Fog

From an osteopathic approach, brain fog is the result of residual locking and compression of the dural membrane. The dural membrane acts as a protective barrier to prevent viruses from attacking the brain and central spinal cord. When exposed to states of stress, such as being attacked by the virus, the dural membrane releases fluid, leaving it less hydrated, compressed, and inflamed. Thus, limiting space for movement from the brain to the spinal cord, as well as compromising its ability to filter nutrients and fresh blood. Brain fog is often a result of a compromised and inflamed dural membrane. An article published in Forbes recently stated: Although inflammation is a common feature of many infections, viral and otherwise, SARS-CoV-2 elicits a particularly intense inflammatory response. Exactly why remains unclear. What is becoming increasingly clear, on the other hand, is that much of the damage associated with Covid-19 can be traced back to this hyperinflammation. (Haseltine, William)

A Holistic Approach- Restore Equilibrium at our Sanctuary

Being a holistic osteopath with an integrative approach to addressing Long Covid, it has been of the utmost importance to me to acknowledge that symptoms vary from person to person; to understand that each person is unique and requires individualised treatment.

Over 25 years of experience, I have gained a vast understanding of a person’s emotional, mental, and physical profile. Furthermore, the ability to sense and understand the proprioception of tissues in the body; our tissues often present underlying symptoms and lead the way for a recovery program.

I have mindfully crafted a Long Covid Recovery Programme that has proven to be successful. Rooted in Ayurveda, osteopathy, and harnessing the power of ancient healing modalities, I can confidently say it is possible to heal Long Covid and reignite your inner light.

Our Long Covid Recovery Programme is deeply inspired by the Ayurvedic practice, Panchakarma. Panchakarma is the Sanskrit word meaning five actions or five treatments. This ancient system of healing is designed to act as a bio-cleansing regimen that eliminates toxic elements from the body, thereby enhancing the body’s immune function.

Resetting the Autonomic Nervous System

The radical elimination that takes place during Panchakarma works as an effective method of healing for those suffering from Long Covid. The treatments make way for the release of toxins, micro-clotting, reducing inflammation on both micro and macro levels, and much more.

Panchakarma acts as a trigger for the autonomic nervous system to reset. During this phase, your nervous system will exit from a state of “fight or flight” and restore your nervous system to a state of equilibrium.

The programme will be tailored to your requirements after consultation with our resident Ayurvedic doctor. Panchakarma will be the main focus of treatments for the reasons shared and will also be aided by complementary modalities such as acupuncture and a bespoke mindfulness programme created in collaboration with our research partners at the University of Humboldt in Berlin. By the end of this personalised 12-day programme set in idyllic surroundings, your mind and body will feel balanced and restored.

Our Long Covid Recovery programme goes beyond a traditional medical experience. Our goal is to go further, to address traumas and stress associated with Covid and social isolation. Not merely addressing physical symptoms, our intention is also to provide you with emotional support and to introduce long-term lifestyle changes upon returning from the programme. Much care has been forethought into the design of this programme to give you the necessary tools to continue on a new path of well-being.

For more information on our Long Covid Recovery programme, you can get in touch at 020 7486 3373 or email us at [email protected]

Excellent

Sen Wellness Sanctuary

4.7

Based on 204 reviews

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Sara T.

Went for a 10-day spring retreat! Staff were really attentive — special mentions for Ms DiMuthu and Roshan who did a good job with massages, and the driver Gobi has excellent driving skills (prob the only one that didn’t give me carsickness on the long drives)
The staff helped us arrange safaris and day trips to mirisa beach, and tangelle town.

Anneka K.

Loved my stay at Sen - 3 days in a peaceful haven! Great service from the staff especially the therapists, and the cooks. Everyone is extremely friendly and you feel so well taken care off. Rooms are beautiful, food is delicious, massages are wow and the pool/beach are just perfect. Would recommend to anyone looking for a luxury Ayurvedic wellness retreat

BOSCO M.

The Sen Wellness Sanctuary is a beautiful place, energized by 2 places of water nearby, a wild and magnificent beach and a quiet and peaceful lagoon on the other side.
The staff of the hotel is wonderful, they make you feel welcomed from the moment you put your foot on the ground when they ask to leave your shoes at the entrance of the Sanctuary and you do not need it anymore for the rest of the stay inside the hotel.
The women doing the massages are without any doubt the best part of the staff in this place, the doctors are very nice also but they might be slightly unexperienced at times.
Antonio the manager is friendly although sometimes a bit inefficient.
The rooms are cozy and comfortable and the food is very good.
Sam the owner of the place knows a lot about his work and practices although I find he runs the place with a focus on making business, which in a way makes sense but sometimes made me feel uncomfortable. For example if you want an appointment with him, or even a short talk, you will be charged extra even though you have already paid a lot of money to stay there.
Still I would go back as the place is wonderful.

Ariela K.

This is an INCREDIBLE wellness center focused on Ayurvedic healing modalities. I felt so taken care of and the quality of services was amazing. The food was excellent and the rooms are gorgeous! I can’t wait to come back!

Michaela H.

It has been our third time at Sen Wellness and it does feel like coming home. It’s simply in every respect beautiful and we can’t wait to go back next year. We normally send between 10-14 days at it’s our detox in every respect. Thank you to make our stay always so special 💕

Takield A.

I had an incredible stay at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. The atmosphere was truly relaxing, the location peaceful and beautiful—it felt like a retreat for both the body and mind. The food was absolutely delicious—nourishing, wholesome, and perfectly suited to the wellness experience.

The traditional treatments were excellent, offering a deep sense of rejuvenation. But what truly made my stay unforgettable was the people. From Tharu, the kind and reliable driver, to the wonderful wellness managers, Candice and Tania, and the inspiring yoga teacher, Kamila—every member of the team contributed to a warm and welcoming experience. Their care and dedication made all the difference.

Just a few constructive comments—it would be great to have new lily pads and bolster cushions, as the current ones were not in the best condition. Also, more yoga blocks would be helpful, as there weren’t always enough for everyone.

Overall, I had an amazing time, and if you’re looking for a place to unwind, heal, and be surrounded by positive energy, I highly recommend Sen Wellness Sanctuary!

Lauren M.

My stay at Sen was amazing. The location is amazing and peaceful and the food, staff and treatments were exceptional.
It was lovely to meet and connect with both the staff and the other guests to have a very memorable experience of pure relaxation and reset.

Annieck G.

Wow, what an amazing experience! 🌟

My yoga retreat truly exceeded all my expectations. The location was breathtaking, with beautiful beaches and a peaceful atmosphere that helped me truly relax. The yoga sessions were perfect for my body and mind, and I felt stronger and more relaxed every day.

Tania was incredibly kind. The staff was always lovely and helpful, which made the experience even more special. The doctors were very professional, the kitchen staff cooked delicious meals, and the massagers were top-notch! Everything contributed to an unforgettable experience.

It was truly a memorable experience, and I hope to come back someday. I love this place!

Mel D.

I had such a wonderful time at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. I spent a full week there, the perfect amount of time for a luxurious pamper filled break from the daily grind. The treatments were amazing and all tailored to your needs, all the staff were tentative and gracious, the food was delicious. The whole place is surrounded by nature, including the shala where yoga class and workshops were held - a truly magical setting. I would recommend this gorgeous retreat in a heart beat and I hope to return one day in the future.

Georgie B.

Incredible experience at Sen - everyone on the team was a delight and you are made to feel so welcome, as well as being taken such good care of. Delicious food, deeply relaxing treatments and a special sense of community from the likeminded people met there. The perfect place to unwind and reset - wish I was there longer! Thanks to everyone who made my stay so memorable ✌️

Isabella R.

5 stelle non bastano per valutare questo paradiso! Personale professionale e come tutto il popolo dello Sri Lanka, con un sorriso che ti accoglie e ti spiazza! La location è magica. Il cibo eccellente i trattamenti incredibili. Tutto è semplicemente PERFETTO. Grazie con tutto il cuore

Arno D.

Having spent 7 days and nights at Sen Wellness in the first week of December I can only call out the immense transformation that took place while I was there. Arriving after 21h of traveling being welcomed by a now dear friend and being taken into the group that was there for the winter retreat was made a huge positive impact. I was staying in the larger room on the ground floor near the swimming pool and it was just wonderful. Fresh drinking water being replenished every day and the room kept super clean I could not have wished for more. Within the main building the activity takes place under the guiding coordination of Candice supporting the local staff. The daily treatments were of a super high standard and after a medical check at arrival you are let loose in the amazing world of Sen Wellness. Big shoutout goes to the kitchen and the serving crew for cooking and serving us amazing meals three times per day, you can taste the love they have put in. The 6am yoga sessions are a delight under the guidance of Sunshine Sam and especially the sessions on the beach in front of the sanctuary are spectacular.

The evening meditation and gong sessions are wonderful. I enjoyed massively the cacao session but all the others are amazing too. The 1 to 1 conversation with the monk gave me amazing insights on how to bring back the healthy routine in my daily life. Final shoutout goes to the doctors, the treatment staff, the housekeeping, the driver and the general management staff for making my stay at Sen unforgettable. For those considering to go, even solo, please have this place highly recommended.

One final remark for coffee lovers; since it is a no meat, no wheat no caffeine experience I do recommend taking the coffee at the stop on the way from the airport, the driver will point it out, as the dreaming of coffee conversations during the retreat are wholesome and somehow funny as well.

Marvin L.

We had a wonderful time at Sen Wellness. We did a 3 day retreat and wished we could have stayed a full week.
The staff is amazing, everyone is super friendly and has a smile on their face whenever you see them. The whole vibe of this beautiful place feels just health - the food is amazing, the doctors care and the treatments bring you to a deep relaxation very fast.
We loved the chats with likeminded guests as well as the yoga & meditations, the daily rituals and the nature around. We will definitely try to come back, then for a longer time!

nia J.

Absolutely life changing experience, amazing doctors, yoga teachers, the staff and food were perfect. And the beach is the best beach I have ever seen with turtle nesting on the shore! So perfect I would really recommend.

Georgie H.

This was our second retreat in Sri lanka and it did not disappoint. Beautiful setting beside one of the most stunning parts of the beach, whilst also lagoon facing, it instantly makes you feel peaceful. The Ayurvedic treatments are great, food delicious and yoga / mediation twice daily was a great daily practice. We really loved our stay and hope to come back!

Author

Sam Kankanamge

Sam Kankanamge BSc (Hons) Osteo, DPO, Dip.Acu is an exceptional, world renowned healthcare professional, with over 25 years-experience transforming patients’ health.