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 info@senwellnessclinic.co.uk

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Sen Wellness Sanctuary

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Eva B.

Sen Wellness has been amazing. The Ayurvedic treatments are top of the bill, the food is delicious, staff always friendly and the surrounding nature is lovely. The beach, the pool, monkees in the trees, squirrels, birds… I will miss this place, the people, the yoga…is has been a bliss and I feel lighter and full of energy again. Will be back! ❤️

Rishabh R.

Stayed at Sen Wellness Sanctuary after spending time at its sister retreat, Rekawa, and loved how different yet connected the experience felt. Sen is beautifully designed, calm, and carries a gentle spiritual energy that quietly wraps around you.

What makes the place special is its setting. On one side you have the wide open beach, and on the other side a serene lagoon, so you feel like you are floating between two worlds rather than choosing just one.

The wellness sessions were grounding, the food was clean and comforting, and everything about the space makes it easy to slow down without even trying. I may not have reached enlightenment, but I definitely reached a very pleasant level of “life is good”.

Sam, the founder, is a warm and thoughtful host who clearly cares about the experience of every guest. You can feel that Sen is built from intention, not just aesthetics.

I left feeling lighter, calmer, and genuinely refreshed. If you are looking for a serene, well designed retreat that feels soulful without trying too hard, Sen is absolutely worth it.

Mamadou & B.

Für mich war dieser Ayurveda-Retreat von A bis Z perfekt und hat meine Erwartungen bei weitem übertroffen. Das gesamte Team ist ausserordentlich herzlich, aufmerksam und zuvorkommend – man fühlt sich vom ersten Moment an willkommen und bestens aufgehoben.

Die Ayurveda-Ärztinnen waren unglaublich angenehm, einfühlsam und kompetent. Ich habe mich durchgehend hervorragend betreut und ernst genommen gefühlt.

Auch die Anlage selbst ist wunderschön: die Lage, das Meer, der Strand – einfach traumhaft. Und nicht zu vergessen das fantastische Essen, das jeden Tag ein Highlight war.

Diese Erfahrung war für mich rundum bereichernd, sodass ich direkt wieder für nächstes Jahr reserviert habe. Absolute Herzensempfehlung!

Dagmar G.

★★★★★ Absolutely outstanding experience

We were absolutely thrilled with our 10-day stay. From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized and carried by genuine warmth.

The therapists and treatment team are exceptional – deeply skilled, attentive, and truly present. The doctors are fantastic: knowledgeable, compassionate, and inspiring, making us feel safe and understood at every step. A special thank you also to the service staff for their kindness, professionalism, and constant care. We are very grateful to everyone.

The food was excellent – nourishing, beautifully prepared, and perfectly aligned with the holistic concept of the place.

Beyond the medical and therapeutic care, the additional experiences were truly special: the cacao ceremony was deeply touching, the yoga and meditation sessions were grounding and enriching, and the workshops and meeting with the Buddhist monk were profoundly meaningful and inspiring.

This is a very special place filled with heart, wisdom, and humanity.
A place we can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking healing, depth, and authentic care.

With deep gratitude,
Dagmar and Oliver

Iris P.

Wonderful place for recovering, mentale, fysicaly and spiritualy and getting wisdom for the rest of your life.

peter L.

I highly recommend Sen Sanctuary as an amazing calm oasis to reset your body and mind. I stayed for 7 glorious nights and it has literally changed my life in a more positive intentional way.

The team did a great job of educating us on the Ayurvedic practices (cooking, philosophy, nutrition, lifestyle) and the treatments were wonderful (my first Ayurvedic retreat).

What also made the stay so special is the community that the staff are fostering, so if you are travelling solo then dint worry, you’ll meet some wonderful fellow travellers. As this isn’t really a place for 1 or 2 nights, you have time you really build connections.

The sanctuary is situated far off the beaten track in a nature reserve surrounded by a lagoon and the ocean. If you want to disconnect (from the world) yet feel more connected (with like minded people) then there isn’t a better place to go!

The experience from start to finish was superb - I can’t wait to come back.

Agne R.

I spent 10 days at this sanctuary on an Ayurvedic and yoga retreat, and it was a truly transformative experience.

The location is breathtaking - surrounded by jungle, lagoon, and sea, with an abundance of birds and wildlife. Being so immersed in nature felt deeply grounding and healing. The food was incredible: nourishing, comforting, and clearly prepared with so much care. Every meal felt like part of the healing process.

The Ayurvedic treatments were phenomenal. The doctors and massage therapists were attentive, kind, and genuinely invested in making each day the best possible experience. While the doctors didn’t speak much English, it never felt like a limitation - I was there to experience rather than analyse, and that felt right.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this retreat was the people I met. I formed deep connections and, through this shared space, learned more about myself in 10 days than I have in the past year.

I want to especially acknowledge Lucy and Rebecca, who led the yoga and healing sessions. They are truly incredible - deeply present, compassionate, and gifted at creating a safe, supportive space. Through both their practices and conversations, I was able to process my experience and access a level of healing I hadn’t reached before. They were a huge part of what made this retreat so special for me.

I do feel it’s important to gently mention one observation, as transparency matters. While my personal experience as a guest was very positive, I noticed moments that made me feel uncomfortable regarding how staff were treated, particularly by the retreat owner. Staff appeared fearful at times, and there was a noticeable separation between guests and staff during ceremonies. I also wasn’t clear about how tips were distributed, which left me uncertain. I share this not to detract from the healing I personally experienced, but because ethical treatment of staff is important to me and may matter to others considering a stay.

Overall, this retreat offered profound healing, connection, and reflection. It is a powerful place for those seeking deep rest, self-discovery, and immersion in nature.

Jadwiga B.

Najlepsze miejsce w życiu i na świecie!<3

Max R.

I had an incredible stay at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. The place is truly a treasure. Everything is perfect. The rooms are beautiful, the food fantastic, the staff super kind, and everything very high quality. The location is incredibly peaceful, nestled between a lagoon and the beach. The treatments are wonderful, and Dr. Sam and all of the professionals are experts. This was by far my favorite part of my trip to Sri Lanka!

Maryanne T.

I recommend this place to everyone for a short or long retreat. A magical place with incredible staff. Structure and kindness are the order of the day. I felt safe, with excellent support in terms of food. Thank you to the whole team.

The D.

A Soul-Nourishing 7-Day Retreat at Zen Wellness, Sri Lanka 🌿
My friends and I spent seven unforgettable days at Zen Wellness in Sri Lanka, and it was truly one of the most heart-warming, rejuvenating experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced with genuine kindness, serenity, and a level of care that went far beyond our expectations.
The food deserves special praise—every meal was a delight. Thoughtfully prepared, nourishing, and absolutely delicious, the cuisine perfectly complemented the retreat experience. Each dish felt like it was made with love, balancing flavor and wellness in the most beautiful way.
The staff and therapists at Zen Wellness are simply extraordinary. Their warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness made us feel supported and cared for at every step. The Ayurvedic treatments and massages were deeply healing and transformative—tailored with expertise and delivered with such compassion that each session felt like a true reset for both body and mind.
A very special mention must go to Lucy, the hotel manager, who truly elevated our entire stay. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and personal touch made all the difference. Lucy has an incredible way of making guests feel not just welcome, but truly seen and valued. Thanks to her, every day flowed effortlessly, and every request was met with grace and a smile.
The highlight of our stay was the beautiful birthday surprises they arranged for me. From thoughtful gestures to touching moments that made me feel incredibly special, it was clear that the team went out of their way to create memories I will cherish forever. Celebrating my birthday in such a peaceful, loving environment, surrounded by my friends and the Zen Wellness family, was nothing short of magical.
Zen Wellness is not just a retreat—it’s truly a sanctuary. A place where healing, joy, and connection come together seamlessly. I left feeling renewed, grateful, and already dreaming of returning. Thank you to the entire Zen Wellness team for creating such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. 💚✨

M R.

A very special place. Lovely, warm people. Incredible experience. Lovely rooms, easy walk to big, quiet beach.

Saima I.

I came to Sen Wellness Sanctuary looking for a simple retreat.. a pause from daily life and recent changes — but what I experienced was far more than that. It felt like returning from a magical world, and I can honestly say it enhanced my life in a deeply beautiful way.
The care, cleanliness, hospitality, and energy of this place are exceptional. You welcome people with open hearts and open arms, in a way that feels like family rather than a retreat. Even as someone quite reserved, I felt safe to open up almost immediately. The ceremonial gatherings, treatments, food, and the gentle, unrushed pace create a space where you can truly feel and be yourself. My favourite moments were sitting by the lagoon in the mornings, with no rush ... even though I’m not usually a nature person, that space felt perfect for me.
I was there for my birthday, and the way you celebrated it for me — the cake, the lagoon setting, the thoughtfulness — made it one of the most meaningful times of my life. As a psychotherapist who spends her life supporting others in their healing, this was something I deeply needed for myself. I genuinely feel I healed in ways I didn’t even realise I needed.
The doctors and staff are incredibly well trained, attentive, and always present , not just looking after your stay, but truly holding your emotional experience. This was my first time in Sri Lanka, and I experienced it as one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been , because of Sen Wellness and its people.
I’ve travelled to many beautiful places, but this was different. I’ve fallen in love with you, I miss you deeply, and I can’t wait to return, knowing I’ll be welcomed in exactly the same way ❤️
With love,Saima ...

Maria M.

Nice experience, beautiful venue.
Doctors, chefs, and great staff.

Francesca C.

I spent a week at Sen during a period of grief, and left feeling energised and nourished and ready to continue on my journey. The treatments were wonderful and the team truely cared for guests. Thank you Sen for helping me to heal.

Author

Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Treatment of Long Covid

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.