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 commonfeature 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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Agnieszka O.

I recently spent a beautiful week at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and it was truly a wonderful experience. The Ayurveda program was exceptional — the doctors were incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and attentive throughout my stay. The therapists and masseurs were also fantastic, making every treatment relaxing and deeply healing.
The food was absolutely delicious — healthy, fresh, and full of flavor. The entire staff was warm, supportive, and always ready to help with anything I needed.
Overall, Sen Wellness Sanctuary provided the perfect balance of healing, relaxation, and nourishment. I left feeling refreshed, re-energized, and very grateful for the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and transformative retreat.

Beate B.

A pure magical experience.

Aleksandra S.

An Unforgettable and Deeply Healing Ayurvedic Experience!

From the moment I arrived, I knew I had found a truly special place for my Ayurvedic treatment. I wholeheartedly recommend this center to anyone seeking authentic healing and rejuvenation.

The consultations with the Ayurvedic specialists (doctors) were incredibly helpful and deeply engaging. They took the time to understand my specific needs and condition, showing genuine dedication to ensuring the treatment brought the maximum possible benefits.

The treatments themselves were highly professional, carried out with extraordinary care and attention to every single detail.

The staff and service are wonderful – truly delightful and always trying to assist you with various situations at every turn. Their genuine smiles and commitment to guest comfort make the experience even more pleasant.

The food is diverse, absolutely delicious, and beautifully prepared. The menu ensures that no one goes hungry, offering nourishing and flavorful meals that are an integral part of the healing process.

Finally, the location is absolutely stunning. The resort itself is beautiful, perfectly situated right on the edge of a serene lagoon. It features a lovely pool and has easy access to the beach, where you can admire the raw power and beauty of the ocean.

I highly recommend undergoing your Ayurvedic treatment here because you will meet smiling, dedicated people who genuinely care about maximizing your well-being and health status. It is a place of profound relaxation, expert care, and positive energy.

Ariane von N.

I spent two wonderful weeks at this Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka, and it was truly a beautiful start to a healthier life. The retreat is an authentic haven surrounded by nature — peaceful, green, and full of positive energy.

The staff are simply amazing — always smiling, kind, and genuinely thoughtful. You can feel that they put their hearts into everything they do, every single day. The food is absolutely delicious, fresh, and nourishing, perfectly aligned with the Ayurvedic philosophy.

Each day brought new, amazing treatments that helped me relax and reconnect with myself. It was my first retreat, and I couldn’t have imagined a better place to begin this journey. Life here runs on island time and style — calm, unhurried, and full of warmth.

I felt completely comfortable and cared for from the moment I arrived. A huge thank you to everyone who made this experience so special. I’m leaving with a calm mind, a happy heart, and deep gratitude. 🌿💚

Angelika M.

This Signature Place so much deserves its name: so SEN with its location between the sea and lagoon and quiet & lonely beach but rough sea , its beautiful and calming architecture and interior and kind people allover the place.
And so WELLNESS with the great & professional ayurvedic doctors & staff & treatments, special yoga and breathwork sessions and talks with a monk ever week and amazing food variety every day. Never wanna miss Sunday hoppers with peanut butter again!
Thank your SAM and your whole great team for creating this magic Signature Place and life changing moments and experiences!

Fynn L.

Great place to relax, unwind and connect back to yourself. The place is beautifully located between a lagoon and the ocean. There was rarely a moment when you can’t hear the ocean. The food is absolutely amazing and all the staff are just the best. Special thanks to Rosie for making everybody feel welcome and at easy and Gobi for saving the day

Jessica V.

Stuti Stuti Stuti to the whole team of SenWellness Sanctuary!

In the 10 days retreat I celebrated here my birthday. With being one year older, I now feel 10 years younger, mainly because of all the love, the care, the joy and the special attention they have given me and all of us.

We feel blessed we were able to spend wonderful moments together with you in this beautiful authentic place!
Wonderful ayurvedic treatments, great individual care from the doctors, the tasty food, the yogaclasses, and the lovely people!

I will definitely come back.
Until we meet again!
Love, Jessica & Jeroen
🦎

Cecilia Z.

I had such an amazing experience at the sen wellness sanctuary, the staff was so kind and professional and all the classes and treatments were amazing.
The Sanctuary is located in a natural reserve so you are in contact with all type of animals and just a few steps from the beach, which makes it more special.
I would love to come back at least once a year to this special place.

Barbara D.

A wonderful experience. The resort offers excellent service with outstanding professionals in every area. Both the treatments and the care provided by the doctors, as well as the yoga and breathing classes, are highly recommended. The location, between a lagoon and a wild beach inside a natural park, makes it unique.

kazu y

9月のDragonfly Retreatに参加させていただきました。二度目のスリランカで初めてsen wellnessにお世話になりました。とても静かで穏やかな環境下にあるサンクチュアリ。アーユルヴェーダの先生方、施術スタッフの皆さん、シェフ、ホテルスタッフの皆さん全員が暖かく、とても心地よく過ごすことができました。アーユルヴェーダの背術は期待以上！個人に合わせた施術プランを立ててくれます。私はAC無しのお部屋に宿泊しましたが、清掃も行き届いていてシンプルながら快適でした。ACがついているロッジも見せてもらいましたが、とても素敵でした。そして毎食何といっても楽しみだったのが、絶品お料理！朝の瞑想とヨガ後のキングココナッツも最高です。
蚊に刺されやすい方は、ディートかイカリジン入り虫除けは必須です！

アットホームで素晴らしいホスピタリティに感謝です。ぜひまた伺いたいです。

Richa S.

Recently visited Sen wellness sanctuary Colombo after finishing my chemotherapy for detoxification & holistic wellness. The centre really justifies its name of being a sanctuary , a healing refuge mentally , physically & spiritually. Plethora of treatments by their well trained staff , continuous guidance & consultations with their qualified doctors , everyday yoga & meditation sessions , all ensured our healthy well being. The food too complimented the same with its nourishing value & pleasing presentations. With its beautiful , green & serene environment it’s the best place to rejuvenate & unwind. We will definitely come back to the experience.
Thanks for all the healing team Sen wellness

J. B.

I stayed here for 6 days and I wish I had more days!

I needed a "reset" from the hustle and bustle of New York and I came here without that much expectations. What I found here was a pleasant surprise.

Food - the food was very healthy (not traditional Western salads healthy). It may be challenging for some as other than eggs, no animal protein is provided. However, it was overall extremely healthy - everything was made in house, even sauces and peanut butter.

Treatments - I really thought there would only be 1-2 treatments a day but to my shock, you get 3-5 treatments a day. In addition, you could also do special sessions with the owner (Dr Sam) if he is visiting. My sessions with the team and Dr Sam were incredibly helpful to relieve my anxiety.

Fixed Schedule - if you want to reset and not think about anything, this is the perfect place. Everything is thought about for you - food, activities, daily treatments. Literally all you have to do is show up and relax.

Yoga, Breathwork and Community - Most importantly, I loved the sanctuary because of the yoga and the community. There are sessions with the yoga teacher, a breathwork teacher, and a monk.

Ana Maria Gaviria E.

A Truly Transformative Ayurvedic Experience
I had the most wonderful stay at this Ayurvedic retreat. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, cared for, and completely at ease. The staff were not only professional but also genuinely warm and attentive, making me feel like part of their family.

The Ayurvedic consultations were thorough and insightful, with treatments tailored perfectly to my needs. Each therapy session was deeply relaxing, and I could feel my stress melting away day by day. The massages, herbal remedies, and healing rituals were authentic and done with so much skill and compassion.

The food was another highlight – delicious, nourishing, and beautifully prepared according to Ayurvedic principles. I left each meal feeling light yet satisfied, and I could truly feel the difference in my energy levels and overall wellbeing.

The peaceful setting of the retreat made the whole experience even more special. Surrounded by nature, I found the time and space to disconnect, reflect, and recharge. By the end of my stay, I felt rejuvenated, balanced, and more in tune with myself than I have in years.

I can’t recommend this retreat highly enough to anyone seeking deep relaxation, healing, or simply a reset from everyday life.

Thanks to all the staff , Dr Chamodi, Madu,Sam , Alex and Mariana ! This place is in my heart i will definitely come back !

Marion F.

I was part of the Golden Summer Retreat at Zen Wellness Sanctuary, and it was a truly beautiful time for me. The sanctuary is a magical place, located between a lagoon and the ocean, right in the middle of nature. The sea is wild, and the beach is empty, clean, and natural – perfect for long walks after morning yoga, watching the sunset in the evening, or looking up at the stars at night. Everything was very well organized. The Ayurvedic treatments were excellent, and the team of therapists did a really wonderful job.
The food was really excellent, and meals were always shared together, which created a warm sense of community. This makes the retreat also very suitable for solo travelers, as it is easy to connect with others. There were also many extra activities. One special highlight for me was the trip to the beach in the afternoon, where we practiced breathwork at sunset – an unforgettable experience. I also enjoyed the meditations, the visit of a monk, and the different workshops, which were all very enriching.
I especially loved the yoga classes with Mariana, as well as her breathwork session, which was a completely new and powerful experience for me. Overall, I spent a truly wonderful week at Zen Wellness Sanctuary, full of new impressions and experiences. I am very grateful for this time and would like to thank the whole team for everything.

Mel D.

My daughter and I stayed at Sen and participated in the dragonfly retreat. We had both been grieving the loss of a loved one and the time here helped us to heal and gather the necessary tools to continue to heal when we returned home. All of the staff were caring and knowledgeable in their practices and the food was something you need to experience. We are planning on coming back. Thank you Sen for having us.

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.