The Role of Chinese Medical Therapies in the Treatment of Long-COVID

Introduction: Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses significant health burdens. Microcirculatory disorders are a critical sequela contributing to these complications. Methods: This review synthesizes literature on microcirculatory impairments in Long COVID, focusing on the pathogenesis (e.g., endothelial dysfunction, microvascular thrombosis), clinical manifestations, and therapeutic approaches. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched from 2020 to 2024. Results: (1) Microcirculatory dysfunction manifests as persistent microvascular abnormalities linked to multiorgan damage; (2) Herbal medicine (e.g., Lianhua Qingwen) and acupuncture demonstrate potential efficacy in improving microcirculatory parameters; (3) Biomarkers of endothelial injury are correlated with symptom severity. Discussion: Microcirculatory disturbances are a central pathophysiological mechanism in Long COVID. Targeting these alterations through integrated therapies (e.g., TCM-regulated qi–blood balance) may alleviate symptoms. Standardized biomarker quantification and rigorous trials are needed to validate these interventions. Conclusion: Strategies addressing microcirculatory dysfunction, particularly evidence-based TCM approaches, hold promise for expanding Long COVID treatment options. Prioritizing mechanistic studies and interventional trials will enhance clinical translation and patient recovery.