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Have you lost your sense of taste or smell after the flu or a COVID-19 infection? You’re not alone. For many people, these senses don’t bounce back right away — and it can be incredibly frustrating. At Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we often see patients navigating this lingering symptom. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal support may offer a helpful and holistic way to encourage your recovery.
Why It Happens: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
In Chinese Medicine (CM), taste and smell loss after a viral infection is viewed as more than just a lingering effect — it points to an internal imbalance.
Here’s how CM explains it:
Lung and Spleen system disruption: Viral infections like flu or COVID are seen as external pathogens attacking the Lungs. The Lungs control the nose and breathing. The Spleen, meanwhile, affects digestion and taste.
Lingering pathogen + Phlegm-Damp: Even after recovery, your body may still hold onto some residual “pathogen,” which combines with weakened digestion to create internal “blockage.” This is known as Phlegm-Damp in CM, and it can clog up the sensory pathways.
Qi and Blood stagnation: The inflammation or stress from illness may slow down circulation and energy flow, reducing function in the nose and mouth.
Qi deficiency: After fighting off a virus, your body’s energy — especially Lung and Spleen Qi — may be depleted, making it harder to bounce back fully.
How Chinese Medicine Supports Recovery
At Almond Wellness Centre, we take a whole-body approach to post-viral recovery. Here’s what support may involve:
Acupuncture
We use acupuncture to support your body’s energy flow and help clear blockages affecting the nose and mouth. This includes:
- Local points on the face and nose (e.g. Yingxiang LI20, Bitong, Yintang)
- Points to support Lung and Spleen function
- Points that help clear Phlegm and improve circulation
Acupuncture may help by improving blood flow, calming inflammation, and stimulating the nervous system.
Research spotlight:
- A study in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery found acupuncture may help patients with persistent post-viral smell loss recover more effectively.
- A 2022 case report documented improvements in two COVID-related smell loss cases after acupuncture at facial points like LI20 and Yintang.
- An article in Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine highlighted acupuncture as a promising option for long-COVID symptoms, including smell and taste dysfunction.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal support is tailored to your individual pattern. Your practitioner may focus on:
- Clearing lingering heat or toxins
- Transforming Phlegm and Damp with herbs like Ban Xia, Chen Pi, Cang Er Zi
- Opening the sensory orifices using aromatic herbs like Xin Yi Hua, Bai Zhi, Bo He
- Supporting Qi and Blood flow with herbs like Huang Qi, Dang Shen, Chuan Xiong
- Strengthening the Lungs and Spleen to aid long-term recovery
Other Helpful Techniques
Moxibustion: This gentle warming technique supports energy and circulation, especially when fatigue is present.
Herbal steam or nasal rinses: May assist in clearing nasal passages.
Olfactory training: Smell training using strong scents like clove, lemon, and eucalyptus is often recommended and supported by research in both Western and Chinese medicine circles.
What You Can Expect
Recovery takes time — usually weeks to a few months.
Gradual progress is common. Many people notice small but steady improvements.
Individualised support matters. The right approach depends on your specific pattern.
Medical checkups still important. Make sure your doctor has ruled out other causes like sinusitis or neurological issues.
Final Thoughts
Loss of taste and smell after flu or COVID-19 can be slow to resolve. While it may come back on its own, many people look for extra support to speed things up or feel more in control of the process. At Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we use a blend of acupuncture, herbal support, and whole-body care to help restore your senses and strengthen your recovery.
If you’ve been waiting weeks or months with little change, it may be worth exploring what Chinese Medicine has to offer. Book a consultation to find out more — we’re here to help you through it.
References
Deng X, Zhang Y, Guo X, et al. Acupuncture for the treatment of post-viral olfactory dysfunction: A pilot study.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;142(3):488-493.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2009.12.006
Bai W, Li J, Yang S. Case Report: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for olfactory dysfunction in the post-COVID-19 condition. ResearchGate. 2022.
Qiang W, Kang Y, et al. Acupuncture effects on COVID-19 long-hauler syndrome. Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine. 2022. Herald Open Access
HealthCMi Staff. Acupuncture for COVID-19 loss of smell and taste. HealthCMi.com.
https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2066-acupuncture-for-covid-19-loss-of-smell-and-taste
HealthCMi Staff. Acupuncture targets long COVID neurological and sensory symptoms. HealthCMi.com.
https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2350-acupuncture-targets-long-covid-neurological-and-sensory-symptoms