After reviewing more than 60 treatments, therapies, lifestyle changes and wellness claims, here’s the short answer:
- There is currently no scientifically proven cure for Long COVID.
- Some interventions have good evidence for improving specific symptoms such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), breathlessness, pain or quality of life.
- Many treatments showing promise are still in early research and require larger clinical trials.
- Some popular therapies are supported mainly by anecdotal recovery stories or commercial claims rather than robust scientific evidence.
- Long COVID is unlikely to be a single disease. Different biological mechanisms probably require different treatments, meaning what helps one person may not help another.
- The current goal is not to find one miracle cure, but to identify the right combination of evidence-based strategies for each individual while research continues.
Key Takeaways
- ✔ No proven cure for Long COVID.
- ✔ Some treatments help symptoms—none cure everyone.
- ✔ Evidence varies—not every headline reflects good science.
- ✔ What helps one person may not help another.
- ✔ Long COVID is likely many conditions, not one.
- ✔ Choose evidence over hype.
Yoga. Rest. Exercise. Gardening. Cold water. Sauna. Vagus nerve stimulation. Singing. If every headline over the last five years had been right, Long COVID would have been cured dozens of times already.
If you’ve lived with Long COVID for more than a few months, you’ve probably been told the answer is surprisingly simple. Exercise. Actually, don’t exercise. Rest. But not too much. Try yoga. Go swimming. Avoid swimming. Garden more. Take cold showers. Sit in a sauna. Stimulate your vagus nerve. Treat Epstein–Barr virus. Heal your gut. Fix your mitochondria. Sleep more. Think positively.Pray.
Over the past five years, researchers, newspapers, social media, wellness influencers and even well-meaning friends have all presented different ideas as the answer to Long COVID.
Some are supported by good scientific evidence for managing specific symptoms. Some are promising but still experimental. Some are based on a single person’s recovery. Some should probably never have become headlines.
This article isn’t about mocking people who are trying to recover. It’s about understanding why almost every new idea quickly becomes “the cure” long before the evidence says it is.
Before We Begin
There is currently no universally accepted cure for Long COVID. That doesn’t mean nothing helps. Many treatments, rehabilitation approaches and lifestyle changes genuinely improve some symptoms for some people. Others show promise in early research. Some work well for specific biological subgroups. Some have little convincing evidence at all. Throughout this guide we’ll separate symptom management, early research, personal recovery stories, and headline hype because they are not the same thing.
How We Reviewed These Claims
Over the past five years, almost every few weeks has brought a new headline claiming the answer to Long COVID. Sometimes it was exercise. Sometimes it was avoiding exercise. Sometimes it was yoga, breathing exercises, cold water swimming, vagus nerve stimulation, hyperbaric oxygen, supplements, or treating Epstein–Barr virus. Some of these ideas are supported by good science for managing specific symptoms. Some are genuinely promising. Some are based on individual recovery stories. And some have been promoted far more confidently than the evidence justifies.
To create this guide, we reviewed scientific studies, clinical guidelines, newspaper headlines, television reports, patient stories, social media trends, and commercial claims that have all, at one time or another, been presented as potential answers to Long COVID. For every intervention, we’ll ask the same four questions:
- What was the claim?
- What does the evidence actually say?
- Who might it help?
- Is it a cure?
Understanding the Evidence
At the time of writing, there is no universally accepted cure for Long COVID.That doesn’t mean nothing helps. Many interventions genuinely improve symptoms or quality of life for some people. Others are promising but still experimental. Some are supported only by anecdotal reports, while others have little convincing evidence at all. To keep this guide fair and consistent, every intervention is assigned one of the following evidence categories:
🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management
Research suggests this intervention may improve one or more symptoms in selected patients. It is not a cure and is not appropriate for everyone.
🟡 Promising early research
Early studies are encouraging, but larger, well-designed clinical trials are still needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
🔵 Anecdotal recovery
Some individuals report improvement, but personal experiences cannot demonstrate that an intervention is effective for the wider Long COVID population.
🟠 Commercial or wellness claim
Promoted by clinics, influencers, or commercial providers, but currently supported by limited or low-quality independent evidence.
🔴 No convincing evidence
Current research does not support claims that this intervention treats or cures Long COVID.
Why There Is No Single Cure for Long Covid
Perhaps the biggest lesson from five years of Long COVID research is that it is unlikely to be a single disease with a single biological cause. Different people appear to have different combinations of immune dysregulation, autonomic dysfunction, viral persistence, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, microvascular changes, and other biological mechanisms that researchers are still working to understand.
That makes one universal cure unlikely. A better question isn’t: “Which treatment cures Long COVID?” It’s:“Which treatments help which patients and why?” That’s exactly what this guide aims to explore.
Can Exercise Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Exercise is one of the most controversial areas of Long COVID. A substantial proportion of patients experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), where physical or mental exertion causes a delayed worsening of symptoms. Studies reporting benefits from exercise usually involves carefully selected patients, often excluding those with significant PEM or focusing on deconditioning rather than classic Long COVID.
Bottom line: Exercise is not a cure for Long COVID. For many patients, particularly those with PEM, inappropriate exercise may worsen symptoms rather than improve them.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 May help carefully selected patients. Not appropriate for everyone.
Can Rest Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Rest became one of the earliest recommendations for Long COVID, particularly after many patients reported worsening symptoms following physical or mental activity. For people with post-exertional malaise (PEM), pacing and staying within their energy limits are among the best-supported management strategies. However, while rest may reduce symptom flare-ups and improve day-to-day functioning, it has not been shown to cure Long COVID.
Bottom line: Rest is an important management strategy for many people with Long COVID, especially those with PEM. It helps many patients do more by crashing less but it is not a cure.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (particularly for people with PEM).
Can Walking Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Walking is often recommended as a gentle way to rebuild fitness because it reflects everyday function. Unlike swimming or recumbent cycling, however, it requires exercising upright, which can make it much harder for people with POTS or orthostatic intolerance. People with post-exertional malaise (PEM) may also experience delayed symptom worsening if they exceed their energy limits.
Bottom line: Walking may be helpful for some people, but it should never be prescribed as a universal treatment. Increasing walking distance is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (selected patients).
Can Yoga Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Yoga has been studied as a way to improve flexibility, breathing, stress, sleep and overall wellbeing. Some small studies suggest it may help certain symptoms and quality of life, particularly when adapted to an individual’s abilities. However, there is no evidence that yoga cures Long COVID. People with post-exertional malaise (PEM) may also find that even gentle yoga needs to be carefully paced.
Bottom line: Yoga may be a helpful part of symptom management for some people, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Pilates Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Pilates is sometimes recommended to improve posture, flexibility, core strength and breathing control. However, there is currently no evidence that Pilates cures Long COVID. Like any form of exercise, it may be helpful for some people but may worsen symptoms in those with post-exertional malaise (PEM) if it exceeds their individual energy limits.
Bottom line: Pilates may support rehabilitation for carefully selected patients, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Qigong Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines slow, gentle movements with breathing exercises and meditation. It has been studied for balance, flexibility, stress reduction and overall wellbeing, and a small number of early studies suggest it may improve fatigue and quality of life in some people with Long COVID. However, the evidence remains limited, and people with post-exertional malaise (PEM) should still adapt the intensity to their individual energy limits.
Bottom line: Qigong is a gentle practice that may help some people improve wellbeing and manage symptoms, but it has not been shown to cure Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Physiotherapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Good physiotherapy for Long COVID starts with identifying the patient’s symptoms, not prescribing exercise. An experienced physiotherapist will first assess for post-exertional malaise (PEM), dysautonomia, breathing-pattern disorders and functional limitations before deciding what type of rehabilitation, if any, is appropriate.
Bottom line: Good physiotherapy aims to help people function better and avoid setbacks. It may improve symptoms for some patients, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (individualised rehabilitation).
Can Swimming Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Swimming is unique because the water supports the body while hydrostatic pressure helps improve venous return and reduces the effects of gravity. This can make exercise easier for some people with POTS or orthostatic intolerance. However, for people with post-exertional malaise (PEM), swimming can still trigger a delayed worsening of symptoms if it exceeds their individual energy limits.
Bottom line: Swimming may be a good rehabilitation option for carefully selected patients, especially some people with POTS. It is not a cure for Long COVID and is not suitable for everyone.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 May help carefully selected patients.
Can Breathing Exercises Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Not all breathlessness in Long COVID comes from lung damage. Some people develop dysfunctional breathing or breathing-pattern disorders that make everyday activities feel much harder. Breathing exercises aim to improve breathing efficiency and control, which may reduce symptoms in selected patients.
Bottom line: Breathing exercises may improve breathlessness and help some people feel more in control of their breathing, but they are not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (selected patients).
Can Cycling Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Cycling is often recommended as a low-impact way to rebuild fitness and endurance. Some people with Long COVID may benefit from carefully paced cycling, particularly if they do not experience post-exertional malaise (PEM). However, for others, cycling can trigger a delayed worsening of symptoms if it exceeds their individual energy limits.
Bottom line: Cycling may help some people as part of a personalised rehabilitation programme, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Recumbent Cycling Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Recumbent cycling allows people to exercise in a seated or reclined position, reducing the effects of gravity on blood circulation. For some people with POTS or orthostatic intolerance, this may make exercise more tolerable than upright cycling. However, people with post-exertional malaise (PEM) can still experience symptom flare-ups if the intensity or duration exceeds their individual energy limits.
Bottom line: Recumbent cycling may be a useful rehabilitation option for some people with POTS or orthostatic intolerance, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Editor’s note: By now you may have noticed a pattern. The same intervention can help one person, have little effect on another, and make someone else significantly worse. That’s one of the reasons Long COVID has been so difficult to study and so confusing to live with.
Can Singing Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Singing programmes have been shown to help some people with persistent breathlessness after COVID-19 by improving breathing control, confidence and wellbeing. However, the benefits relate to symptom management rather than treating the underlying causes of Long COVID.
Bottom line: Singing may help some people breathe more comfortably and if it lifts your mood, that’s an added bonus but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Humming Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Humming has been suggested as a way to stimulate the vagus nerve and increase nitric oxide production in the nasal passages. While these ideas are scientifically interesting, there is currently no good-quality evidence that humming treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Humming is unlikely to do any harm for most people, but there is no evidence that it cures Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Buteyko Breathing Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No.
What the evidence says: Buteyko breathing aims to improve breathing patterns and reduce over-breathing. Some people with Long COVID, particularly those with dysfunctional breathing or persistent breathlessness, may find it helpful. However, there is currently no evidence that Buteyko breathing cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Buteyko breathing may improve breathing comfort for some people, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Wim Hof Breathing Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Wim Hof breathing combines controlled hyperventilation, breath-holding and often cold exposure. While it may influence the stress response and has been studied in healthy volunteers, there is currently no good-quality evidence that it treats or cures Long COVID. Some people with Long COVID, particularly those with dysautonomia or dizziness, may find these techniques difficult to tolerate.
Bottom line: Wim Hof breathing has attracted considerable interest, but there is no evidence that it cures Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
ditor’s note: We’ve now looked at exercise, rest, walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, breathing exercises, singing, humming, Buteyko and Wim Hof breathing. If you’re wondering why some of the advice seems contradictory… you’re not imagining it. Many people with Long COVID have spent years trying to make sense of exactly the same mixed messages.
Can Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) was originally developed for other long-term conditions and has been recommended in the past for people with post-viral fatigue. However, many people with Long COVID experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even small increases in activity can lead to a delayed worsening of symptoms. As a result, routine graded exercise is no longer recommended for people with PEM, and current rehabilitation focuses on individual assessment rather than fixed exercise programmes.
Bottom line: Exercise should never be increased according to a predetermined plan without considering symptoms. For many people with Long COVID, particularly those with PEM, pacing is a safer and more appropriate approach than graded exercise.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🔴 No convincing evidence.
Can Vagus Nerve Stimulation Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Vagus nerve stimulation has become one of the most discussed areas of Long COVID research. The vagus nerve plays an important role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, inflammation and communication between the brain and body. Early studies suggest vagus nerve stimulation may improve some symptoms in selected patients, but the evidence is still limited and larger clinical trials are needed.
Bottom line: Vagus nerve stimulation is one of the more promising areas of Long COVID research, but it has not been shown to cure the condition.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Ear Vagus Nerve Stimulation Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Ear vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) uses a small electrical device to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve through the outer ear. Early research suggests it may improve symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog or autonomic dysfunction in some patients, but studies remain small and larger clinical trials are needed.
Bottom line: Ear vagus nerve stimulation is an interesting area of research, but it has not been shown to cure Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can a TENS Machine Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines are widely used for pain relief and have also been adapted by some people to stimulate the vagus nerve through the ear. While this has generated considerable interest, there is currently no good-quality evidence that using a standard TENS machine cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: TENS machines may have a role in symptom management for some people, but they are not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can GammaCore Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: GammaCore is a handheld medical device that delivers non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation through the neck. It has been studied for conditions such as migraine and cluster headache and is now being investigated in Long COVID. Early studies are encouraging, but there is currently no good-quality evidence that GammaCore cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: GammaCore is one of the more scientifically researched vagus nerve stimulation devices, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Apollo Neuro Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Apollo Neuro is a wearable device that uses gentle vibrations with the aim of improving stress, sleep and nervous system regulation. While some users report feeling calmer or sleeping better, there is currently no published evidence that it treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Apollo Neuro may help some people with relaxation or sleep, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
Bottom line: If treating Long COVID were as simple as clipping something to your ear, we’d all be delighted. Unfortunately, the evidence isn’t there yet.
Can Ear Clips Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Ear clips are used with some devices to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve through the outer ear. While vagus nerve stimulation is a legitimate area of research, there is currently no good-quality evidence that simply using an ear clip cures Long COVID. The effectiveness depends on far more than attaching a clip to the ear.
Bottom line: The science behind vagus nerve stimulation is interesting. Claims that an ear clip alone can cure Long COVID go well beyond the available evidence.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
Can a Vagus Nerve Ring Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Various rings, bracelets and wearable devices have been marketed with claims of stimulating the vagus nerve or balancing the body’s energy. However, there is currently no credible scientific evidence that wearing a ring treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: If treating Long COVID were as simple as wearing a ring, researchers would have celebrated long ago. At present, the evidence simply isn’t there.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
Can Sauna Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Sauna therapy increases body temperature and causes blood vessels to widen (vasodilation). While some people find this relaxing and helpful for muscle stiffness, others particularly those with heat intolerance or dysautonomia may experience worsening fatigue, dizziness or palpitations. There is currently no evidence that sauna therapy cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Sauna therapy may help some people feel better, while others feel much worse. It is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Infrared Sauna Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Infrared saunas are promoted as a gentler alternative to traditional saunas and are often claimed to reduce inflammation or “detox” the body. While some people report symptom improvement, there is currently no convincing evidence that infrared sauna therapy treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Infrared sauna therapy remains an interesting but unproven approach. It is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Red Light Therapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, has attracted growing interest because it may influence inflammation, tissue repair and mitochondrial function. These biological effects make it a promising area of research for Long COVID, but clinical studies are still limited and there is currently no evidence that it cures the condition.
Bottom line: Red light therapy has one of the more plausible scientific rationales and is an area worth watching as research evolves. However, it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Cold Water Swimming Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. Cold water swimming combines the effects of immersion, hydrostatic pressure and cold exposure. While some people report improvements in wellbeing or autonomic symptoms, others experience significant symptom flare-ups, particularly if they have post-exertional malaise (PEM) or severe dysautonomia. There is currently no evidence that it cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Cold water swimming may benefit some carefully selected individuals, but it can also trigger symptom flare-ups in others, particularly those with dysautonomia or post-exertional malaise (PEM). It is not a cure for Long COVID. For some, it’s invigorating. For others, it’s simply a very cold way to trigger a crash.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Editor’s note: We briefly considered trying every intervention in this guide ourselves. Then we realised… between us, we probably already have. The editor still quite likes being alive.
Can Cold Showers Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Cold showers activate the body’s cold response and temporarily stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Some people with POTS report feeling temporarily better after cooling down, while others find cold exposure worsens their symptoms. There is currently no evidence that cold showers cure Long COVID.
Bottom line: If cold showers make you feel better, that’s great. If they make you feel worse, don’t force them. They are not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Ice Baths Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Ice baths, also known as cold plunges or cold water immersion, have become one of the biggest wellness trends in recent years. They are promoted as a way to reduce inflammation, improve recovery and “reset” the nervous system. While cold exposure has recognised physiological effects, there is currently no good-quality evidence that ice baths treat or cure Long COVID. For some people with dysautonomia, cardiovascular symptoms or post-exertional malaise (PEM), they may even worsen symptoms.
Bottom line: Ice baths may help some carefully selected individuals, but they are not risk-free and are not a cure for Long COVID. As with many Long COVID interventions, what helps one person may make someone else considerably worse.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Cryotherapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Whole-body cryotherapy has been suggested as a way to reduce inflammation, improve recovery and relieve pain. Although it has been studied in some medical conditions, there is currently no convincing evidence that cryotherapy treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Cryotherapy is an interesting area of research, but the evidence does not currently support it as a treatment for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Pacing Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Pacing is one of the best-supported management strategies for people with post-exertional malaise (PEM). Rather than encouraging people to push through symptoms, pacing aims to stay within an individual’s energy limits to reduce crashes and improve day-to-day function. Although pacing can significantly improve quality of life for many people, it does not treat the underlying biological causes of Long COVID. Bottom line: Pacing isn’t about doing less forever it’s about doing the right amount for your body today. It remains one of the most valuable tools for managing Long COVID, but it is not a cure.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Occupational Therapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Occupational therapists help people adapt daily activities to reduce symptoms and improve independence. In Long COVID, this may include energy conservation, pacing, cognitive strategies, workplace adaptations and practical ways to manage everyday tasks. The goal is not to push through symptoms but to help people function more effectively within their current abilities.
Bottom line: Occupational therapy can make everyday life more manageable and help people regain confidence and independence. It is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Gardening Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Gardening combines gentle physical activity, time outdoors and exposure to nature, all of which may improve wellbeing for some people. However, gardening can also be surprisingly demanding. Digging, lifting, bending and even prolonged standing may trigger symptom flare-ups in people with post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Bottom line: Gardening may be enjoyable and beneficial for some people, but it should be approached with the same pacing principles as any other activity. It is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Spending Time in Nature Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Spending time in nature has long been recognised as a way to support physical and mental wellbeing. Activities such as visiting parks, walking in woodland or practising Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and encourage gentle activity. Small studies have also explored these approaches in people with Long COVID, with encouraging early results, but there is currently no evidence that spending time in nature treats or cures the condition.
Bottom line: Nature may help you feel calmer, reduce stress and support recovery for some people. It is certainly worth spending time outdoors if you can, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (wellbeing and stress reduction).
Can Animal Therapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Animal-assisted therapy and companion animals have been shown to improve wellbeing, reduce stress, ease loneliness and support mental health in a variety of chronic illnesses. While there is currently little direct research in Long COVID, many people report that spending time with a pet provides comfort, routine and emotional support during recovery. For some, particularly those with limited mobility, companion animals such as cats can offer many of these benefits without the physical demands of regular walks.
Bottom line: A pet may make living with Long COVID feel a little less lonely and a little more manageable. That is a meaningful benefit. However, there is no evidence that animal therapy or owning a pet treats or cures Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (wellbeing and emotional support), but not for treating Long COVID.
Can Music Therapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Music therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood and support emotional wellbeing in many chronic health conditions. While there is currently little research specifically in Long COVID, listening to or making music may help some people cope with the psychological and emotional challenges of living with a long-term illness.
Bottom line: Music may lift your mood, reduce stress and improve wellbeing. It is not a cure for Long COVID, but for many people it can make difficult days a little easier.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (wellbeing), but not for treating Long COVID.
Editor’s note: Not every worthwhile intervention has to cure Long COVID. If something helps you sleep better, feel less anxious, spend time outdoors or simply makes a difficult day a little easier, that still matters. Living better with Long COVID is an important goal, even while researchers continue searching for treatments that change the disease itself.
Can Treating Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most studied viruses in Long COVID. Several studies have found evidence of EBV reactivation in some patients, leading researchers to investigate whether it contributes to fatigue, brain fog and immune dysregulation. However, there is currently no established treatment that eliminates latent EBV, and it remains unclear whether EBV is a cause of Long COVID, a consequence of immune dysfunction, or simply an associated finding.
Bottom line: EBV is one of the most important areas of Long COVID research, but there is currently no proven way to eradicate latent EBV or cure Long COVID by treating it.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Treating Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Unlike Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be treated with antiviral medications such as aciclovir or valaciclovir. Some people with Long COVID experience more frequent HSV outbreaks, possibly because of changes in immune function. Treating HSV can reduce outbreaks and improve herpes-related symptoms, but there is currently no evidence that it treats or cures Long COVID itself.
Bottom line: If recurrent herpes is affecting your health, treating it is worthwhile. However, controlling HSV should not be confused with treating Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported treatment for HSV infection, not for Long COVID.
Can Clearing Viral Persistence Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: We don’t know. What the evidence says: One of the leading theories of Long COVID is that fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or in some cases ongoing viral persistence, may continue to stimulate the immune system in a small number of patients. This has led researchers to investigate antiviral drugs and other treatments aimed at reducing viral reservoirs. While the theory is biologically plausible and actively being studied, it has not yet been proven that clearing viral persistence cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Viral persistence is one of the most important scientific hypotheses in Long COVID research. It may explain symptoms in some patients, but researchers are still trying to determine who is affected and whether targeting viral persistence improves outcomes.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Reducing Stress Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Stress affects the immune system, sleep, hormone regulation and the autonomic nervous system. Living with Long COVID is itself a major source of physical and emotional stress. Reducing stress may improve wellbeing, sleep and quality of life, but there is currently no evidence that stress reduction alone treats or cures the underlying biological processes involved in Long COVID.
Bottom line: Managing stress is an important part of living with any chronic illness. It may help you feel better, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Positive Thinking Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Maintaining hope and a positive outlook can help people cope with the challenges of a chronic illness and may improve mental wellbeing. However, there is no evidence that positive thinking changes the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for Long COVID.
Bottom line: Hope is important. Blaming yourself for not thinking positively enough is not. A positive mindset may help you cope better, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (psychological wellbeing).
Can ‘Just Getting On With It’ Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Many people with Long COVID have been encouraged to push through their symptoms or simply carry on with normal life. While staying engaged with life where possible is important, ignoring symptoms or repeatedly exceeding your physical limits may worsen post-exertional malaise (PEM) in some patients.
Bottom line: Long COVID is not a condition that can simply be ignored or wished away. Listening to your body and pacing your activities is often a more effective strategy than trying to push through symptoms.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🔴 No convincing evidence.
Can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help people cope with the emotional and practical challenges of living with a chronic illness. It may reduce anxiety, depression and unhelpful thought patterns, but it does not treat the underlying biological mechanisms thought to drive Long COVID. Current clinical guidance recommends CBT as supportive care rather than as a treatment for the disease itself.
Bottom line: CBT may help some people live better with Long COVID. It should never be presented as a cure or as a replacement for appropriate medical care.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (psychological wellbeing).
Can Mindfulness Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Mindfulness may reduce stress, improve emotional wellbeing and help some people cope with chronic illness. While these benefits can be meaningful, there is no evidence that mindfulness changes the underlying biology of Long COVID.
Bottom line: Mindfulness may help you cope better with Long COVID. It is not a cure.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Meditation Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellbeing in many long-term health conditions. It may help some people manage the emotional burden of Long COVID, but there is no evidence that it treats the disease itself.
Bottom line: Meditation may support wellbeing, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management.
Can Brain Retraining Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Brain retraining programmes are based on the idea that changing patterns of brain activity may reduce persistent symptoms. Some people report substantial improvements, while others experience no benefit. At present, there is no high-quality evidence demonstrating that brain retraining cures Long COVID, and research is still at an early stage.
Bottom line: Brain retraining remains controversial. Some people believe it has helped them, but it should not currently be considered a proven treatment or cure.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🔵 Anecdotal recovery.
Can EFT (Tapping) Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often called tapping, combine gentle tapping on specific points of the body with focused psychological exercises. Some studies suggest EFT may reduce stress and anxiety, but there is currently no evidence that it treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: EFT may help some people manage stress, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Hypnosis Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Clinical hypnosis has been studied for pain, anxiety and other chronic symptoms, but there is currently no evidence that it treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Hypnosis may help some people cope with chronic illness, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
Can Prayer Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: For many people, prayer provides hope, comfort and emotional support during serious illness. These benefits can be deeply meaningful, but there is currently no scientific evidence that prayer cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Faith can be an important source of strength during recovery. It should not be confused with evidence that Long COVID has been cured.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🔵 Anecdotal recovery.
Editor’s note: If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably realised that very few interventions are completely “good” or completely “bad”. Some have strong evidence for improving quality of life. Some are biologically plausible but still experimental. Some help a small subgroup of patients. Others simply don’t have enough evidence yet. The challenge isn’t deciding whether something works for everyone it’s identifying what might help the right patient, at the right time, for the right reason.
Can the Perrin Technique Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: The Perrin Technique is a specialised manual therapy based on the theory that improving lymphatic drainage around the brain and spine may help remove inflammatory waste products. It has been studied primarily in ME/CFS, and interest has grown in Long COVID because both conditions share many clinical features. Some patients report meaningful improvements, but high-quality clinical evidence remains limited.
Bottom line: The Perrin Technique has a plausible biological rationale and deserves further research. Some people report significant benefits, but it has not been proven to cure Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique designed to encourage lymphatic circulation. It has been suggested that improving lymphatic flow may help reduce swelling, support immune function or improve symptoms in some people with Long COVID. At present, however, there is very little direct clinical evidence supporting its use.
Bottom line: Manual lymphatic drainage may help selected patients, particularly those with swelling or lymphatic symptoms, but there is currently no evidence that it cures Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Acupuncture Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Acupuncture has been studied for pain, fatigue, sleep problems and a variety of chronic health conditions. Early studies in Long COVID suggest it may improve some symptoms in selected patients, but the evidence remains limited and larger, well-designed trials are needed.
Bottom line: Acupuncture may help some people manage specific symptoms, but it has not been shown to cure Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
Can Osteopathy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Osteopathy aims to improve movement, reduce pain and restore function through manual techniques. While some people with Long COVID find treatment helpful for musculoskeletal symptoms, there is currently no evidence that osteopathy treats the underlying disease.
Bottom line: Osteopathy may improve comfort and mobility for some patients, but it is not a cure for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
Can Massage Therapy Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension, improve relaxation and temporarily relieve pain. Some people with Long COVID find massage helpful, while others with severe pain, PEM or sensory sensitivity may tolerate it poorly.
Bottom line: Massage may improve comfort and wellbeing for some people, but it does not treat the underlying causes of Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟢 Evidence-supported symptom management (wellbeing and symptom relief).
Can Chiropractic Treatment Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Chiropractic treatment focuses on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly involving the spine. There is currently no good-quality evidence that chiropractic treatment improves or cures Long COVID itself.
Bottom line: Chiropractic care may help selected people with musculoskeletal pain, but it should not be considered a treatment for Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🔴 No convincing evidence.
Can Reflexology Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific areas of the feet or hands, based on the belief that they correspond to different parts of the body. Some people find reflexology deeply relaxing, but there is currently no convincing evidence that it treats or cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: If reflexology helps you relax or feel better, that’s valuable. However, there is no evidence that it changes the underlying biology of Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟠 Commercial or wellness claim.
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cure Long COVID?
Short answer: No. What the evidence says: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, breathing exercises and dietary advice. It has been widely used during and after COVID-19 in several countries, particularly China, and researchers continue to investigate whether some approaches may improve Long COVID symptoms. However, because TCM includes many different treatments, it is difficult to evaluate as a single intervention, and there is currently no convincing evidence that TCM as a whole cures Long COVID.
Bottom line: Traditional Chinese Medicine includes a wide range of therapies, some of which may help selected symptoms and are discussed separately in this guide. At present, there is no evidence that TCM as a whole cures Long COVID.
Cure status: ❌ Not a cure Evidence status: 🟡 Promising early research.
So… Is There a Cure for Long COVID?
After reviewing dozens of claims—from exercise and breathing techniques to vagus nerve stimulation, ice baths, companion animals and viral persistence—we keep coming back to the same conclusion.
At the time of writing, there is no single treatment that has been proven to cure Long COVID.
That doesn’t mean nothing helps.
Many of the approaches in this guide genuinely improve symptoms, quality of life or day-to-day function for some people. Others are supported by promising early research and may eventually become part of future treatment pathways. The challenge is that Long COVID is unlikely to be a single disease. Different biological mechanisms probably require different treatments, and what helps one person may not help another.
If there’s one message we’d like you to take away, it’s this:
Don’t lose hope but don’t feel pressured to chase every new headline, miracle cure or viral trend either.
Good science takes time. The encouraging news is that Long COVID research is advancing faster than ever before. Every year we understand more about the biology of the condition, and with that understanding comes the possibility of better, more targeted treatments.
Until then, the goal isn’t simply to find the cure.
It’s to find the combination of evidence-based strategies that helps you live as well as possible while researchers continue searching for treatments that target the disease itself.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice. Long COVID is a complex condition, and treatments that are appropriate for one person may be ineffective or even harmful for another. Always discuss new treatments, supplements or significant changes to your care with a qualified healthcare professional familiar with your medical history.
Key References
This guide was informed by current clinical guidelines, systematic reviews and peer-reviewed research, including:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing the long-term effects of COVID-19 (NG188).
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management (NG206).
- World Health Organization (WHO). A clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensus.
- Davis HE, McCorkell L, Vogel JM, Topol EJ. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nature Reviews Microbiology.
- Peluso MJ, Deeks SG, Mustapic M, et al. SARS-CoV-2 and Long COVID: pathogenesis, persistence and treatment prospects.
- Al-Aly Z, Bowe B, Xie Y. Long COVID after breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nature Medicine.
- Iwasaki A, Putrino D. Why we need a deeper understanding of Long COVID.
- Workwell Foundation. Post-Exertional Malaise and Energy Management Resources.
- ENO Breathe Programme publications on breathing retraining following COVID-19.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Long COVID guidance and resources.
This article reflects the evidence available at the time of publication. As Long COVID research evolves rapidly, recommendations and conclusions may change as new high-quality evidence becomes available.