An audit of 12 cases of long COVID following the lightning process intervention examining benefits and harms.

Arroll, Bruce; Moir, Fiona; Jenkins, Eloise; Menkes, David Benjamin · J Family Med Prim Care · 2025

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

To audit the outcomes of patients with long COVID after the lightning process intervention. Retrospective cross-sectional audit. Patients with long COVID were interviewed through telephone regarding their experience and response to the lightning process. Physical, emotional, and overall quality of life; perceived harms of the intervention. None of the 12 participants reported harm from the intervention. 11/12 participants reported being 85% back to normal or more; 8/12 described achieving 85% or greater satisfaction with their emotional, physical, and overall quality of life. 10/12 of the participants reported having heard negative comments about the lightning process but had nonetheless gone ahead with the treatment. This study suggests that the lightning process is a promising and safe intervention for symptoms of long COVID. Primary care clinicians can refer patients for treatment with a high chance of benefit without fear of harm. Randomized, controlled trials are indicated.