The proposed research is to determine the clinical efficacy and neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia in patients with sickle cell disease.
Any gender
14-17 (Adolescents) and 18-80 (Adults) years old
Right-handed
Either outpatient or inpatient or status changing between each other
Subjects with Covid-19 suspicion or confirmation
Recent/ongoing alternative pain management with acupuncture or acupuncture-related techniques within the last 6-months.
Presence of a known coagulation abnormality: Thrombocytopenia (mild thrombocytopenia with a platelets range of 51,000-100,000/ul will be further evaluated for inclusion consideration), or bleeding diathesis that may preclude the safe use of acupuncture.
Presence of a concurrent autoimmune or inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. that causes pain or any other chronic pain condition with pain greater than sickle pain.