Published on 5 February, 2025

In the evolving landscape of Long Covid, one name that stands out is Dr. Raymond Perrin, a longstanding member of the Academy of Nutritional Medicine (AONM). His latest book, Through the Looking Glass: Diagnosing and Treating Long COVID using the Perrin Technique, offers an innovative approach to understanding and addressing the complex symptoms of Long Covid. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and the groundbreaking research behind the Perrin Technique, Dr. Perrin offers a unique perspective on how these persistent symptoms can be alleviated through lymphatic drainage of the brain.

A Revolutionary Approach to Long COVID

Dr. Perrin’s new book provides a succinct yet detailed explanation of the structural and neuro-immunological factors that contribute to Long Covid. The core of his approach stems from an article he co-authored in 2020, titled Into the Looking Glass: Post-viral Syndrome Post COVID-19, published in Medical Hypotheses. This article was remarkably prescient, as it laid out a theory about the future impact of COVID-19 long before it became widely acknowledged.

In the paper, Dr. Perrin and his co-authors outlined how postmortem research on SARS indicated that the virus crossed the blood-brain barrier into the hypothalamus via the olfactory pathway. This pathway, they suggested, mirrored those seen in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), with a key factor being the disruption of lymphatic drainage from the microglia in the brain. According to their research, this disturbance causes the build-up of pro-inflammatory agents such as interferon gamma and interleukin 7, which negatively affect the neurological control of the brain’s “Glymphatic System.”

Dr. Perrin’s insight into these mechanisms proves to be ahead of its time, especially in light of the growing body of evidence surrounding Long COVID. His work highlighted the long-term consequences of the virus and pointed to the possibility of a new syndrome that could affect many people in the post-COVID era, including those with pre-existing conditions like ME.

The Perrin Technique: An Innovative Approach

Dr. Perrin has been developing and refining the Perrin Technique since 1989, and his new book offers a comprehensive update on how this approach can be used to treat Long Covid. The Perrin Technique focuses on lymphatic drainage, aiming to improve the flow of lymph through the brain and restore balance to the neurological system. Over the years, research has validated many of Dr. Perrin’s initial hypotheses, such as the findings of Iliff et al. in 2012 and more recently, Pessa et al.

This updated edition of the book not only explains the mechanics behind the Perrin Technique in greater detail but also incorporates recent scientific studies and findings. One fascinating section explores the role of acetylcholine in neuromodulation in Long Covid and introduces the concept of the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM). The impact of injury to this critical membrane is discussed, shedding new light on how neurological dysfunction may persist in Long Covid patients.

Grounded in Clinical Practice

What makes this book especially valuable is Dr. Perrin’s ability to combine scientific theory with practical, clinical experience. Despite his busy schedule treating patients, he has managed to produce a detailed and accessible guide to his technique, complete with numerous case studies. These real-world examples offer invaluable insights into how the Perrin Technique is applied in practice, and how patients have benefitted from this innovative approach to treating Long COVID.

Dr. Perrin’s expertise and commitment to advancing the field make this book a vital resource for anyone looking to understand the complex relationship between Long COVID and the neurological and lymphatic systems. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a Long COVID sufferer, or simply someone interested in the latest research, Through the Looking Glass offers an in-depth and accessible guide to a growing area of medical research.

A Look Ahead

Dr. Perrin’s work continues to break new ground in the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID. As our understanding of this condition evolves, books like Through the Looking Glass will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of treatment. With its combination of scientific rigour, clinical insights, and innovative treatment methods, Dr. Perrin’s new publication is poised to be an essential tool in the fight against Long COVID.

Join Us for a Webinar with Dr. Raymond Perrin

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Raymond Perrin will be joining us for a live webinar to discuss the findings from his book and answer your questions about Long COVID and the Perrin Technique on Tuesday 1^st April at 7pm (UK). This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Perrin himself.

For more details and to register, please click HERE

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References:

i. Perrin R, Riste L, Hann M, Walther A, Mukherjee A, Heald A. Into the looking glass: Post-viral syndrome post COVID-19. Med Hypotheses. 2020 Nov;144:110055.

ii. Iliff JJ, Wang M, Liao Y, Plogg BA, Peng W, Gundersen GA, Benveniste H, Vates GE, Deane R, Goldman SA, Nagelhus EA, Nedergaard M. A paravascular pathway facilitates CSF flow through the brain parenchyma and the clearance of interstitial solutes, including amyloid β. Sci Transl Med. 2012 Aug 15;4(147):147ra111.

iii. Pessa JE. Ventricular Infusion and Nanoprobes Identify Cerebrospinal Fluid and Glymphatic Circulation in Human Nerves. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Feb 17;10(2):e4126.

iv. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perrin-Technique-diagnose-fibromyalgialymphatic/dp/1781611491