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Guardian

Guardian

‘We think of the body as a map’: a new approach to deciphering long Covid

Guardian
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Researchers from Oxford University are using the technique of body mapping’ to help patients better communicate the physical, cognitive and emotional dimensions of their illness to family, friends and health professionals.

The technique involves creating a lifesize outline of a body, which aims to capture patients’ experiences.

Participants begin with tracing their bodies on paper and are then asked to draw, write or collage their responses on to the map of their body.

The researchers have now developed an online toolkit that makes body mapping accessible to more people, including those who are unable to leave their homes due to their illness.

Can this tool actually improve the wellbeing of people with long Covid ? Not in the sense that it will heal them, says Jokela-Pansini .

But creative research methods such as body mapping allow patients to express themselves differently.