Alternative Treatments to
Support HIV
Complementary and
alternative medicine can have great effects in helping those dealing with HIV.
Acupuncture, herbal treatments and other alternative medicines have found to
especially help side effects from medication for HIV, as well as feelings of
depression and anxiety someone with HIV may be dealing with.
The National Institutes of
Health gave almost $520 million to the complementary and alternative medicine
field in 2010. Included in government-sponsored trials were potential HIV
therapies such as acupuncture, yoga and Reiki.
Yoga & massage to
reduce pain
HIV patients deal with
chronic pain, sometimes it can be debilitating. It is easy to turn to
painkillers to help the pain, but these can lead to even more problems like
dependency. Yoga and massage are natural alternatives that can be used to
reduce pain. Massage helps relax the muscles and can help decrease joint and
muscle pain. Massage is also a great mental relaxer as well.
Yoga can help improve
overall health and peace of mind. Yoga positions and stretches can help
mobilize the body and at the same time reduce tension areas.
Foods that can help reduce
symptoms
- Eat foods rich in B-vitamins,
calcium, iron. Common foods that have high amounts of these vitamins and
minerals include almonds, beans, whole grains, spinach and kale.
- Antioxidant-rich food such as
blueberries, cherries, bell peppers and squash.
- Take fish oil to help reduce
inflammation and promote the immune system.
- Consider probiotics, probiotic
supplements help support gastrointestinal and immune health.
- Green tea: has antioxidant and immune-strengthening
benefits
- Maitake mushroom: Maitake mushroom
also has immune and antiviral effects. Another way to take the mushroom is
by an extract, which you can find at a local health store.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to help
alleviate common symptoms of HIV like fatigue, insomnia and nausea. There are
almost no side effects to acupuncture and is completely natural. Acupuncture
can also hope pain management and anxiety and stress caused by HIV.
Give me a call today to schedule a complimentary 15 minute health evaluation.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
New York Sports Acupuncture
(888) 375-5444
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