ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS
Alternative medicine has been called natural, complementary, `holistic` and numerous other terms, which refer to elements of a particular modality or tradition. The traditional ethno medicinal systems are by nature holistic, meaning that they aim to treat the whole individual, rather than a specific disease or symptom, and those they address not only the physical aspect of the patient but also the mind and the spirit. It is assumed that each individual possesses an innate healing capacity (the "immune system" in the broadest sense), and the goal generally is to reinforce this capacity and restore strength and balance to weakened systems using a variety of natural modalities: body work, detoxification, foods, herbs and other botanicals, tailored as much as to the individual’s specific constitution and condition. The use of alternative therapies for AIDS grew out of this same eclectic mix.
At the beginning of the epidemic, little or no treatment was available for people with HIV possible/AIDS. Although as yet there is no cure, over the last decade researchers have identified a number of drugs that slow progression of the virus as well as therapies to treat the many opportunistic infections that attack people with HIV disease. The key to effective treatment is early detection and intervention. Some early treatments aim to strengthen the immune system, help patients reduce stress, and maintain good nutritional practices and appropriate exercise regimens.
Many of the getting alternative therapies described below place significant emphasis on these lifestyle issues. Taking an active role in any disease is an important adjunct to treatment. Consideration of alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine may offer additional opportunities for persons living with HIV/AIDS to be proactively involved in their treatment.
