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Acupuncture/ pressureArt, Music, DanceHIV/AIDS

Effects of acupuncture plus relaxation response on quality of life in HIV

JR

Treatment advances have transformed HIV/AIDS into a chronic manageable disease in which quality of life has become an important health outcome.

This study by researchers from Boston University reports on the benefits of combined relaxation response achieved using soft music plus acupuncture in patients with HIV/AIDS.

First, the details.

  • 119 patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture treatment, or acupuncture plus soft music, or soft music alone for 12 weeks.

And, the results.

  • Those getting acupuncture plus music showed significant improvements in emotional, spiritual/peace, and physical and mental health quality of life compared to baseline.
  • In the music only relaxation group there was significant improvement emotional quality of life.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Adding the relaxation response to acupuncture may enhance improvement in quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS.”

It doesn’t appear that acupuncture alone made a significant impact on quality of life. However, the results support further study.

11/13/07 15:03 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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