Category Archives: HIV/AIDS

A possible role for yoga as a complementary therapy for HIV

One of the complications of HIV infection is the loss of complex motor coordination. This can be evaluated using the mirror star-tracing task. There are variations on this test, but essentially the patient traces a star using the outline in a mirror.

Now, a study in 26 healthy people shows that one month of yoga was associated in fewer errors in a modification of the star-tracing task where the star was six pointed with the outline made up of 60 circles (4 mm in diameter).

Continue reading A possible role for yoga as a complementary therapy for HIV

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

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. Continue reading Effects of acupuncture plus relaxation response on quality of life in HIV

Exploring the value of antibacterial honey to treat resistant bacterial infections

? The media regularly reminds us of the dangers and difficulties in treating infections caused by microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics.

For example, the Washington Post reports that in 2005, MRSA (methacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections killed nearly 19,000 people in the US, compared to 17,000 HIV/AIDS deaths. Continue reading Exploring the value of antibacterial honey to treat resistant bacterial infections

Self-care for peripheral neuropathy in HIV/AIDS

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication in HIV, and it’s often associated with antiretroviral therapy. Patients experience muscle weakness and atrophy, pain, and numbness.

Here’s what people use to manage the discomfort. Continue reading Self-care for peripheral neuropathy in HIV/AIDS