Surviving and Thriving with AIDS: Hints for the Newly Diagnosed Michael Callen, Editor

©1987 PWAC NOTE: THIS IS OLD NEWS, posted for historical research only. The medical information herein is extremely outdated!

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO HEALING


HOLISTIC APPROACH TO AIDS
by Steven James

I was a holistic health junkie before getting AIDS, and I still am. I had dabbled in acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and healing over a number of years, in part to avoid getting sick. But I got AIDS anyway, ended up in the hospital on Bactrim, and survived.

Although I am involved in holistic approaches to healing myself--or at least to maintaining my level of vitality and well-being--I also listen to what my doctor has to say, and I take medical drugs when I consider it necessary. Some PWAs will go totally "holistic" and take up a special program or diet, such as macrobiotics, with the hope that it will cure them by itself. There are some strong advocates of certain approaches--macrobiotics, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs, Reiki--who might advise against reliance upon medical drugs and who tend to distrust everything the medical profession has to offer.

Other PWAs become perhaps overly dependent upon their physicians and wind up taking numerous drugs, many of them experimental, which may or may not do them any good.

Personally, I try to combine aspects of both approaches. I cannot ignore the experience my doctor has acquired is dealing with AIDS--and so, for example, I have decided to continue taking Bactrim for preventive purposes. However, I have used alternative methods (such as Applied Kinesiology, or muscle-testing) to determine the precise dosage of Bactrim which seems to be optimal for my body. I also take herbs and vitamins, and I follow a diet low in red meat, white flour, and sugars.

The holistic understanding of AIDS starts with the assumption that invading organisms--bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and the like--are not the primary cause of physical breakdown, which occurs only when there is a precondition of lowered immunity, allowing disease to take hold; that there are emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects to any disease; and that through a powerful commitment to healing on all levels, it should be possible to survive any illness, including AIDS. Most holistic disciplines attempt to restore a state of balanced energy or to remove obstructions to normal energy flow, whether physical or energetic in nature. In acupuncture, the emphasis is upon balancing subtle flows of energy; in herbology, it may be upon removing toxins.

Let me briefly review some of the major holistic methods and indicate how they might be useful to someone with AIDS:

1. Acupuncture. Having its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin sterilized needles into the skin to a very shallow depth. The acupuncturist ascertains where to place the needles by taking your pulse at certain points on both wrists, which reveals patterns of vital energy corresponding to the functions of the body's major organ systems. As these energy flows are unblocked and regulated, healing is facilitated, symptoms are relieved, and the body as a whole is balanced and strengthened. Acupuncture can have beneficial effects on the immune system and in the control and healing of viral diseases. It can also help with relief of certain symptoms, such as diarrhea.

2. Chiropractic. Based upon the theory that disease is caused by interference with nerve function, chiropractic offers an approach to restoring health through manipulation and treatment of body structures, especially those of the spinal column. Through the use of reflex points and special types of muscle testing, many chiropractors can also test the function of organs and glands and may recommend natural remedies or dietary changes to assist in correcting any deficiencies or imbalances.

3. Healing. Most healers affirm that they are vehicles for the loving energy and power of the universe; ultimately, for healing to occur, there needs to be a level of receptivity and trust in the person seeking health, and willingness to modify attitudes and actions that may have helped to bring on the illness. Many healers work with visualization, others with breath or the laying-on of hands.

4. Herbology. The use of plants as healing remedies dates back to the earliest cultures, evolving out of the observations and trials-and-errors of primitive peoples, including the Indians of North America, the Egyptians, and the Chinese. In fact, many modern drugs such as quinine and digitalis originated in primitive and folk medicine. While herbal remedies are not necessarily intended to supplant modern medical techniques, they do offer genuine means of cleansing, revitalizing and combating many ailments.

5. Homeopathy. This is a system of energy healing using minute amounts of safe, nontoxic natural substances derived from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms dispensed according to the law of similars ("like cures like"). This concept dates back to Ancient Greece, yet it was not until the 18th century that it was formalized into a scientific system. The homeopathic physician considers the whole body and personality of the patient when searching for the proper treatment.

6. Massage and Bodywork. There are many types of massage and bodywork--Shiatsu, Swedish, Rolfing, Polarity, Jin Shin Jyutsu--some of which emphasize balancing energy flows in the body, others release of muscular tension. Personally, I think it is very valuable to do some form of massage, if only because of the importance of being touched and the very tangible support and reassurance it provides.

7. Meditation and Yoga. Meditation is a process for calming the activities of the mind, body, and emotions in order to relax and to reach deeper levels of awareness. There are many meditative techniques--watching the breath, repeating a mantra, special body postures. Meditation helps to evolve a perspective that can be important when faced with anxiety and disease. The use of visualization in self-healing is also recognized as having beneficial effects, both emotionally and physically, and there are many tapes available that can assist with it. Hatha Yoga is a series of bodily stretches or "postures" combined with breathing exercises that induce relaxation, stimulate glands and organs, and produce energy balance in the body as a whole.

8. Nutrition. Diet is a critical element in any program of healing or prevention. Despite the many conflicting theories on proper nutrition, most experts agree that eating fresh, whole foods will assist in cleansing (detoxifying) and strengthening the body. Beyond that, there is little agreement. Some nutritionists emphasize the use of vitamins and supplements, while others (such as raw food advocates and macrobiotics) eschew the use of supplements. Vitamin C therapy has been said to have beneficial effects on many PWAs, while others are convinced that macrobiotics is the answer.

9. Reiki. Reiki is a technique for activating and amplifying your own natural life-force and applying this energy to yourself or others in a precise way. It involves the laying-on of hands, which has relaxing and stress-reducing effects. It is easy to learn and has become a useful resource for people with AIDS in New York, where treatments are offered free by certain groups.

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The advantage of holistic disciplines is that they generally do not involve the use of potentially toxic and dangerous substances. They are attempting to create an environment in which healing can occur naturally. But, of course, a great deal depends upon the insight and skill of the individual practitioner, who must generally rely upon intuition as well as book knowledge. A good acupuncturist must be able to pick up subtle cues from the patient in making a diagnosis and determining a course of treatment, using the pulses and other signs. A good nutritionist will not recommend the same diet and supplements to each person who walks in the door.

None of the holistic practitioners I am aware of would claim they have the cure for AIDS. Yet they are often able to assist in relief of symptoms and in helping to strengthen the body as a whole. Assuming that AIDS represents a condition of extreme toxicity in the body--caused by the HIV virus and other factors--it makes sense that "cleansing" the body would help to maintain a level of health despite immune deficiency.

Personally, I have done very well. I had PCP two years ago, but no relapses since then. I believe my involvement with holistic disciplines has been a major assistance in keeping my vitality at a good level and clearing out toxins from my body. I have worked with an herbalist, an acupuncturist, a Shiatsu therapist, and a number of healers. I have also done a lot on my own to reduce stress and to promote healing--meditation, visualizations, workshops with Louise Hay, Sally Fischer and others. For me, all of this amounts to clearing out or cleansing--not just physical but emotional and mental debris.

For many people, however, the world of holistic health is confusing. There are so many different methods to choose from, and each tends to make similar claims. How do you decide between seeing a chiropractor and an acupuncturist? An herbalist or a homeopath? Also, within each field, there are conflicting beliefs and techniques. Think about the field of nutrition, and the many different beliefs about proper diet. Personally, I try to avoid extremists and fanatics. I am suspicious of anybody who believes they have a monopoly on the truth. I tend to check out the resources of the community I live in. In New York, there's a lot to select from--as there would be in Los Angeles and San Francisco. But if I moved to Omaha, there might be more limited choices.

In some places, there are holistic guides for people with AIDS which list practitioners who have experience working with AIDS patients. Unfortunately, there is always the chance that if you call somebody up who does not have experience with AIDS, or who is uncomfortable with it, that they may not want to work with you. We have such a guide in New York. I tend to go mostly on recommendations from friends who have gotten good results, after which I might meet with a practitioner if I'm interested.

It's important for me to work with people who are warm and caring, so if I don't develop a rapport with someone and respect their integrity sooner or later I leave them. Getting bodywork for me is important--whether it means a massage, Shiatsu session, or chiropractic--because, as I indicated earlier, I like experiencing the support and touching that is provided. It helps to relieve the sense of fear and isolation that can overtake us.

Moreover, there are many people out there who are only too willing to offer their services, at a reduced fee or for free--as with Reiki treatments in New York. There are acupuncture clinics which offer free sessions, and other opportunities. If nothing else, as I said, such treatments can be comforting, enjoyable, and supportive. My own experience leads me to believe they are of genuine therapeutic value as well.

HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE FOR AIDS
by Michael Hirsch

At this point in the course of the AIDS epidemic, it is becoming quite evident that many persons with AIDS (PWAs) and Persons with AIDS-Related Complex (PWArcs) are living longer and healthier lives than predicted by conventional medical data. More importantly, what is increasingly obvious is that many such persons with AIDS/ARC are enhancing conventional medical treatments of their illness with one or more holistic approaches to disease.

One cannot state that holistic approaches used in conjunction with traditional medicine (and they should be used in conjunction with, rather than instead of) represent "the cure" for AIDS and ARC. We do know, however, that through the use or practice of some of the available holistic approaches, PWAs/PWArcs have found tangible ways to improve the quality of their daily lives. Through holistic methods they have taken a more active role in the treatment of their medical condition by adopting sound nutritional practices, by employing methods to reduce both generalized and illness-related stress, by examining and re-directing negative thought patterns, and by releasing depressing and disempowering emotions such as fear and internalized homophobia.

Diet is a critical element in any program of healing or disease prevention. Many PWAs/PWArcs report beneficial effects from using dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs) in addition to eating only fresh whole foods (fruits and vegetables). In particular, many persons with AIDS/ARC have decided to use Macrobiotics, which advocates reduced red meat and protein intake, low fat, increased intake of whole grains and the avoidance of sugar.

In conjunction with diet, there is the factor of physical exercise of some kind. The reality is that most PWAs/PWArcs can't go to the gym several times per week and pump iron--that's just the way it is. If someone only has the capacity to go for a walk, that's fine; attend a stretch class--great; on a really good day maybe a bicycle ride--terrific. Know your own limits. If you feel up to some kind of exercise, do it.

Stress management is an important focus for anyone concerned with being in good health--all the more so for persons with AIDS/ARC. Several holistic approaches have been assisting PWAs/PWArcs to reduce stress, especially Reiki, Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Yoga. Each of these three approaches induces relaxation in the body, stimulates a more even flow of energy through glands and stimulates a more even flow of energy through glands and organs, and produces a more balanced inner-body environment. Regular practice of these holistic methods can assist one to create a more calm and accepting attitude toward oneself and the problems that one is confronting.

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is yet another treatment approach that many persons with AIDS/ARC have found useful and effective. Acupuncture restores balance and strength to the body by releasing flows of vital energy to areas of the body that were previously blocked off. While acupuncture has been recognized in the West for its effectiveness in pain relief, it can also have beneficial effects on the immune system and in the control and healing of viral illnesses.

By and large, the most popular and most simple holistic approach used by PWAs/PWArcs is guided visualization. Currently, there are available several very good audio tapes specifically designed for persons with AIDS/ARC. Most notable of the practitioners in this field are Dr. Carl Simonton and metaphysical counselor Louise Hay. Generally speaking, these visualization tapes advocate that one take more control over one's life, that one re-examine one's self-image and attitudes about one's world, and that one forgive oneself and others for the past. Simply stated, these tapes--especially Louise Hay's--invite the listener to do the work of accepting and loving oneself.

Usually with illnesses there occurs the phenomenon of secondary gain, that is, benefits derived from being ill. AIDS/ARC is no exception to this. While AIDS/ARC has introduced an inordinate amount of grief and loss into our lives, at the same time, a more holistic approach to our personhood and our physical health has afforded many the opportunity to create a deeper sense of love of self, a profound renewal of personal spirituality, and a new-found commitment to such essential humanistic values as brotherly love and charity. For many, a more holistic look at oneself and one's health has provided the drive, the inner resources, to keep forging ahead in their struggle to live with AIDS.

While the times are dark and may get darker still, many have seized the moment--if you will--and have begun to create a new vision for our own lives, our community and the planet.

NOTE: The PWA Coalition has available a "Guide to Holistic Health Care" for PWAs and PWArcs. It's available free to PWAs/PWArcs and costs $3 for concerned others. To obtain a copy, write:

Holistic Health Care Guide
c/o PWA Coalition (New York)
263A West 19th Street
New York, New York 10011

Make checks payable to: PWA Coalition, Inc.

ACUPUNCTURE AS AN ALTERNATIVE
by David Summers

For several months now, I've been travelling up to the Bronx twice a week for acupuncture treatment. Although I am still fairly new to it, I thought an article about it might at least tell you what it's about and that it is available to anyone who wants it.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing based on the Taoist principles of yin/yang balance. I'm not exactly sure how to explain this to you, except to say that most of us with AIDS or ARC definitely have an imbalance.

Thousands of years ago, the Chinese described an energy imbalance characterized by fatigue, body aches and nightsweats--familiar territory to most of us--and specific acupuncture treatment was prescribed. Recent studies show that acupuncture may improve the body's blood-producing and immune systems.

The acupuncture clinic at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx has applied classical acupuncture treatment to AIDS and ARC patients. To date, they've treated over 80 men with good results. According to the orientation sheet they gave me, "most patients feel more energetic and calmer. Many experience symptomatic relief and improvement of signs of illness, such as decreased size of lymph nodes.

"In some cases, lymphocyte studies reflected this improved general health. ARC patients were often able to resume active lives with treatment, while AIDS patients were better able to cope with their illness."

Before espousing this Eastern kind of approach to your illness, let me answer a few questions before you ask.

Yes, it is in the South Bronx and it's a pain in the ass to get to. I have to take three trains, but I usually go with one or two other PWAs, so it's not so bad. Bring a Walkman or something to read.

Everyone hates needles, and the acupuncture needles do hurt slightly going in; but once they are in, there is no pain unless you move. The treatment is done in a communal area. You sit in a large room with many other people, although private rooms are available if requested. The treatment takes one hour and is recommended two or three times a week. I generally go Tuesdays and Thursdays, alternating with workouts at the gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

They ask that you sit quietly while the needles are in--no gum chewing or reading. It is a perfect time to meditate. The people who work there are very gentle in their approach and genuinely concerned about your health. Their intention is not to replace your physician, but rather, to offer you a supplement to your other treatments.

New needles are used on AIDS and ARC patients and they are discarded afterwards in special containers.

According to Dr. Naomi Rabinowitz, who along with Dr. Michael Smith started the clinic, no one is refused treatment because of financial difficulty. Lincoln Hospital bills on a sliding scale and accepts Medicaid.

I always feel very calm when I leave there, and others tell me the treatment energizes them. They give you a special herbal tea to drink just before bedtime, so be sure to ask for it.

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