alternative medicine
Aloe vera, Herbal therapies used by people living with HIV
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007Aloe vera is a tropical plant grown in many homes. The jelly-like substance found in the leaves is used to treat minor burns and cuts. It may also be used to treat skin problems associated with HIV and anti-HIV drugs. As with burns or cuts, the juice of a fresh plant can be applied directly [...]
Complementary Therapies for People Living With HIV
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system with its own unique philosophy, diagnostics and treatment methods. The goal of TCM is to balance the yin (vital function) and the yang (vital essence). One analogy describes yang as the gear and yin as the grease that allows the gear to [...]
HIV/AIDS and Alternative Therapies
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007What is Alternative Medicine?
The terms “alternative,” “complementary,” or “unconventional” therapy cover a broad range of healing philosophies and approaches. Some approaches are consistent with physiological principles of Western medicine, while others constitute independent healing systems. Some therapies are so far outside the realm of accepted medical theory and practice that they are difficult to subject [...]
Exercise junkie
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007When I told my husband my next writing assignment dealt with people addicted to exercise, he couldn’t contain himself.
“Ha! You mean, like you?” he asked.
Funny, but not much of a joke, really. I do exercise a lot, pretty much every day—running, biking, skiing, climbing, you name it—and I’m all the happier for it. Sure, these [...]
Breast Check
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007Do mandatory mammograms do more harm than good?
“Time to make breast pancakes,” says one friend of mine, referring to her scheduled mammography screening. And although she may crack jokes about the experience, she’s never once questioned the need for her annual pilgrimage, nor has her physician discussed the risks versus the benefits it entails. After [...]
