A therapy is called complementary when it is used in addition to conventional treatments. Complementary therapies” refer to a broad group of natural healing methods and approaches that are different than the conventional Allopathy medicine (or pharmaceutical medicine). Many of these healing methods have been used for centuries in
many different cultures. Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, a wide variety of complementary therapies have been used by people with HIV for various purposes including general health promotion, relief of symptoms and cure of certain ailments. These include Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, Ayurveda, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Massage, Meditation, Naturopathy, Reflexology and many others. Complementary and alternative medicine in conjunction with highly active antiretroviral
therapy is often poorly informed. Safety risks and potential drug interactions are frequently ignored as people who use highly active antiretroviral therapy prefer to focus on the physical and mental benefits of using selected complementary and alternate therapies to promote their quality of life.
Key words: Complementary therapies, HIV/ AIDS, alternative medicine
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