complementary therapy
The use of complementary
therapies has been shown to be a beneficial in reducing stress, relieving
symptoms or side effects of anti-HIV drugs or to prevent the manifestation
of HIV related illness. For this reason, North Yorkshire AIDS Action is
funded by the Health Authority to offer a range of complementary therapies
to people living in North Yorkshire who are HIV+.
We are currently able to offer:
- Traditional
Chinese Medicine / Acupuncture
- Alexander
Technique
- Aromatherapy
- Chiropractic
- Herbal
Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Hypnotherapy
- Massage
- Reflexology
If
you are interested in accessing this service, just ask your Social Worker,
Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist to contact us on your behalf. Or,
if you are already accessing NYAA services, contact the NYAA Community
Services Co-ordinator
For general queries about this service, please email
us.
Alexander Technique ‘Lessons’ are given to help the person relearn correct posture; it can help with back pain, neck and shoulder tension, breathing disorders, stress-related illness and general fatigue where misuse and a loss of poise are contributory factors.
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Aromatherapy Essential oils are used in a variety of ways – massage, inhalation and in baths and compresses. Has been used for treating stress, promoting relaxation and treating tension pains where there may be an underlying emotional cause. Some oils are said to be helpful in promoting immune function (tea tree), for combating fungal infections or to counteract the side-effects of some orthodox drugs such as nausea.
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Chiropractic Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the joints, especially the spinal column, through manipulation – thus reaching other parts of the body which will benefit from better alignment.
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Herbal Medicine An holistic therapy taking account of the whole person using plants and herbs to maintain health, treat illness and promote healing – the whole plant is used not just extracts as in orthodox medicine. Herbalism has been successfully used to treat various common HIV-related conditions: tea tree oil is effective for some forms of fungal infection, as is garlic, sage for night sweats, slippery elm for relieving diarrhoea, thuya for warts.
Homeopathy Uses like to cure like – the practitioner prescribes minute doses of a substance which in an undiluted form would produce in a healthy person effects similar to those occurring in the disease; claims have been made for homeopathy successfully treating AIDS-related symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue and nausea.
Hypnotherapy The patient is shown how to tune into a day-dream-like, relaxed state, which after some practice can be used when required in order to take control of one’s life e.g. giving up smoking; this treatment can also help to alleviate some drug side-effects and depression.
Massage Different types of ‘hands-on’ massage are available, having a relaxing affect and helping the patient get in touch with his/her body.
Reflexology Pressure points in the feet or hands are thought to be linked to particular areas or organs of the body and these pressure points are stimulated to help mobilise the body’s own healing mechanisms. Useful for alleviating stress and has helped with insomnia, respiratory, circulatory, excretory and digestive problems.
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