HIV not only reduces life expectancy but also quality of life – people living with HIV often experience treatment-related, side-effects and age more quickly; with poorer bone density, dementia, fatigue and nerve damage. People living with HIV often use complementary and alternative therapies (CAT), including nutritional supplements, to alleviate treatment side effects or increase CD4 counts.
Complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) is a broad term, which includes many unconventional practices including relaxation techniques, spiritual healing, massage, herbal remedies and dietary supplementation. Complementary medicine, is used in addition to conventional medicine and alternative medicine, tends to be used in place of conventional medical therapy.
Although there are numerous forms of CAT, the most common therapies are:
- Acupuncture
- CAM – Complementary and Alternative Medicines (including herbal remedies, Vitamins and Supplements)
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis and relaxation therapies (e.g. yoga and t’ai chi)
- Manipulative therapies (osteopathy and chiropractic)
- Massage therapies
