Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As a result of thousands of years of observation and experimentation it was discovered that in all types of diseases, both physical and mental, certain points on the body become tender. These points, known as acupuncture points, flow through channels in the body called meridians. Each major organ of the body (such as the heart, lungs, or small intestine) lies on a meridian. According to the principles of acupuncture these channels allow energy (called Qi or Chi by the Chinese) to flow smoothly throughout the body, otherwise the organs which lie on these meridians may not function properly. Extremely thin, solid needles are inserted into the acupuncture points to normalize and redirect energy flow when there is a problem, creating a healing impact. Herbology, massage, diet, and exercise techniques are also part of TCM.

Research has demonstrated acupuncture's role in reducing fever, increasing antibody production, and increasing the body's overall resistance to disease. French researchers in the late 1970s demonstrated the ability of acupuncture to affect T and B-lymphocytes. The most well known effects of acupuncture are its ability to lessen pain and produce a calmer state of mind, two effects which are most likely related to its ability to increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins are a substance which the body produces to help regulate the immune system, especially in response to forms of stress such as a viral infection. They trigger transmitters which affect the spinal cord and brain, lessening the pain.

As a practitioner in the field of TCM and acupuncture for over a decade, I have observed the positive impact which acupuncture can have. I have worked for the past nine years with many HIV+ individuals who have responded well to acupuncture, either with or without western medical treatments. Acupuncture can help to alleviate the side effects of toxic chemotherapeutic agents.