There are many people in the world who are affected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus destroys certain white blood cells in the body (CD4 and T cells). There are several treatment options for HIV, which includes acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture is an old Chinese method of healing and many HIV patients use this treatment to deal with the side effects of antiretroviral medications (ARVs), to reduce stomach upset and diarrhea and to ease the pain cause by peripheral neuropathy (PN). If you want to use acupuncture for HIV, there are a few things you should know about the process.
Instructions
1. Meet with your physician to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor can provide you with some basic information about this particular treatment method and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of acupuncture therapy.
2. Get a general physical examination to confirm your health status. Before beginning the acupuncture treatment, your doctor must verify that you haven’t acquired any new diseases or illnesses and that you’re physically able to do the treatments. Your doctor must give you a medical evaluation and general physical examination and he may also need to take a blood sample to check your white blood cell level.
3. Find a local acupuncturist. Your doctor may refer you to a qualified acupuncturist. Or, you can search for an acupuncturist by visiting the Acufinder.com website or by looking in your local telephone directory.
4. Schedule an appointment with the acupuncturist. After you locate an acupuncturist, you should go ahead and make an appointment with her, so you can begin your treatment sessions.
5. Visit the acupuncturist. During your first office visit, you must complete a health questionnaire and provide specific details about your current health status. The acupuncturist discusses the entire treatment process with you, in order to prepare you for your first session.
6. Complete all of the acupuncture treatment sessions. The acupuncturist uses acupuncture treatments to help reduce pain and discomfort and to improve the balance and flow of energy in your body. Before he begins the therapy session, he informs you of how many treatment sessions you're going to need. Next, the acupuncturist selects points on the body to stimulate, and he inserts thin needles into your skin and leaves them there for about 30 to 45 minutes. He may also use additional mild tools during this process (such as herbs and heat, electro stimulation and cupping "suction cups") to enhance the acupuncture therapy session.
Tags: acupuncture therapy, treatment sessions, acupuncture treatment, appointment with, doctor must, general physical