THERAPY OF THE MONTH
GETTING THE NEEDLE
Acupuncture has a well-earned place in the cannon of medical practices,
and could help with the
symptoms of HIV, says Joanne Boddy
Acupuncture is the second most widely-used alternative therapy
in the UK (aromatherapy being the first). From being a treatment solely practised
in China, its use has exploded and is now widely recognised in the West. It
is used both in private healthcare and the NHS to address a wide variety of
symptoms and illnesses including those linked to HIV.
One reason for its increasing use is the growing body of evidence supporting
its effects. From its discovery in China over 3,000 years ago, modern clinical
trials and studies now offer firm evidence that acupuncture can be effective
in treating pain, nausea and other symptoms. The World Health Organisation
supports its use and it unites both mainstream and alternative healthcare
practitioners.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points in
the body. Those afraid of needles should not be put off as the needles are
very thin and it doesn’t hurt in the same way as an injection. These
points are situated mainly on ‘meridians’: lines linked to various
organs and systems of the body (eg lung, spleen, kidney). An acupuncturist
who works along a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) framework will diagnose
an inbalance in these functions through a thorough holistic examination. Through
observation, tongue examination, pulse-taking and a detailed history, the
acupuncturist will build up a picture of any excess or deficiency in the individual.
Each meridian is paired: one yin (cold, passive) and one yang (heat, active).
For the acupuncturist, health depends on the balance of these elements. It
can be hard to imagine these lines and points being more than fantasy, but
they can be clearly detected by a change in skin resistance to electricity.
Other health professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists and doctors can
use acupuncture alongside their other skills, using points selected for their
properties rather than based on the traditional examination.
No credible acupuncture practitioner would claim it can cure HIV, but it can
help address associated symptoms and side-effects of treatment combinations.
Having worked in a busy centre of excellence for HIV care in London I have
found acupuncture of real use in treating a wide variety of problems.
Pain due to peripheral neuropathy, or any of the musculoskeletal problems
more common in the HIV positive individual, responds well in the majority
of cases in my experience. Nausea is easily treated. The most important point
is ‘pericardium 6’ on the inside of the forearm, about a palm’s
breadth from where the wrist creases if bent. Acupressure (placing pressure
on the meridians rather than inserting a needle) can be applied to this point
too which is great for self treatment. ‘Travel bands’ work by
pressing on this point, so if nausea is a recurring problem, buying a pair
might be a good idea. Other symptoms I have found respond well to acupuncture
include insomnia, diarrhoea, breathlessness, anxiety and depression. I would
always recommend that acupuncture is given in conjunction with more conventional
treatments, and that all those involved in medical care (GP, consultant, nurse
etc) are kept informed of treatment.
Make sure the person who gives you acupuncture is properly trained to a suitable
level: either a registered acupuncturist or nurse, doctor or physiotherapist.
And make sure they know of your HIV status. In my experience, HIV seems to
make people more susceptible to the effects of acupuncture, so treatment needs
to be adapted, otherwise you could feel really drained of energy after treatment.
If you think acupuncture could help you, don’t assume you necessarily
have to pay for it. Many charity centres offer acupuncture at reduced or no
cost and, depending on the reason you need it, the NHS might also be able
to offer treatment. Some HIV treatment centres have staff trained in acupuncture.
If you can’t use this you could ask your GP to refer you to your local
physiotherapy department. Physiotherapists, depending on their training, could
offer treatment for pain, neurological, respiratory or mental health difficulties.
It is important that the doctor specifies the reason and source of the problem
so that you get the right kind of therapist.
• Joanne Boddy is a physiotherapist working in the NHS.
