HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Some patients that are HIV positive have symptoms while others do not; however, even without symptoms, the virus can be damaging to the body. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, and yoga can be part of an HIV treatment program to help reduce stress and manage symptoms. However, before beginning any program it is always best to check with a physician to make sure there are no contraindications based on current health.
Identification
HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person or infected blood, and it can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding. The virus attacks the immune system, hindering the body's ability to fight off disease. HIV can exists for years before weakening the immune system and causing AIDS. During this time some patients experience fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, rash and other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may disappear after a few weeks, leaving a patient symptom-free for years until AIDS develops. Treatment with medication is aimed at managing symptoms that are present and attempting to block the virus from damaging the body. Yoga can help to manage the stress of being diagnosed, the symptoms that may be present and side effects from the medication being taken.
Features
Over time, stress can suppress immune system activity, and it is important for those living with HIV to recognize stress and find ways to cope with it. Yoga, due to its slow and gentle nature and focus on meditation techniques, can help to lower stress levels. Yoga teaches many forms of meditation including focusing on the breath, guided imagery and focusing on a word that calms the body and mind; all of which can help to lower stress levels and improve immune system activity. Each patient should try various techniques to see which one feels best. The goal is to aim for 15 to 20 minutes of meditation each day. A regular yoga practice may also help to control mood swings and depression, that can occur with this disease.
Benefits
Yoga not only helps with lowering stress levels, it can also help to manage the side effects from treatments, according to an article on the "Yoga Journal" website. Medications used to control HIV can cause nausea, vomiting and insomnia, and some of these medications can increase the risk of heart disease. Practicing a series of gentle yoga postures with a focus on deep breathing and relaxing the body can help to calm these symptoms. To benefit from yoga, each patient needs to build a practice tailored to his individual needs and abilities.
Considerations
While more research is needed, the Kaiser Family Foundation website suggests that many HIV patients turn to yoga since some postures may help to boost immune system activity, improve muscle tone to combat wasting and beacuse it may slow the progression of the disease. While there is no scientific evidence that yoga actually alters immune system activity, it does appear to help soothe the body and mind, release muscle tension and give patients a feeling of some control over their condition.
