Complementary Therapies

Important
Some complementary treatments may interact in unexpected ways with the medications you are taking, or the therapies you are undergoing.  It would be a good idea to check with your HIV specialist or family doctor before exploring complementary therapies.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture providers usually have a background in a health-related field such as physical therapy or chiropractic, and special training in acupuncture.  Acupuncture may decrease pain, increase energy, and improve mood and bodily function.

For more information on acupuncture, please visit the Canadian Contemporary Acupuncture Association’s website: http://www.contemporaryacupuncture.ca/index.php

Chiropractic
Chiropractors work to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions in the muscular and skeletal systems without the need for surgery.  They do this by performing various spinal manipulations, sometimes applying other treatments such as massage or acupuncture.

The noted benefits of chiropractic care include: relief from head, neck, or back pain; better posture, increased flexibility, prevention of muscle and joint injury, and an improved sense of well-being.
For more information, please visit the Canadian Chiropractic Association website: http://www.chiropractic.ca/

Massage therapy
Massage therapy eases muscles, ligaments, and joints of the body through the use of the massage therapist’s hands or specialized tools.  Massage therapy can be done alone or as part of a larger therapy plan.  Registered massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors can all provide massage therapy.

The goals of massage therapy are to reduce pain, improve joint movement, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation.

Please see the Registered Massage Therapists of Ontario website for more information: http://www.rmtao.com/home

Naturopathy
Naturopathic medicine aims to blend modern medical science with traditional healing methods.  It looks at the body as a whole, and treats issues by improving the flow of the whole.  Naturopathic medicine uses natural therapies including plants, food, and water to treat disease.  Treatment is geared to each person, and may include diet and lifestyle changes, supplements, and traditional Chinese medicine.

For more information, please visit the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors website: http://www.cand.ca/