YOGA AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR HIV

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ADVANCED CENTRE FOR YOGA THERAPY,
EDUCATION & RESEARCH (ACYTER), JIPMER
(A collaborative venture between JIPMER, Puducherry, & MDNIY, New Delhi)
SEMINARCUMWORKSHOP
ON YOGA AND
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR AIDS/HIV
PROGRAMME
8:00 am Registration
9:00 am Pre Test
10:00 am Inauguration Dr KSVK Subba Rao- Director JIPMER
10:45 am HIV infection & AIDS Dr Subbarayalu Naidu- Project director,
Pondicherry AIDS Control Society
11: 15am Tea break
11: 30 am Role of Yoga in HIV/AIDS Dr Madanmohan
12 : 15 pm Practical session Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Shri G
Dayanidy, Selvi L Vithiyalakshmi
1 : 15 pm Lunch break
2 : 15 pm Panel discussion- Role of Yoga,
Ayurveda, Siddha, Naturopathy &
Homeopathy in HIV / AIDS
Dr Madanmohan-Chairperson.
Dr Prakash Rao, Yogacharini Dr Nalini
Devi, Dr Rajalakshmi, Smt Meena
Ramanathan, Dr Zeena Sanjay.
Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani -
Moderator
3:00 pm Practical session Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Smt
Meena Ramanathan, Shri E
Jayasettiaseelon
4:00 pm Tea break
4:15 pm Post test & feed back
5:00 pm Valedictory session
Compiled and edited by Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

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INTRODUCTION
No other word engenders as much fear, revulsion, despair and utter helplessness as AIDS. It is,
in fact, rewriting medical history as humankind`s deadliest scourge. With 40 million deaths
forecast in this millennium, statistics tell their own sordid tale.
The first sample of HIV was discovered in 1959 in a blood specimen obtained at Leopoldville
(now Kinshasa) in the Belgian Congo. This was the first known death chalked up by AIDS. The
virus is thought to have originally affected chimpanzees. The crossover from animals to humans
may have occurred in 1950s through an accident or a bite. Intermittently, other theories of its
origin have been advanced. One theory put forward by Bette Korber traces the disease to a single
viral ancestor that could have emerged between 1910 and 1950. Through an analysis done at the
Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico, Korber contends that the pandemic may have come
from one or more infected humans around 1930.
Another highly controversial but plausible theory is that of American philosopher Louis Pascal,
first spelt out in 1987. All the early AIDS cases originated in the Central African states of
Congo, Rwanda or Burundi. This belt was subjected to trials of a live polio vaccine on 300,000
men, women and children.
Pascal argued that the vaccine, which was grown in cultures obtained from chopped up
chimpanzee kidneys, may have carried this virus. Polio researcher Dr Albert Sabin has reported
that such a batch was contaminated by an unknown virus. In fact, monkeys harbor SIV or simian
immunodeficiency virus (SV-40 to be more specific), which is thought to be the ancestor of HIV.
The first cases of AIDS were reported in the United States in 1981 amongst male homosexuals in
Los Angeles and New York. Within two decades, up to 50 million may have been infected
globally, approximately 22 million have succumbed and nearly 15,000 new infections are said to
occur daily.

What is AIDS & HIV:
HIV has two major categories: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1, which currently has about 10 subtypes,
is most common worldwide and the only form found in the US. HIV-2 is less virulent and though
currently confined to West Africa—it`s spreading.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) basically provokes an infection, which destroys the
body`s immune system. AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the advanced stage
of this disease, when the immune system becomes irreparably damaged, engendering multiple
infections and cancers. A person is considered HIV positive when she/he tests positive for any of
the 26 diseases (Kaposi`s sarcoma, lymphoma, pulmonary tuberculosis, recurrent pneumonia
within a 12-month period, wasting syndrome and other indicators) that can easily invade the
body during our immune system`s nonfunctionality.
On invading the body, the virus specifically attacks T-cells. A core part of the human defence
system, they mobilize other cells to seek and destroy contagious foreign elements besides leading
the immune system`s fight against infections. T-cells are targeted because the AIDS virus
parasitizes the CD4 molecules on their surface.
With a protective outer shell of proteins and glyco-proteins, the AIDS virus contains genetic
information on the inside. Although substantially smaller than the host T-cells, the virus
reproduces by sponging off the host`s cellular resources! Our body fights back by producing up
to two billion new T-cells to replace the infected ones, stabilizing the T-cell count temporarily.
Yet from day one, the T-cells fight a losing battle.
The genetic information of the AIDS virus, which is encoded as RNA (ribonucleic acid), needs
to be reverse transcripted—which the intruder accomplishes with the help of the host cell itself!
The now legible DNA is thereafter randomly transferred into the nucleus. All this is
accomplished barely a dozen hours following the infection. By this time, the aggressor begins to
substantially weaken the host cell, which eventually dies, eroding the immune system and
making the body vulnerable to diseases.
Although HIV targets T-cells and other cells in the body, it thrives mainly in the lymph nodes—
another important part of the immune system. Each lymph node has a netlike structure inside it
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that acts as a protective filter by trapping virus and infected T-cells. But as healthy T-cells move
through contaminated lymph nodes, they are infected by HIV. During the early stage of the
disease, lymph nodes contain more infected cells than the blood.
Symptoms:
In early stages, a mild flu and swollen glands are typical. But the symptoms are often
unmistakable when full-blown AIDS develops. Loss of appetite, weight loss, constant fever,
prolonged fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, altered bowel patterns, swollen glands, chills coupled
with excessive sweating especially at nights, lesions in the mouth, sore throat, persistent cough,
shortness of breath, tumours, skin rashes, headaches, memory lapses, swelling in the joints, pain
in various parts of the body, vision problems and a regular feeling of lethargy and ill health make
up the litany of symptoms.
With immune systems out of kilter, HIV-positive persons are susceptible to several types of
cancer, particularly Kaposi`s sarcoma (KS), an uncommon form that occurs under the skin and in
the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth. Affected persons have lesions that appear as
dark coloured raised blotches. Though the lesions are painless, once KS spreads to the lungs,
lymph nodes and digestive tract, the victim experiences difficulty in breathing, gastrointestinal
bleeding and painful swelling around lymph nodes, especially in the legs.
Modes of transmission:
HIV is transmitted primarily by sex (anal, vaginal or oral sex with an infected partner), by
injections (sharing contaminated needles for drug use or accidental piercing with a contaminated
needle), or from infected mother to child through pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Infected semen, vaginal fluids, blood and blood products lead to transmission of HIV. Drug
abuse with unsterilized needles is another high-risk activity. Unprotected sex with multiple
partners is the primary cause of infection. During unprotected sex, the infected fluid can enter the
bloodstream through a tiny cut or sore. Anal penetration has a higher risk of transmission, which
is why a high percentage of homosexuals develop the disease. Bleeding during sex also raises the
chances of infection. Therefore unprotected sex during menstrual periods and anal intercourse
are best avoided.
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An infected mother can also transmit the virus to her baby before or during birth or through
breast milk. Although traces of HIV have been detected in body fluids (saliva, urine, faeces and
tears) there is no evidence that HIV spreads through these fluids. Nor is it water-borne, air-borne
or transmitted through mosquitoes and other insects.
Some HIV-infected patients progress to AIDS quickly while others can remain healthy for 10
years or more. Between initial infection and full-blown disease, a middle phase called
symptomatic HIV infection, or AIDS-related complex (ARC), occurs, prompting symptoms such
as weight loss, diarrhea, and swollen lymph glands.
Scientists have recently discovered clues to why some patients develop AIDS quickly. In a study
published last March in the journal Science, National Cancer Institute researchers found that
inherited genes may set the clock for AIDS progression. Certain gene patterns tend to stave off
AIDS, while others promote it. The researchers say that the study may lead to an AIDS-preventive
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vaccine or improved therapies against the virus.
Gender differences in the risk of HIV infection:
HIV risk factors among injection drug users (IDUs) differ markedly by gender, according to a
10-year study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). A recent study by
researchers at the Johns Hopkins University reported that while drug-related risk behaviors and
homosexual activity are the most important predictors of HIV seroconversion among males,
factors consistent with high-risk heterosexual activities are the main predictors among females.
The findings reported in the May 28 (2001) issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine provide
insight into the relationship between gender and high-risk sexual behaviors in the development
of HIV infection.
"Early studies of injection drug users suggested that most HIV infections were due primarily to
sharing of needles," said NIDA Director Alan I. Leshner. "This study adds to the body of
evidence that supports the need for gender-specific interventions in the treatment of that group of
drug users."
Between 1988 and 1998, a team of researchers led by Steffanie Strathdee at the Johns Hopkins
University Bloomberg School of Public Health examined both drug related and sexual risk

factors for HIV transmission in a study of more than 1,800 injecting drug users in Baltimore,
Maryland. Study participants were aged 18 or older, did not have an AIDS defining illness at
enrollment and reported a history of illicit injection drug use within the previous 10 years.
Through semiannual interviews, researchers collected data on drug use history, socio-demographics,
and drug use and sexual behavior within the last 6 months. Blood samples were
also obtained at each study visit. Researchers used commercial HIV and antibody ELISA to
identify those participants who had become HIV positive since their last visit.
Strathdee and her colleagues found that the greatest predictor for HIV seroconversion among
both male and female IDUs was high-risk sexual behavior. Study findings revealed that male
injection drug users who reported recent homosexual activity were four times more likely to
become infected with HIV.
Among females, indicators of high-risk heterosexual activity outweighed needle-sharing
behaviors as independent predictors of HIV seroconversion. HIV incidence was more than two
times higher among women who reported recently having sex with another injection drug user.
Another common predictor of HIV seroconversion observed by researchers among both male
and female IDUs was younger age. Investigators found that IDUs who were aged 30 or younger
at enrollment were more than twice as likely to seroconvert than those aged 40 or older.
"This is consistent with several reports which indicate that younger IDUs are more likely to
engage in needle sharing and other behaviors that place them at higher risk of acquiring HIV and
hepatitis B or C viruses".
Prevention:
While AIDS is a high-risk disease it can be prevented if proper precautions are taken and greater
awareness meted out to those who are ignorant of the virus and its repercussions on the human
body. Here, we have listed a few measures which can be adopted by everyone in order to stave
off the insidious entry of HIV.
• Prevention is still the best bet. Promiscuous sexual behavior can leave a person highly
susceptible to contracting the virus. Where abstinence is not possible, always use latex
condoms. The female condom can also help protect both partners. Use only water-based
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lubricants. Oil lubricants (such as vaseline) might even tear latex condoms. Use
spermicidal (birth control) foams and jellies in addition to condoms. By themselves,
spermicides may not be effective in preventing HIV.
• Avoid alcohol or drugs during sex, as you might lose control of your senses and engage
in unsafe sex. Stick to safer sex practices at all times and avoid having multiple partners.
Practice monogamy. If this is a tall order, serial relationships are a lesser evil than
multiple ones
• High-risk sexual behavior should be avoided at all costs. These include: oral genital sex
involving contact with semen or vaginal fluids, oral anal sex, vaginal sex without a
condom, anal sex sans a condom (active or passive), fisting or manual anal intercourse,
the sharing of sex toys, using saliva for lubrication and blood contact of any kind during
performance. If unable to resist oral sex, use a dental dam. If a woman is infected, avoid
sex during the menses as menstrual blood is infectious.
• For transfusions, use disposable syringes and needles. Ensure you get blood that is
screened and certified as HIV-free. Better still, get blood from close family members
rather than professional donors whose medical antecedents are nebulous.
• The presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increases the risk of contracting
HIV from an infected partner. STDs could cause breaks in the skin of the vagina, penis or
anus permitting the virus to enter your bloodstream. If you ever contract an STD of any
kind, ensure you get prompt treatment.
• The CDC recommends that an HIV-positive woman should not breast-feed her baby. The
infant should be given AZT for the first several weeks to substantially reduce the risk of
infection.
Is there a cure for AIDS?
Worryingly, many people think there is a 'cure' for AIDS - which makes them feel safer and
perhaps take risks that they otherwise wouldn’t. However, there is still no cure for AIDS. The
only way to stay safe is to be aware of how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent HIV infection.
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How many people have died from AIDS?
Since the first cases of AIDS were identified in 1981, more than 25 million people have died
from AIDS. An estimated two million people died in 2008 alone.
Although there is no cure for AIDS, HIV infection can be prevented and those living with HIV
can take antiretroviral drugs to prolong the onset of AIDS. However, in many countries across
the world access to prevention and treatment services is limited. Global leaders have pledged to
work towards universal access to HIV treatment, prevention and care so that millions of deaths
can be averted.
How is AIDS treated?
Antiretroviral treatment can prolong the time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS.
Modern combination therapy is highly effective and someone with HIV who is taking treatment
could live for the rest of their life without developing AIDS.
An AIDS diagnosis does not necessarily equate to a death sentence. Many people can still benefit
from starting antiretroviral therapy even once they have developed an AIDS-defining illness.
Better treatment and prevention for opportunistic infections have also helped to improve the
quality and length of life for those diagnosed with AIDS.
Treating some opportunistic infections is easier than others. Infections such as herpes zoster and
candidiasis of the mouth, throat or vagina can be managed effectively in most cases. On the other
hand, more complex infections such as toxoplasmosis need advanced medical equipment and
infrastructure which are lacking in many resource-poor areas.
It is also important that treatment is provided for AIDS related pain, which is experienced by
almost all people in the very advanced stages of HIV infection.
Myths & facts:
Say `AIDS` and dime-a-dozen misconceptions abound. The chart topper is that AIDS is
supposedly a disease of gay men and intravenous drug users. The facts are otherwise. No doubt
in the early years many HIV-positive cases were reported amongst the Western gay community.
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In recent years, however, prevalence rates among gays have leveled off. Instead, heterosexual
transmission has been forging ahead of all other modes of transmission.
The AIDS virus is NOT contracted through touching, hugging, kissing, massage, sharing toilet
seats, drinking or eating from utensils used by an infected person or any other mode of casual
contact. Nor does working, socializing and living with infected people cause the disease.
Repeated sexual contact without proper precautions with an infected person, using an infected
syringe, exposure to infected blood or sexual fluids are ways through which the disease can be
transmitted.
Donating blood also does not run the risk of disease contraction since needles used for such
purposes are always sterile. Since the AIDS virus is unable to survive outside the human body
beyond a short duration, dried blood is not infectious. For the same reason, mosquitoes are
incapable of transmitting HIV as the virus cannot replicate itself in the intestine of insects.
Although medical personnel are potentially at risk from infection, this is minimal if protective
gear such as gloves, masks and goggles are used when handling potentially infected material.
Why do people still develop AIDS today?
Even though antiretroviral treatment can prevent the onset of AIDS in a person living with HIV,
many people are still diagnosed with AIDS today. There are four main reasons for this:
• In many resource-poor countries antiretroviral treatment is not widely available. Even in
wealthier countries, such as America, many individuals are not covered by health
insurance and cannot afford treatment.
• Some people who became infected with HIV in the early years of the epidemic before
combination therapy was available, have subsequently developed drug resistance and
therefore have limited treatment options.
• Many people are never tested for HIV and only become aware they are infected with the
virus once they have developed an AIDS-related illness. These people are at a higher risk
of mortality, as they tend to respond less well to treatment at this stage.
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• Sometimes people taking treatment are unable to adhere to, or tolerate the side effects of
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drugs.
Caring for a person with AIDS:
In the later stages of AIDS, a person will need palliative care and emotional support. In many
parts of the world, friends, family and AIDS organizations provide home based care. This is
particularly the case in countries with high HIV prevalence and overstretched healthcare
systems. End of life care becomes necessary when a person has reached the very final stages of
AIDS. At this stage, preparing for death and open discussion about whether a person is going to
die often helps in addressing concerns and ensuring final wishes are followed.
The global AIDS epidemic:
Around 2.7 million people became infected with HIV in 2008. Sub-Saharan Africa has been
hardest hit by the epidemic; in 2008 over two-thirds of AIDS deaths were in this region.
The epidemic has had a devastating impact on societies, economies and infrastructures. In
countries most severely affected, life expectancy has been reduced by as much as 20 years.
Young adults in their productive years are the most at-risk population; so many countries have
faced a slow-down in economic growth and an increase in household poverty. In Asia,
HIV/AIDS causes a greater loss of productivity than any other disease. An adult’s most
productive years are also their most reproductive and so many of the age group who have died
from AIDS have left children behind. In sub-Saharan Africa the AIDS epidemic has orphaned
nearly 12 million children.
In recent years, the response to the epidemic has been intensified; in the past ten years in low-and
middle-income countries there has been a 6-fold increase in spending for HIV and AIDS.
The number of people on antiretroviral treatment has increased, the annual number of AIDS
deaths has declined, and the global percentage of people infected with HIV has stabilized.
However, recent achievements should not lead to complacent attitudes. In all parts of the world,
people living with HIV still face AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, and many people still
cannot access sufficient HIV treatment and care. In America and some countries of Western and
Central and Eastern Europe, infection rates are rising, indicating that HIV prevention is just as

important now as it ever has been. Prevention efforts that have proved to be effective need to be
scaled-up and treatment targets reached. Commitments from national governments right down to
the community level need to be intensified and subsequently met, so that one day the world
might see an end to the global AIDS epidemic.
The elusive cure:
The large-scale infections and deaths have spurred a spate of worldwide efforts for a cure. In the
US, however, AIDS cases are said to be dropping and new infections leveling off. Mortality from
AIDS is also dropping.
In the developing countries, though, the cases continue to rise alarmingly. Globally, three million
died in the year 2000, with 5.3 million newly infected people, 95 percent of whom might die.
Many scientists, doctors and researchers contend that AIDS is not a new disease, having been
around much longer than people believe. Dr. Robert Willner—author of Deadly Deception: The
Proof That Sex and HIV Absolutely Do Not Cause AIDS—asserts that HIV is not the cause of
AIDS. He claims that nearly 500 hundred top scientists of the world have challenged the
hypothesis of Robert Gallo—who patented the HIV test the day after the AIDS virus was
discovered—that HIV is the precursor of AIDS.
Besides other telling facts, the dissenters want to know how one can explain HIV-free AIDS
cases, of which there are said to be nearly 5,000 on record.
Dr. Frank Shallenberger, a licensed medical and homeopathic practitioner, says that statistics are
only a correlation—not a result—that HIV is one cause of AIDS, citing the fact that some AIDS
victims do not have HIV antibodies. Dr. Shallenberger considers AIDS a multifactorial disease
that strikes when the immune system is down.
The search for a cure, also brings to light other interesting facets. African chimpanzees have
been harboring the simian equivalent of the AIDS virus for centuries, according to detailed
studies conducted by researches at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Why don`t the
chimps succumb to the virus?
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Says Dr. Anthony Fauci from the National Institutes of Health: “There must be something about
the chimp`s immune system or some host defense system that is doing a very good job of
containing the virus. If we find that out we may be able to extrapolate to humans.”
Chimpanzees being the closest living relatives of humans, their DNA differs from human DNA
by less than two percent. Adds Dr. Fauci: “It`s entirely conceivable that the very small genetic
differences between the chimp and the human will explain why the chimpanzee does not get sick
and the human does.”
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CAM: AN INTRODUCTION
Alternative medicine has been variously called natural, complementary, `holistic` and numerous
other terms, which refer to elements of a particular modality or tradition. The traditional
ethnomedicinal systems are by nature holistic, meaning that they aim to treat the whole
individual, rather than a specific disease or symptom, and that they address not only the physical
aspect of the patient but also the mind and the spirit. It is assumed that each individual possesses
an innate healing capacity (the "immune system" in the broadest sense), and the goal generally is
to reinforce this capacity and restore strength and balance to weakened systems using a variety of
natural modalities: body work, detoxification, foods, herbs and other botanicals, tailored as much
as to the individual`s specific constitution and condition. The use of alternative therapies for
AIDS grew out of this same eclectic mix.
At the beginning of the epidemic, little or no treatment was available for people with HIV
/AIDS. Although as yet there is no cure, over the last decade researchers have identified a
number of drugs that slow progression of the virus as well as therapies to treat the many
opportunistic infections that attack people with HIV disease. The key to effective treatment is
early detection and intervention. Some early treatments aim to strengthen the immune system,
help patients reduce stress, and maintain good nutritional practices and appropriate exercise
regimens. Many of the getting alternative therapies described below place significant emphasis
on these lifestyle issues. Taking an active role in any disease is an important adjunct to treatment.
Consideration of alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine may offer
additional opportunities for persons living with HIV/AIDS to be proactively involved in their
treatment.
How to approach alternative therapies:
Here are a few suggestions to follow before involved in any alternative therapy:
• Obtain objective information about the therapy. Besides talking with the person
promoting the approach, speak with people who have gone through the treatment—
preferably those who were treated recently and those treated in the past. Ask about the

advantages and disadvantages, risks, side effects, costs, results they experienced, and
over what time span results can be expected.
• Inquire about the training and expertise of the person administering the treatment (i.e.,
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certification). If any uncertainty remains, verify the information.
• Consider the costs. Alternative treatments may not currently be reimbursable by health
insurance.
• Discuss all treatments with your primary care provider, who needs this information in
order to have a complete picture of your treatment plan.
People with HIV/AIDS in the United States use many kinds of alternative approaches to
treatment. Some of the most common are briefly described below.
Traditional Chinese medicine:
The use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medications has become one of the most commonly
used alternative therapies for AIDS. Its use has become so widely accepted that two Chinese
Medicine Clinics in San Francisco have been awarded contracts through the SF Health
Department`s AIDS Office to provide Chinese Medical treatment to people with HIV. The
contracts are funded by Ryan White CARE Act allocations. Most people with HIV who use
acupuncture and Chinese herbs do so in conjunction with western medicine. There are, however,
some who use it as their principal form of medical treatment. It is strongly suggested that it be
used under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
The systematic practice of Chinese Medicine dates back over two thousand years, making it the
oldest medical system in the world. Where western medicine is derived solely from scientific
method as a means of treating disease, Chinese medicine is intertwined with a philosophy of life,
and is based on a holistic view of supporting the mind-body`s innate ability to maintain health
and to heal itself should illness occur. This approach is the result of many thousands of years of
accumulated experience. Rather than dealing with mechanistic components of the human
organism, as western science advocates, the TCM approach is one of aligning the functions of
the organs and systems as a whole, promoting the dynamic balance of energy polarities which
maintains health and well-being.

Central to the philosophy of Chinese Medicine is the concept of chì, or qi, which can loosely be
defined as the vital energy of the universe, of which all things are made. Chì patterns fluctuate
between the polarities of what are called yin and yang, the active and passive sides of the life
force. Illnesses can crudely be viewed as either excesses or deficiencies in either the yin or yang
components of chì. Chì is believed to vitalize the body by its movements along the pathways
which are known as meridians. The "meridian theory" of Chinese Medicine is not accepted in
western medicine, because they have never been objectively identified anatomically. The
circumstantial evidence of their existence, however, is undeniable to Chinese doctors, since
points along the meridians have been used successfully as the sites for acupuncture needling for
thousands of years.
In San Francisco, where Chinese medical treatment has been funded for three years by the Ryan
White CARE Act, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine has treated over 300
symptomatic HIV-positive patients in long-term care. A study of the medical records of these
patients, and of quarterly health surveys, has identified seven HIV-related conditions which
appear to be most responsive to Chinese medicine. These seven conditions are: weight loss;
diarrhea/loose stools; abdominal pain; nausea; headaches; enlarged lymph nodes; and
neuropathy.
Chinese medicine was first popularized as a treatment for AIDS in San Francisco by Misha
Cohen, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, in 1984. A good deal of western type research on certain
aspects of Chinese Medicine has since been conducted. Many of the herbs have been found to
inhibit HIV and other viruses in laboratory experiments. Other herbs have been shown to act as
biological response modifiers, enhancing certain immune responses. In addition, a small, strictly
controlled study using acupuncture to treat HIV infected individuals was conducted at Lincoln
Hospital in Bronx, NY, a few years back. It was reported that individuals receiving correctly
applied acupuncture needling had notable increases in their CD4 counts after only a brief course
of therapy. This pilot study certainly demonstrated the need for further research.
Some human efficacy studies of Chinese medicine for HIV disease are currently underway.
Chinese herbs may be a rich source of therapeutic agents for AIDS and its related illnesses. It is
essential that people with HIV have all the information they need to select the treatment options
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most suited to their own needs and dispositions. Chinese Medicine is a promising option which is
safe, appears to be somewhat effective, and is affordable to most.
Homeopathy:
Prior to the emergence of AIDS, few people were familiar with or cared about the immune
system. Now, more than ever, the general public is interested in exploring ways to bolster
immune response to prevent the progression of AIDS, as well as to reduce the number and
intensity of opportunistic infections and to improve the overall state of their health. By
strengthening a person`s own defenses, the body is best enabled to defend itself.
Homeopathy is one way to do this. Although no therapy can or will help every HIV+ person or
everyone with AIDS, homeopathy is beginning to develop a reputation for helping people at
varying stages of this disease. To understand what homeopathy has to offer, it is necessary to
learn something about a different approach to infectious disease than simply attacking a
pathogen.
As increasing numbers of physicians learn about homeopathic medicine, they will be exposed to
viable alternative treatments which can play an integral role in the care and treatment of people
with HIV and AIDS.
Homeopathic medicines, which include minerals, vitamins, and animal products, are natural
substances given in very low doses. Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like",
that is, substances that in large doses would cause adverse symptoms will, in small doses, treat
those same symptoms. Homeopathy is highly individualized to a patient`s symptoms.
The treatment of people with HIV or AIDS requires professional health care, even when their
ailments are seemingly minor. Ideally, they should receive treatment from a homeopath who is
an M.D. or a D.O., but otherwise the best care is one that integrates homeopathic treatment with
appropriate medical diagnosis and, in emergency situations, with appropriate medical treatment.
One of the advantages of using homeopathy in treating people with AIDS is that they tend to get
various unusual symptoms, diseases, and syndromes which evade immediate diagnosis. A
homeopath, however, can prescribe a remedy before a definitive conventional diagnosis is made.
Because homeopathic medicines are prescribed on the basis of a person`s unique pattern of
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symptoms, a conventional diagnosis is not necessary for a curative remedy to be prescribed.
Preliminary results of a study initiated by the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy
(CCRH) in 1989 testify to immunostimulatory role of homeopathic medicines in HIV infection.
A randomized placebo-controlled study during 1995-1997 to ascertain the treatment efficacy
involved 39 people prescribed homeopathic medicines—Amyle Nitricum-30CH and Azadirachta
indica-6X—taken as medicated globules. The individuals also underwent physical and breathing
exercises, besides half ounce of honey and 30 grams to 50 grams of moong dal (green gram)
sprouts in their daily regimen. At the end of each month, the individuals tested remained
asymptomatic.
Despite the seemingly positive results that homeopathic medicines provide for people who are
HIV positive, for those with early onset of AIDS, and for those with nonextreme cases of AIDS,
most homeopaths do not observe significant improvement in treating people who have advanced
stages of AIDS. But there are exceptions to this general rule, and numerous homeopaths find that
select patients with advanced stages of AIDS experience dramatic improvement in their quality
of life.
Dr. Issac Mathai, a homeopath based in Bangalore, India, recounts: "I have handled around 20
AIDS cases since 1987 with positive changes. The treatment, which improves our immune
system by stimulating it to fight this immunity related disease, includes homeopathic medicines,
herbal supplements and vitamins. This helps in AIDS cases as the condition itself is related to
immunity. Besides, dietary or lifestyle changes make a lot of difference in the patient`s general
health."
Dr. Mathai mentions a 38-year-old, diagnosed HIV positive in 1985 along with his partner, who
was asymptomatic after the treatment: "During the treatment his general health was good.
Occasionally, he suffered from colds, coughs and stomach upsets, which were treated
appropriately with acute homeopathic medicines. During this time his partner passed away. Yet
he survived with maintenance medicines, which keep his immune system in good condition."
Concludes Dr. Mathai: "Since homeopathic treatment is customized to a patient`s requirement, it
could vary from person to person."
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Mumbai-based homeopath Dr. Mukesh Batra also treats HIV/AIDS. Says Batra: "We have
treated about half-a-dozen AIDS cases in the three years. The treatment works on building up the
immune system. Our success rate has been almost 100 per cent in treatments that relieve
symptoms of AIDS patients such as repeated cold, cough, weight loss, diarrhea. A patient with
AIDS was treated at our clinic in Mauritius a couple of years ago. He tested HIV positive. He
was losing weight and had repeated attacks of cold, cough and pneumonia. With homeopathic
treatment for about a year and a half he began to put on weight and his tests returned to normal."
The history of homeopathy`s successes in treating infectious disease epidemics, the research that
suggests the immunomodulatory effects of homeopathic medicines, and the clinical research on
HIV+ and AIDS patients that indicates beneficial response to homeopathic medicines should
command attention by physicians, scientists, and public health officials. Despite this body of
work, it is both surprising and depressing that homeopathic medicine has been consistently
ignored as a viable part of a comprehensive program in treating HIV positive and AIDS patients.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture involves the relatively painless insertion of extremely thin needles into the skin at
specific points to help balance the body`s flow of energy, referred to as qi ("chee"). When
needles are inserted into the appropriate points, it is thought that energy is unblocked, and
symptoms can be relieved. Variations of acupuncture include acupressure and shiatsu (pressure
and massage of acupuncture points). Acupuncture is sometimes used to relieve some HIV-related
symptoms such as neuropathy, fatigue, and pain. It is also used in an attempt to strengthen the
immune system.
Acupuncture is based on the understanding that just as energy can be disrupted or depleted, so
also can it be rechanneled and replenished. Thus, the acupuncture needles may stimulate the
body`s own energy reserves or they may transmit energy from the environment into the body.
Because each individual will have a unique interplay of energies, organs, and elements, as well
as a unique character, the treatment is, theoretically, individualized.
It is important to find a licensed acupuncturist who is experienced in treating people with HIV.
Local AIDS hotlines and community-based organizations may be helpful in offering referrals.
18

After finding a qualified acupuncturist, the first step in treatment is accurate diagnosis. The
practitioner uses several traditional diagnostic techniques to determine whether treatment should
be aimed at stimulating or dispersing energy. Needles are then inserted at specific points along
the appropriate meridian.
Initially, practitioners used acupuncture to provide symptom-relief for persons with AIDS.
Michael Smith, MD, D.Ac., of Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx has noted that after the first four or
five treatments, most patients begin to experience a decrease in abnormal sweating, diarrhea, and
skin rashes. Patients have also reported higher energy levels and many have gained substantial
amounts of weight.
Patients on chemotherapy have noted a reduction in side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and
weakness. "Acupuncture helps the body help itself," claims Dr. Smith, who emphasizes that the
affects of the treatment on the overall health of a person is the key to understanding acupuncture.
The Somerville Acupuncture Center in Boston, The AIDS Alternative Health Project in Chicago,
and Quan Yin herbal support program in San Francisco have reported similar symptomatic relief
and overall improvement.
Recently, at a local conference on AIDS, Dr. Merrill, M.D., presented a compelling view
regarding acupuncture and HIV-infected individuals. Dr. Merrill stated that he would not
recommend alternative therapies as a sole treatment for HIV, but that acupuncture may add
significantly to an overall improvement in the sense of well being of HIV-infected patients.
Additionally, while Merrill believes acupuncture may not cure infections or increase T4 cells, it
does provide subtle enhancing properties, like increasing endorphins and possibly reducing stress
and pain. Merrill also stated that acupuncture might be helpful in reducing spasms in
gastrointestinal conditions, common drug-induced nausea, and some neurologic problems.
The validity of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine remains controversial in the
Western culture. There is no claim that acupuncture has direct antiviral effect on HIV. But many
professionals trained in both Western and Chinese medicine, have found that acupuncture offers
many benefits to the overall health of a person with HIV. In fact, more and more people with
HIV are using acupuncture to reduce stress, pain, and tension, among other conditions.
19

Siddha medicine:
The Tamil Siddhars are 18 enlightened men and women who wrote down the causes of 4,448
different diseases and prescribed medicines. AIDS was called `Vettai Noi`. AIDS syndrome was
already known to the Siddha system of medicine. It was further classified into 21 types, most of
which are caused due to wrong diet, excessive sex causing depletion of prana (meaningless sex
depletes a person emotionally, physical and spiritually according to the Siddhars). The chief
cause of Vettai Noi is the defects in the three humors—Tridohas.
The 18 Siddhars of the Siddha traditional have classified 4,448 diseases and prescribed
medicines in the form of herb, roots, salts, metals and mineral compounds. AIDS was classified
as Vettai Noi as early as a few thousands of years ago in the cradle of the ancient prehistoric
civilization in Tamil Nadu, Southern India.
Siddha system is based on hypothetical and biological laws of nature. The Siddhars were
pioneers to the world in the field of minerals, metals, and medicinal herbs. They found out the
methods of processing metals, minerals, herbs and natural raw materials to make churnams,
chenthurams and leyhams (Churnam is powdered formulation, leyhams is thick batter like
formulation).
Vettai Noi, was further classified into 21 types, most of which are caused by depletion of the
Prana and/or Ojas through excess indulgence and abuse of the body, rendering the immune
system weak and susceptible to pathogens.
The chief cause of Vettai Noi is due to the three humors, Tridoshas and mainly due to Azhal
Kurtrum (Pittam or bile, acidic nature) exhibited in the blood stream.
The following herbs are recommended for the effective treatment of Vettai Noi.
20
Aragumpul (Cynodon Dactylon Pers)
Karisalinkanni (Eclipta Alba Hassk)
Musu Musukkai (Mukai Scavrillia)
Thoodhovali (Solanum Trilobatum Linn)
Jeeragam (Luminum Cyminum)

Other Siddha medicines that could be prescribed under medical supervision and
administered for AIDS as supportive therapy are as follows:
1. For purification of blood: Kanthaga Rasayanam, Paranki Pattai churam, Palakaria
21
Parpam.
2. For reducing fever: Linga chenduram, Gowri Chinthamani, Thirikadugu Churnam,
Rama Banam, Vadha, Piththa, Kaba Sura Kudineer.
3. For persistent diarrhea: Thair Sundi churnam, Kavika churnam, Amaiodu Parpam.
4. Revitalizers and rejuvenators to the disabled immune system of the body: Orilai
Thamarai karpam, Serankottai Eagam, Thertran Kottai leyham, Amukkara.
5. Antiviral drugs: Rasagandhi, Mezhugu, Murukkanvithtu, Masikai, Edi Vallathathy
mezhugu.
6. Restoration of the disturbed mind: Vallarai.
The medications rasagandhi mezhugu, amukkara chooranam and nellikkai lehyam are
effective for HIV/AIDS patients who do not have overt neural HIV.
Drugs that control opportunistic infections complement these. Since 1992 all the three
formulations are said to have been tested on over 35,000 patients at the Government
Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai, India, and are apparently
without side effects. They are said to reduce viral load, boost counts of CD8 and CD4 cells,
control symptoms and increase body weight. Although prolonged viral suppression has
occurred in a few patients, these drugs are as yet unable to cure AIDS.
(Reference: Dr. V . Kalidoss, Siddha System of Medicines for Treatment of AIDS)

The treatment for AIDS: Prospects in Siddha medicine:
The body`s immunity gets heavily depleted by excess indulgence as stated by the Siddhars.
Siddhars have evaluated that Azhal thathu is responsible for the defense of the body.
Disease takes place with the deterioration of the Vindhu thathu. Such deterioration leads to
diseases such as pain, skin lesions, formation of nodes, malignancy, fistula, abscess,
cervical adenitis, inquinal adentitis (adentitis is inflammation of the glands), ulcers in the
loin, eczematous eruptions, pustules, constipation, TB, diarrhea, chronic dysentery, anemia,
jaundice and upper respiratory infections. Siddha medicines are formulated in such a way
as to have a total rejuvenating effect on the body and not only effective against a particular
disorder.
The special feature of the Siddha medicine is that most of the preparations are in compound
formulation, and because of its synergistic action, toxicity is diminished, thereby increasing
bioavailability through the cells of the body. The pharmacodynamics of this system is
entirely different from other systems of medicines.
Drugs that could be prepared for AIDS may be classified as follows:
1. Herbal preparations Serankottai Nei (herbal ghee), Mahavallathy leyham, Parangi
22
rasayanam.
2. Herbo mineral preparations Gandhak Parpam, Gandhaka rasayanam.
3. Herbo mercuric preparations Idivallathy mezhugu, Poona Chandrodayam.
4. Herbo-mercuric-arsenal preparations Rasagandhi mezhugu, Nandhi Mezhugu,
Sivandar Amirtham, Kshayakulanthan Chenduram.

23
PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY AND HIV
Mind Body Connection & HIV
By Brad Lichtenstein, ND
The majority of writings in this and other publications focus on biochemical medical treatment
for those infected with HIV or resultant opportunistic infections. What is often overlooked are
the psychological aspects of HIV infection, or for that matter, the psychological perception of
illness and disease. The emerging field of psycho-neuroimmunology examines the interaction
between physiological functioning and memory, behavior, or thoughts. Psychoneuroimmunology
was founded upon the work of George Solomon, MD who suggested that when evaluating health
and disease more than physiological symptoms needed to be considered. His initial work in the
mid 1960s centered around behavior and personality patterns in patients with chronic rheumatoid
arthritis. Since that time numerous studies have been conducted researching the specific
biological influences mood, thought, and behavior may exert upon the body.
One of the most important and influential researchers to document the psychological parameters
of health has been Suzanne Kobassa. Her work is paramount for its introduction of the term
"hardiness." Hardiness consists of three main parameters. These are: commitment, control, and
challenge.2Commitment involves one's feelings toward work, family, social encounters and self.
Those with a sense of commitment experience a sense of purpose within themselves and in what
they do; they perceive themselves to be a vital and active participant in their own lives. In
opposition to commitment lies alienation; a sense of isolation from the world and in interactions.
Control refers to a sense of power. Those with a high profile of control are able to take an active
role in and possess a sense of responsibility for their lives. The attitude of those who possess
high levels of control is one of influence; they perceive they can influence the outcome of events
affecting them. When control is low, individuals suffer from a sense of helplessness and
hopelessness, consumed by a feeling that they are powerless to meet the situation.
Challenge is the ability to view all situations as potentially positive with successful outcomes.
Individuals who experience low levels of challenge often perceive any given situation as a threat
to their health and well-being. Kobassa examined how stressful life events affect one's health and
the frequency of disease. She argues against a direct cause-and-effect relationship between stress

and illness. She rejects the notion that stress is to be avoided for one to lead a healthy life. What
Kobassa's studies demonstrate is how an individual's personality and coping mechanism directly
influence health. She discovered that individuals who possessed high levels of hardiness (having
high profiles of these three parameters) suffered fewer illnesses.3 The conclusion here is that
events, in and of themselves, cannot be identified as stressful or illness provoking; it is the
interpretation the person makes regarding the event that is significant. Those with high hardiness
profiles will interpret events as positive, engaging, and challenging. Operating from this vantage
point, Kobassa believes, one can greatly impact one's own health.
Kobassa measured and evaluated the individuals in her studies based on patient report,
psychoemotional scales, and symptoms. Therefore, the patient's assessment of events and health
status could easily be gauged. The frequency of office visits during and following the studies was
also assessed. However, direct physiological parameters, blood pressure, cell counts, etc., were
not measured.
Keicolt - Glaser and Glaser were instrumental in measuring the direct physiological effects of
stress. They evaluated the immune functioning of medical students.4,5,6 Their findings suggested
that during periods of stress, in this case examination periods, students had a decrease in NK cell
activity. NK cells are involved in non-specific immune surveillance against tumor cells and
viruses. Additionally, gamma interferon levels (which aid in the body's ability to produce cells to
help fight infection) and blastogenesis (ability of cells to transform to larger, more potent forms
upon contact with foreign material) were lower during exam periods. These levels all returned to
normal after the stressful event was concluded. However, regardless of the familiarity of the
stressful event, that is, no matter how many times the students had taken exams, they continued
to have a decrease in immune functioning. Finally, Glaser found that students with a sense of
isolation and loneliness (a control parameter) had lower NK cell activity than those students who
did not report such feelings. This may be interpreted as suggesting that those who viewed the
examination process as threatening and stressful experienced a greater decrease in immune
functioning as measured by NK cell activity.
Snyder concluded that not only is the individual's hardiness a factor, but the form stressful events
take is of equal relevance.7 In her study, Snyder assessed patient response to a novel antigen--a
24

substance that induces an immune response (along the lines of an allergic reaction)--in the
context of stressful events. She reports differences for patients experiencing and defining stress
in terms of good versus bad. The group with bad stress, those with repeated daily hassles as
opposed to brief and infrequent major stress, had decreased immune function as measured by the
proliferation of lymphocytes (B and T cells). The intensity of these daily hassles was of key
significance. Like the previous studies, stress levels were measured by patient self report and a
variety of mental health scales. Not only is the individual's ability to cope with situations a factor
now, but the intensity and frequency of the stressful event is of importance. The works of those
studying HIV infection and AIDS in context with Kobassa's hardiness scale has contributed
further insights. Although not mentioned in her work, others believe a fourth "C" should be
added to the scale, namely community, also classified as social support.8, 9, 10 Community plays a
large role for those in a medically challenging situation. This last factor can help foster and
maintain the individual's control, commitment and challenge. Support involves the patient's
ability to access help in both the emotional and the problem-solving realms. Such behavior
would include expression of feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and accessing information from
others; such as advice or explanations. Those who demonstrated such behavior were reported to
have a longer survival rate after exposure to Pneumocystis Carinii Penumonia (PCP).8 What is
now added to the equation is specific behavioral traits, namely the process of accessing and
expressing personal information.
At the Center for Biopsychosocial Study of AIDS at the University of Miami, researchers set out
to further evaluate the behavioral changes that may affect immunological functioning. They
conducted a variety of studies following groups of asymptomatic, healthy gay males for 5-10
weeks prior to and following notification of their HIV-1 antibody status.11, 12, 13 Subjects were
divided into intervention and control groups. Measured biological outcomes were evaluated by
immunological, endocrinological, and neuropeptide levels for the duration of intervention prior
to notification, and immediately after notification as well as follow-up intervals throughout 1
year post notification. Some 24 measures were assessed, including total T cells, B cells, T-helper
cell subsets, NK cells subsets, serum IgG, IgA, and IgM, Epstein - Barr virus antibodies, plasma
cortisol and beta-endorphin levels. The psychological measures involved hardiness parameters,
sexual and health behaviors, affect inventories, etc. The authors admit that controlling for
25

confounding factors (factors not considered or evaluated such as sleep and physical activity
levels) and compliance remains problematic. However, their research again yields support for the
concepts offered by Kobassa. The individual's ability to cope with a situation, the person's
hardiness, and belief system affect immunological, endocrine, and neuropeptide levels.
In all the studies conducted by the Miami group, cognitive or behavioral modification was the
main intervention offered. However, in a few studies, the effects of aerobic exercise were also
examined. The results strongly indicated that at the time of notification of HIV antibody status,
those who participated in the cognitive or behavioral modification or the aerobic exercise
protocols experienced less or minimal decrease in immunological parameters. As opposed to
control groups, psychological measures for depression post notification were less affected. The
authors hypothesize that both the cognitive or behavioral intervention and the aerobic exercise
facilitate better coping skills for the individual by acting as a buffer system to anxiety and
depression. By offering individuals a method for coping and reframing the situation, the
individual can view the information at notification as controllable and as a challenge.
Furthermore, by engaging in aerobic conditioning or behavioral restructuring, the individual has
been supposedly gaining a sense of commitment to his or her health. These interventions provide
the individual with a sense of control, self-esteem, and power. Without these, the authors
suggests, a cascade of events occurs which decreases the immunological, endocrine, and
neuropeptide functioning of the individual.
Their theory is as follows : control subjects showed anxiety, depression, and isolation leading to
activation of the sympathetic nervous system (commonly viewed as the flight or fight system)
and CRH (cortisol releasing hormone). This then leads to the increase of peripheral
catecholamines and/or cortisol levels. When these levels are elevated, a decrease of positive
immune enhancing hormones, peptides and cells occurs by way of negative feedback. These
include interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and gamma-interferon to name a few. Once the decrease of
positive hormones takes place, what has been found is a decrease in the ability of NK cells to
attack foreign material, a decrease in the ratio of CD4 to CD8, and the decline in blastogenesis.
The authors propose that when a person has undergone some form of stress management, this
cascade fails to become engaged at such an intense level. The parasympathetic nervous system
26

(that system responsible for general relaxation and calmness) then predominates. Thus, no
increase in cortisol, peripheral catecholamines, and CRH occurs. An increase in the interleukin
and interferon levels follows, as well as an increase in beta-endorphins and met-enkephalin. The
final result is immune enhancement with an increase in NK cell activity, increase in CD4 and
CD8, and increase in blastogenesis. This, they suggest, may decelerate possible disease
progression.
All the above mentioned works have focused upon the individual's personality traits or hardiness.
Behavior and emotion have been the means by which these traits are assessed. However, the
belief system of the individual plays an integral role in directly impacting one's hardiness and
health as defined by Kobassa's challenge parameter. This entails the diagnosis and the meaning it
carries. Each individual makes an assessment about their diagnosis, thus giving it power to effect
their health. This can best demonstrated by the studies involving "medical hexing" and "voodoo
death."
The concept of voodoo death comes from the accounts of individuals who have been cursed by a
person or persons they deem to have power over them (such as a witch doctor, tribal leader, or
spiritual guide). In these accounts, the process was as follows: an individual presented to a
hospital or clinic in the final stages of death. The body was responding as if it was dying, yet no
causative agent was found. All that was known was that someone had cursed or accused them,
for which the prognosis was death. In one case, the tribal doctor who had "pointed the bone" at
one such individual was reluctantly brought to the clinic where the MDs pleaded with him to
remove the curse.14 Disgruntled, the tribal doctor revoked the curse. A day later, the man who
was dying recovered to his previous full state of health. Other individuals were not as fortunate.
Such stories help bring into focus the concept of psychoneuroimmunology or psycho-biological
interactions.
As Sanford I. Cohen has discussed in his study of the concept of medical "hexing," voodoo
deaths occur daily in our medical profession without much forethought. He describes voodoo
death as follows: "So called voodoo or hex death is a classic example of biopsychological
interaction. It is a dramatic demise that occurs when a person feels cursed by another believed
27

powerful enough to kill or powerful enough to create a feeling of hopelessness. The victim has to
believe that the hex works and that he cannot control it."14
This hexing occurs today in our modern medical practices. The hexing occurs the moment, and
possibly before, a patient is given a diagnosis. In order for such a process to happen, the
following factors are involved:
1.A message must be communicated from the external world (the diagnosis)
2. A personal belief system must be in place (belief that the doctor is expert and the
28
medical system valid) -- Kobassa's parameter of control
3. A perception of one's own power is made (the disease is fatal and uncontrollable) --
Kobassa's parameter of control and challenge
4. A particular behavior of the victim occurs (withdrawal from family and friends, non-communicative)
-- Kobassa's parameter of commitment
5. A behavior from the community and family occurs (isolating and fearful treatment
further propagating helplessness)
6. A psychological reaction occurs (depression, shame, remorse, guilt)
7. A biological reaction occurs (CNS and endocrine changes)
So what does all this mean for the individual? Again we return to the connections defined by the
field of psychoneuroimmunology, the belief in the connection between psyche and soma. In this
model, we are no longer individuals who have a mind or a body; we are mind and body. The
thoughts we generate directly affect physiological processes. As discussed previously, if the
individual holds to the concept that their diagnosis is fatal, a mood is then generated within. No
longer can we hold the view that mood is some ephemeral, esoteric entity that is stored in the
psyche. Moods are generated by the assertions one makes about the action. The action here is the
diagnosis. If one assesses that this diagnosis is equal to fatality, a mood will then be created. The
mood occurs in the body as well as in the psyche. By changing the assessments, asserting
control, challenge or commitment, the mood borne from such a place would alter the physiology.

The suggestion here is that the individual and medical profession question their assumptions
about the individual's ability to take an active role in the process of health. This involves
generating a new approach to diagnosis; one that does not stimulate "hexing" behavior. If one is
to view patients in a static, materialistic, Cartesian plane, then a diagnosis is something a patient
IS. They ARE cancer. They ARE asthma. They ARE HIV. No other reality exists. If this is in the
minds of the physician and patient, what impact does this carry? How does this translate into the
patient's view of themselves? If the patient is to dissolve themselves into the diagnosis ("I can no
longer perform in this way because I have 'X'"), then from where will the healing come?
As we can clearly infer from the work of the Miami group, those who were taught coping
mechanisms were better able to deal with notification of their HIV antibody status. What coping
and behavioral strategies offered the individual was the means by which to reframe and re-assess
the meaning of the notification. What is being proposed here is that one examine one's belief
systems and how one reacts to all situations. For stress is not a concrete and identifiable entity.
Yet often we find that we speak as if something that occurred was stressful; "My day was
stressful," "That meeting was stressful," etc. However, as Kobassa attempted to demonstrate, the
day or meeting itself was not stressful. The belief or perception one holds regarding the meeting
or day will elicit a biopsychoemotional reaction in the individual. Therefore, if one can learn
ways in which to develop hardiness (commitment, challenge and control), foster community, and
reframe one's beliefs about illness, diagnosis, and the infallibility of the medical system one may
learn ways in which to create wellness and health at any given moment regardless of one's
diagnosis.
One way in which people can begin to address these issues is to seek out trusted support
opportunities. This may be in the guise of support groups, friends, or even finding a qualified
mental health professional. In an atmosphere of trust, one can learn and practice how to be
assertive and expressive. Control is one of the parameters for which many find themselves
longing. While control had been defined as a sense of power, by applying all the concepts listed
here, the meaning of control is far more specific. Control refers to one's ability to effectively
impact one's belief system. The only controllable factor in our lives is the perceptions and
meanings we assign to any given situation. By attempting to control HIV, one is making
29

judgments about what HIV is and how it will affect one's life. People live in a place of
powerlessness, hopelessness and helplessness. The question arises as to whether or not HIV is
something one can actually control. However, by exerting control over one's perception about
HIV, one can live in a place of power.
A caveat needs to be offered on the issue of guilt. In no way is the information given here an
implication of fault or guilt. One need not read this and decide that one's emotions or ways of
thinking are the cause of one's illness. Rather, what is being offered is a way to learn how to
better assist the body in healing. This is not a panacea -- a cure-all. Psychoneuroimmunolgy
stresses the connection between mind and body. Therefore, working on the body will affect the
mind as well. What one believes regarding one's treatment has a significant impact upon one's
health. By obtaining insight into one's hardiness level, community, and belief or value system,
the possibility for experiencing greater health is offered.
30
UCLA SCIENTISTS DISCOVER STRESS ACCELERATES AIDS PROGRESSION,
UNDERMINES ANTI-HIV DRUGS' EFFECT
New UCLA AIDS Institute research reveals that stress enables HIV to spread more quickly in
infected persons and prevents antiretroviral drugs from restoring immune system function.
Reported in the Oct. 23 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the UCLA study is
the first to pinpoint the molecular mechanisms linking stress and HIV infection. Popular science
has widely suspected that stress weakens the immune system, said Dr. Steve Cole, lead author
and UCLA assistant professor of hematology-oncology. Now we’ve uncovered two reasons why.
The UCLA team studied a group of 13 HIV-positive men, ages 25 to 54, who had never taken
combination antiretroviral drugs. After drawing samples of the men’s blood, the researchers
measured the subjects’ baseline AIDS viral load and CD4 cell count. HIV targets these T-cells in
order to destroy the immune system. The UCLA scientists next gauged the men’s levels of
autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity by calculating their blood pressure, skin moisture,
heart rate and pulse rate at rest.

Persons with higher ANS activity tend to be more high-strung and easily stressed out, said Dr.
Jerome Zack, UCLA professor of medicine and associate director for basic sciences at the UCLA
AIDS Institute. We wanted to see what effect if any this had on our subjects’ ability to fight
HIV infection.
The UCLA team measured each man’s ANS activity in response to a series of tests, including
unexpected noises, deep breathing and mental arithmetic exercises under pressure. The
researchers compared these responses to the baseline findings and ranked the men by their
degree of change in ANS activity their physiologic response to stress.
All 13 men were given a powerful antiretroviral drug regimen to combat their HIV infection.
Over the next three to 11 months, Cole and Zack again measured each man’s viral load and CD4-
cell count indicators of how much the HIV had spread and how well their immune systems were
fighting the infection. The UCLA team compared these figures to the men’s stress level ranking
before they took the drugs.
Their results proved dramatic. The higher the man’s stress level, the less he responded to the
antiretroviral drugs. In fact, the average decline in viral load dropped more than 40 times for men
with low ANS activity yet less than 10 times for men with high ANS activity. After several
months on antiretroviral drugs, the viral loads of five of the seven men with low ANS activity
plummeted to undetectable levels in their blood, said Cole. This happened to only one of the six
men who exhibited high ANS activity.
Cole and Zack observed similar patterns in CD4 cell count recovery. On average, men with low
ANS activity showed the most striking cell-count increases. In comparison, men with high ANS
activity displayed negligible CD4 cell rebound or none at all.
Subjects with low ANS activity rebounded from 396 to 550 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of
blood after treatment, researchers said. The immune systems of men in the high ANS group
recovered far fewer from 611 to 627 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.
Those at the top of the high ANS activity group showed no immune recovery at all, Zack said.
Some continued to lose CD4 cells despite following the aggressive drug regimen.
31

How Stress Weakens the Immune System
When a person is under stress, the nervous system’s fight or flight syndrome kicks in. The
body’s nerves release the hormone norepinephrine into the lymph nodes, where the immune
system’s T-cells reside.
The UCLA team recreated this scenario in the laboratory, exposing T-cells in culture to the same
concentrations of norepinephrine released by the nerves during stress. They discovered that the
hormone increased viral replication 10-fold via two molecular mechanisms.
First, norepinephrine increases T-cells’ vulnerability to infection fivefold by increasing levels of
CCR5 and CXCR4 -- two co-receptor molecules that enable HIV to bind to the cell’s surface and
invade the T-cell. Second, the hormone increases HIV’s rate of viral gene expression in the cells
it has already infected. This allows the AIDS virus to spread five times more quickly.
“It’s a double whammy,” Zack said. Norepinephrine enables HIV to enter the immune cell more
easily and to reproduce more readily. So more virus gets in and more virus comes out, resulting
in a 10-fold increase in the amount of virus produced.
Implications for Other Diseases
Our findings suggest that the nervous system has a direct effect on viral replication,Cole said.
This implies we may be able to alter that effect by reducing stress levels. Even anti-HIV drugs
prove more effective in people with low ANS activity.
Cole and Zack believe that their findings may hold broader implications for future study of stress
role in physical health. Molecules such as CCR5 and CXCR4 help steer immune cells to areas of
infection, said Cole. If stress changes how these molecules function, it may alter the body’s
ability to respond to a wide range of infections beyond HIV. “Our findings propose that high
levels of stress, day in and day out, may eventually wear down the immune system”, said Cole.
It’s like a wave hitting a rock on the beach. One wave won’t do much damage. But years later,
that rock gets ground down into sand. Cole and Zack’s research associates included Drs. Bruce
Naliboff, Margaret Kemeny, Marshall Griswold and John Fahey. The National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Disease, UCLA AIDS Institute and UCLA Norman Cousins Center for
Psychoneuroimmunology funded the research.
32

33
THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION: YOGA FOR HIV/AIDS
Reprinted with permission from Body Positive, Inc. © 1999. All rights reserved.
The class begins, led by the soothing, melodic voice of instructor Prema Pleva, and almost
instantly an air of peace pervades the room. But the HIV/AIDS classes at the Integral Yoga
Institute in New York City consist of more than chanting. They are one hour and twenty minutes
of inwardly directed focus achieved through a variety of postures, breathing practice, and
meditation. Even better, the Integral Yoga Institute is not an anomaly. Today, more and more
yoga centers and health projects around the country are offering classes with the needs of people
living with HIV and AIDS in mind.
Although it is certainly not necessary for someone who is HIV positive to take a specially
designed yoga class, it could be beneficial. Yoga is quickly gaining ground as an important
complementary therapy in the treatment of HIV and AIDS because of its adaptability and its
physiological and psychological benefits.
What is yoga?
"Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and healing that originated in India 5,000 years ago," says
Claire Diab, yoga therapist and adjunct professor of Asian studies at Seton Hall University in
South Orange, New Jersey. Not surprisingly, the sages found that sitting in meditation for hours
and hours was rather challenging. To prepare their bodies, says Diab, "they began to move in the
manner of the animals, which was strengthening and revitalizing. "This is how the physical
aspect of yoga, or hatha, was born.
Hatha, which translates as "force" or "power," is one of six very distinct branches of yoga, which
include raja (path of wisdom or meditation), karma (path of service), bhakti(path of love and
devotion), jnana (path of intellect or the mind), and either japa (repetition of a mantra)
or tantra (pathway of ritual), depending on the school of thought. Hatha is very popular in the
western world, and most yoga instructors incorporate some style of it into their classes. For
example, Iyengar and Kripalu are two frequently practiced, but different, approaches to hatha. In
addition, there are yoga methods that utilize other branches along with hatha, as in Integral Yoga.

What it all boils down to, though, is that there is a yoga class for everyone. "Yoga is really all
about opening up the flow of energy in the body. When the energy is moving freely, we are
healing, repairing, and rejuvenating every single cell," says Diab.
The mind-body connection
Asana and prana are important concepts in the majority of yoga classes in the United States. The
term "asana" refers to pose or posture, and "prana" means breath. While some classes utilize
vigorous breathing exercises, sometimes called "pranayama," others merely bring an awareness
to the breath.
The meditative aspect of yoga is often achieved through an individual's mental focus on the
asana and prana. This is frequently referred to as "moving meditation," though a yoga instructor
may also dedicate a segment of class solely to a still meditation, usually practiced in a
comfortable cross-legged position. In the latter instance, imagery may be used.
For example, during the meditation portion of her class at Integral Yoga, Pleva, one of those rare
nurturers in life, may suggest that the class visualize all things of beauty "and allow the images
to skim the mind like clouds drifting across a mountain top — always remembering that each of
us has our self — our safe harbor."
Regardless of the method of meditation employed, when the mind quiets down, when we learn to
tune out the past, the future, and the stressors of the world and become aware of the present
moment, it can do wonderful things for the body. "Yoga is definitely a way of getting to that
point," says Joan Furman, M.S.N., R.N., and holistic nurse practitioner in Nashville, Tennessee.
But how do the stressors of the world physically affect our lives? "First of all, we know that the
communications between body and mind are instantaneous. As soon as the mind has thought or
feeling, there is an immediate and corresponding reaction in the body that pervades the entire
system. Stress, whether chronic or acute, produces biological changes that are not only
damaging, but can be deadly for anybody," says Furman, "especially someone whose immune
system is compromised." Enough said.
With all this stress, tuning out the world through yoga, even for a few minutes, can be difficult.
That's where HIV/AIDS yoga classes come in. "To support the yoga practices, we need sangha,
34

a community of like-minded people. This is especially true in healing, when pain and depression
can so easily interfere," says Jivana Heyman, yoga instructor at Integral Yoga Institute and
Macy's Living Well Program at California Pacific Medical Center, both in San Francisco.
Heyman's classes not only utilize poses and yoga philosophy that are aimed at alleviating the
stress associated with HIV and AIDS, but also combine meditation and group sharing as a way to
deal with "latent emotions," which he believes can cause or expedite the progression of illness.
Heyman believes one of the most important things he can do for his students is to assist them in
reducing stress. "Meditation can calm the mind," he says. "That enables us to focus on the things
we want to do, like healing." Though he recognizes the existence of bodily stress, his focus is on
eliminating stress in the mind, and he is certain that, with effort, it is possible to experience a
sense of peace that in ways is far deeper than that of the physical level.
Brooke Myers, yoga instructor at the Iyengar Institute of New York, in New York City,
emphasizes a more physical style of yoga in her class for people living with HIV and AIDS.
"Asana is performed with a lot of attention to anatomical detail. Attention is constantly drawn to
alignment and different areas of the body we are focusing on," she says. "The Iyengar approach
rests on the belief that through the physical body you can quiet the mind." Most of the poses are
chest-expanding, often referred to as "open postures," and require some type of prop, such as a
bolster or chair. One theory underlying open postures is that the breath flows deeper and more
naturally than in other postures. The props are used to assist students in accomplishing or holding
a posture. Myers emphasizes, "You don't just fall into this system of yoga; there is a real way to
do it." She believes that her students gain a real sense of well-being and control over their bodies
through the postures. This carries over to their daily lives. Myers believes that there are four
poses that everyone should do each day, especially individuals affected by HIV. These are the
headstand, shoulderstand, the bridge, and the plough. This group of poses promotes strength,
flexibility, relief from pressure on the abdominal organs, and enhancement of circulation.
A few words from the students
Phil, a yoga student at The Yoga Group in Denver, Colorado, says that yoga helps to keep his
outlook positive, an important part of dealing with HIV. "When I seroconverted in 1990, I made
the assumption that intensifying my yoga practice would be beneficial," he says. Phil had been in
35

the hospital, where he noticed a sign advertising free yoga classes for people with HIV. At the
time, he had not been practicing yoga regularly. He took the class and has been with the group
ever since.
"Yoga has really bolstered my self-confidence," Phil says. As a kid, he felt uncoordinated and
disliked many athletic endeavors. One day his yoga group began to work on handstands, and all
those feelings from childhood began to resurface. "To me it was a nightmare," he says. "Like,
okay, we're going to make you play sports all over again." After several weeks of frustration, he
still could not do a handstand. Then one of the yoga instructors taught him how to get into the
pose in an unconventional way. Phil placed his hands down on the ground, kicked his feet up,
and he was actually doing a handstand.
It was a good year before Phil could get into the pose the proper way, but during that time he
recalls saying, "If I can do a handstand, HIV is going to be absolutely no challenge at all."
Today, Phil feels extremely healthy and plans on staying that way.
Jean Boulte has been taking yoga class at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City once a
week since he was first diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. At that time, Boulte, a professional
sculptor and photographer, began to approach life in a holistic fashion, utilizing herbs and
meditation. He had always preferred fresh, simple foods, so his nutrition practices naturally
complemented his new way of life. With the exception of trying AZT for 24 hours and a brief
stint with Antabuse, Boulte was med-free until 1996.
"When I was diagnosed," he says, "I was really sick with so many things and, of course, there
were no drugs. People were saying things like 'Go to Mexico,' 'Eat garlic.' No one really knew
what to do."
Boulte has a sincere belief that his commitment to a holistic approach is what saved his life.
"You need to do many good things for yourself— take the medication, eat healthy, get plenty of
rest, and pay attention to the mind and body," he says. Each week, he follows Pleva's lead in
yoga class. After the opening chants and eye movements, a Sun Salutation, a series of twelve
poses expressing reverence for life and paying tribute to the energy of the sun, is repeated several
times. This is followed by the Cobra Pose, Half and Full Locust, Bow Pose, Head to Knee Pose,
Full Forward Bend, Shoulder Stand, Fish Pose, Half Spinal Twists, a few optional poses, and
36

Yoga Mudra, or Seal of Union, a breathing technique included in hatha classes that is supposed
to quiet the mind. Following Yoga Nidra, or deep relaxation, is pranayama, which includes
alternate nostril breathing, then meditation. Boulte also practices at home. "Yoga lets me
disconnect from everything," he says. "It is purifying, and the body thrives on purity."
Steve McCeney takes yoga classes in Denver, Colorado, at The Yoga Group. He has lived with
HIV for over fourteen years and believes that yoga has helped him in many ways. "There are all
sorts of things you gain from yoga," he says, "strength, flexibility, concentration, increased self-awareness."
Yoga has also helped McCeney to manage the symptoms of HIV, along with the side effects of
his medication. "As you become more adept at yoga, you learn which poses can help you,
depending on how you are feeling physically. There are certain poses that assist in relieving
fatigue, diarrhea, anxiety, depression." For example, in the case of fatigue, rather than balancing
in a headstand in the center of a room, McCeney would use the wall for support. "You wouldn't
work as hard, but would still get the benefits of the pose," he says. McCeney believes it is the
spiritual aspect of yoga that has enhanced his ability to accept. "You do learn about the nature of
self," he says, "but you also learn that so much is beyond your control. It helps you realize,
somehow, to trust in a higher being."
Finding the right yoga class
In a city like New York, it is relatively easy to find just the right yoga class. "Integral Yoga has
100-plus classes per week and approximately 5,000 students per month," says Boris Pisman,
administrative manager. The HIV classes have fifteen to twenty students on average and are by
donation, as is often the case with these classes.
What if you don't live in a large urban area? Call or visit the nearest yoga center and speak with
an instructor, or contact an HIV/AIDS health center in your area. Many health projects sponsor
yoga classes.
And an important reminder: It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before beginning any
exercise program. In some instances, certain poses are contraindicated because of
symptomatology.
37

To end with anything other than peaceful thoughts would be contrary to the way of yoga. Pleva
closes her class with beautiful peace chants, peace chants meant to uplift the energies and spirit
of the world. Translated from Sanskrit, they mean: "Lead us from unreal to real. Lead us from
darkness to the light. Lead us from the fear of death to knowledge of immortality. Om Shanthi,
Shanthi, Shanthi. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light. May the
Light of Truth overcome all darkness, victory to that Light." Now — take a bow to your higher
self.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION TRAINING EFFECTS ON CD4+ T LYMPHOCYTES
IN HIV-1 INFECTED ADULTS: A SMALL RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.
Creswell JD, Myers HF, Cole SW, Irwin MR. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral
Sciences, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles,
38
300 Medical Plaza, Suite 3109, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. creswell@cmu.edu
Brain Behav Immun. 2009 Feb;23(2):184-8. Epub 2008 Jul 19.
Mindfulness meditation training has stress reduction benefits in various patient populations, but
its effects on biological markers of HIV-1 progression are unknown. The present study tested the
efficacy of an 8-week Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation program
compared to a 1-day control seminar on CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in stressed HIV infected
adults. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with enrollment and follow-up
occurring between November 2005 and December 2007. A diverse community sample of 48
HIV-1 infected adults was randomized and entered treatment in either an 8-week MBSR or a 1-
day control stress reduction education seminar. The primary outcome was circulating counts of
CD4+ T lymphocytes. Participants in the 1-day control seminar showed declines in CD4+ T
lymphocyte counts whereas counts among participants in the 8-week MBSR program were
unchanged from baseline to post-intervention (time x treatment condition interaction, p=.02).
This effect was independent of antiretroviral (ARV) medication use. Additional analyses
indicated that treatment adherence to the mindfulness meditation program, as measured by class
attendance, mediated the effects of mindfulness meditation training on buffering CD4+ T
lymphocyte declines. These findings provide an initial indication that mindfulness
meditation training can buffer CD4+ T lymphocyte declines in HIV-1 infected adults.

39
YOGA PRACTICES THAT MAY BENEFIT
PATIENTS OF HIV/AIDS
Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY
Chairman: International Centre for Yoga Education and Research &
Programme Coordinator: Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and
Research (ACYTER), JIPMER. www.icyer.com & www.rishiculture.org
DE-STRESS FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIFE
Stress is inevitable in the modern world because of the imbalance between the
demands of one’s environment and one’s capabilities. In fact, it is the distress, which
causes the problem and can be defined as every physical and mental tension that we
experience as unpleasant. The environment today is more demanding. From childhood
onwards, the development of capacities and capabilities of the individual is not able to
keep pace with the increase of demands on them.
Some amount of stress (eustress) is necessary in order to bring out the best in us.
However it is vital to learn how to manage stress and keep it under our control.
Epietetus in 60 A.D. wisely said, "Men are not disturbed by things, but the views, they
take of them". As Swamiji Gitananda Giri jocularly used to say’ “You don’t have
problems—you are the problem!” A positive frame of mind will help us to be cheerful
and unstressed. Maharishi Patanjali’s advice in this regard to cultivate Pratipaksha
Bhavanam (The Opposite View) is vital to achieve balance of the emotions and mind. It
is also worth trying to follow his advice of Maitri-Sukha (Friendliness towards the
happy), Karuna-Dukha (Compassion towards the suffering), Mudhita-Punya
(Cheerfulness towards the virtuous) and Upekshanam-Apunya (Indifference towards
the wicked).
The most common causes of stress are the Shat Ripus or the six enemies of the spirit.
These are Kama (Uncontrolled passion), Krodha (Senseless Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha
(Blind infatuation), Mada (Massive Ego) and Matsarya (Malice / envy). Unless we develop
awareness and consciousness of what we think, feel and do, there cannot be a lasting
solution to stress. We must strive to become persons of “Equal mindedness in all
situations” that is described as Stitha Prajna or Samabhava in the Srimad Bhagavad
Gita. Yogeshwar Krishna says that the man of Stitha Prajna has the following qualities:
He is,
Beyond passion, fear and anger. (II.56)
Devoid of possessiveness and egoism. (II.71)
Firm in understanding and unbewildered. (V.20)
Engaged in doing good to all beings. (V.25)
Friendly and compassionate to all. (XII.13)
Has no expectation, is pure and skillful in action. (XII.16)

Though stress probably cannot be avoided, it can, however, be managed. The following
actions may help reduce/eliminate the stress.
1. Awareness: It is important that we first become aware of the stress and then
try to let it go. Sharing your tension with a friend and/or a family member may
solve the problem to a great extent. You cannot wish away problems by non-acknowledgement
40
of them.
2. Movement: Movement helps in reducing tension. This can mean walking, jumping,
making noise, swimming and playing. Stress tends to accumulates in the joints and
movement helps to dissipate it. Rotation of the neck and shoulders in many cases
helps a lot. Some corporates have even established stress-relieving chambers
where employees may shout, screams or hit a hanging pillow to relieve the pent up
tension.
3. Yoga techniques: The regular practice of various Yoga techniques and inculcating
the Yogic values in daily life will go a long way towards not only reducing the
stress levels bit also in giving us that elusive “Peace of Mind”. Yogic relaxation
practices such as Shavasana and Yoga Nidra help to create a sense of awareness
and relaxation in the whole body as well as the mind.
4. Hobby: A hobby can help to relieve tension because it helps us to divert our mind
from an unpleasant occurrence. Music, dance, painting, cooking and gardening are
effective ways to take our mind to a different “Zone”. Playing with your pet can
also help relieve tension and many people have ‘Thera-pets” or pets that help
them therapeutically!
5. Breathing: Breathing is one of the easiest ways of relieving stress. Whenever
you feel tension rising, take a few deep breaths and you will immediately feel the
difference.
6. Attitude: It is important to “Let things lie” for sometime when facing problems
and many situations resolve on their own. Other situations may appear smaller and
less stressful after some time. Development of a detached attitude can also help
us to have a better perception of situations and this in turn helps us to face them
better.
7. Visualization: Visualization of a pleasant solution to the problems can also help a
lot. This is quite different from daydreaming. This is widely adopted by players
and athletes for improving their performance. After a stressful encounter, coolly
sit in your chair, close your eyes and visualize the episode as an act of an ignorant
person and excuse him for the incident.
8. Auto-Suggestion: Another mental technique is Positive self-suggestion. The
negative thoughts are to be replaced with positive ones and an attitude of ‘I can
and I will ‘ is to be developed.
9. Self effort: Stress is related to the individual’s environment and their tolerance
capacity. As both of these are different in different people, each individual has
to settle for their own method for managing their day-to-day problems. It must

be clearly understood that we are responsible for our health and happiness and
have a duty to take care of these Divine gifts. Swami Gitananda Giri used to
often say, “Health and happiness are your birthright”. It is through our own
efforts and will power that we can ultimately solve the problem of stress and
achieve our birthrights.
Yoga is not just performing some contortionist poses or huffing and puffing some
Pranayama or sleeping our way through any so-called meditation. It is an integrated
way of life in which awareness and consciousness play a great part in guiding our
spiritual evolution through life in the social system itself and not in some remote cave
in the mountains or hut in the forest.
The Yogi wishes peace and happiness not only for themselves, but also for all beings on
all the different planes of existence. They are not “individualists” seeking salvation for
only themselves, but on the contrary are "universalists" seeking to live life in the
proper evolutionary manner to the best of their ability and with care and concern for
their human brethren as well as all beings on all planes of existence.
41
"Om, Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavanthu Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavanthu”
“Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Om"
BASIC WARMING UP PRACTICES
Jattis are basic movements of the body parts that help to release pent up tensions in
those parts. They increase circulation to the part and also the flow of Pranic energy is
increased due to the movements. A few of these practices will be described now. Take
up a comfortable standing position such as the Samasthiti Asana.
Stand on one leg and shake the other leg. Repeat on the other side and then alternate a
few times between right and left. Stand on both legs and start to shake your hands one
at a time. Alternate between the right and left a few times and then start to shake
both hands at the same time. Shake your hands and move them up, down, to the left
and to the right. Shake your hands all around you in a circular movement. This helps to
energize the Pranamaya Kosha, our energy sheath or subtle body. Come back to the
standing position.
Lift your right knee up towards your abdomen and then lower it. Do the same with your
left knee. Continue for a few more times. Start to do some “on the spot” jogging. Start
slow and then gradually increase the speed until you are going as fast as possible. Slow
down and come back to the standing position. Relax with deep breathing.
Open the legs two feet apart and keep the hands on the hip. Move the torso in all four
directions clock-wise and anti clock-wise in a grinding action. Then do it in a continuous
manner. Bend forward and perform some toe touching with a bouncing action. Bounce to
the front, and then move to your left. Move to your right and then come back to the
front. Come back to the standing position.

Spread your feet a bit and lift both your arms to the side. Start to twist your torso
from side to side a few times. Feel the stretch in your hip region and back. Come back
to the standing position.
Once again take up the wide stance. Lift your arms and stretch them to the side. Bend
forward and take your right hand to your left foot with the other hand stretched up.
Look up at the upper hand.
Turn your torso and take your left hand to your right foot. Look up at the right hand.
Continue this action from side to side and gradually increase the speed.
When ready to stop, slowly come back to the standing position with your
feet close to each other. Relax with deep breathing for some time.
TALA KRIYA
The term, “Tala” refers to a Palmyra tree and you should try to stretch
yourself as tall as that tree while performing this practice. Take up a
comfortable and stable Samasthiti Asana. Breathe in and lift both arms
up over your head until they are parallel to each other. Let the palms of
both hands face inward and then go up onto your toes and stretch up as
high as possible. Hold the breath and feel the healthy stretch along your
whole body from toes to finger tips. Breathe out and relax your arms
back to your sides while coming back to the flat foot posture. Repeat the
practice two more times at each session for maximum benefit. With practice the
posture can be held for a longer time and normal breathing done while holding the
posture for 30 to 45 seconds.
HASTHA KONA KRIYA
Stand in a steady Samastithi Asana with your arms by your side. Breathe in and lift
your right arm over your head. Try to extend the arm over your head towards the left
as far as possible without bending it. This gives a good stretch to the entire right side
of the body. Slowly start to breathe out and lower your arm slowly back to the side.
Repeat the practice a few more times.
Make sure that you lift your arm on the in breath and lower it
on the out breath. Perform the practice on the opposite side
and then repeat the entire practice a few more times.
The Hastha Kona Kriya helps to stretch and tone up the
musculature of the arms, shoulders and the Para-spinal area in
a way not done in day-to-day life. This helps trigger the
relaxation response in these tissues that are normally tensed
due to disuse, misuse and abuse. A sense of profound relaxation
is obtained after the practice of this activity that is also
known as the Ardha Kati Chakrasana.
42

YOGA AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR HIV

YOGA AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR HIV

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