With the New Year comes the inevitable resolutions many of us make to "take
better care of ourselves." For people living with HIV disease this is no
exception. As a result, local agencies providing services to people with HIV
experience an increase in client request for assistance. Massage therapy is one
remedial treatment in the growing array of complementary therapies used by
people with HIV/AIDS to maintain their health and to treat symptoms associated
with HIV disease and some side effects from medications that treat primary HIV
infection and prevent opportunistic infections. To this end, the HIV Wellness
Center (HWC) is recruiting volunteer massage therapists to meet the growing
demand for client services. We also welcome inquires from other licensed
professionals such as those providing chiropractic care, bio-feedback, plus
credential group facilitators, and registered nutritionists. The availability
of client services at the HIV Wellness Center relies on contributions from
licensed/registered professionals in the community. All HWC programs are
designed to accommodate the limited amount of practitioner's charitable time
and resources.
The benefits of massage therapy for people affected by HIV/AIDS include:
relief from pain in sore muscles, release of tensions in the body, and a toning
of the skin and muscles. Additional benefits include increases in nutrition and
oxygen from the blood which assist in the healing process, and contributes to a
heightened sense of overall vitality. Stimulation of the blood and lymph system
assist in the release of metabolic wastes that may accumulate in the body due
to overwork, tension, fatigue, and medication.
The HIV Wellness Center offers massage therapy to clients at low or no cost.
All therapists are licensed professionals who are sensitive to the needs of
people with HIV/AIDS so that they may live more comfortable, vital lives. For
information on accessing massage services at HIV Wellness Center, or to
volunteer as a massage therapist, call the Center at 472-2753, Mon.-Fri.,
9-5pm.
W. John Waara
Client Services Coordinator
