Naturopathy and Yoga as an Adjuvant for People Living With HIV/AIDS - A Case Series Report

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that poses a great threat to both developed and developing countries. Health facilities offering complementary care, along with standard care, have been considered as a useful strategy to overcome the burden of HIV and promote quality and wellbeing among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In this report, we make reference to seven participants diagnosed with HIV, who underwent naturopathy and yoga based lifestyle intervention (NYLI), for varying durations, at a sanatorium for PLWHA. The cases suggest that NYLI functions as an adjuvant therapy that complements standard care, improves adherence and promotes health-related outcomes in HIV affiliated clinical markers, such as haemoglobin, weight and CD4+ counts. However, further controlled trials are required to establish warranting evidence.

Keywords: AIDS; CD4+; HIV; Lifestyle; Naturopathy; Yoga.