In 1988, Kenneth Wagner, MD, former head of the naval hospital's AIDS unit in Bethesda, Maryland, and Steven Kleinman, MD, Medical Director of the American Red Cross Blood Services for Los Angeles, along with Michael Carpendale, MD, of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Fransisco, California and Mark Rarick, MD, an AIDS researcher at the University of Southern California, all came out in support of oxygen therapy as a primary treatment for AIDS and HIV infection. Their message was direct and simple ... oxygen therapy is the safest and most effective method of treating AIDS and it's associated infections.
Oxygen therapy uses either ozone or hydrogen peroxide to combat HIV in much the same way as the human immune system uses self-generated oxygen free radicals (a single oxygen atom) to destroy bacterial and viral infections. The extra oxygen atoms in both ozone (H2O2) break off and link with the invading molecules, altering their molecular structure, in effect killing the harmful cells and leaving behind only oxygen (O2) or water (H2O).
A recent study found that when HIV-infected blood was removed from the body and treated with ozone, the virus was completely deactivated. One current AIDS treatment method mimics this approach, removing blood from the body, infusing it with ozone, and then replacing it. Another approach has been to simply inject a diluted form of ozone into the bloodstream. This treatment can be done daily for several weeks at a time.
French researchers Bertrand Vallencien and Jean-Marie Winkler studied ozone therapy with a group of patients with HIV, herpes, and hepatitis. After nine weeks of transfused ozone, T4 and T8 cells moved toward normal levels in all cases, and the ozone treatments caused no other problems.
Hydrogen peroxide, like ozone, can be administered intravenously, and can also be taken rectally by enema, vaginally, or transcutaneously (absorption by bathing) according to Charles H. Farr, MD, PHD, Medical Director of the International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Association. He advocates the intravenous method of delivery, however. " Some doctors are using combinations of ozone and peroxide and reporting good results as well, because of a synergistic response in the cells, " he adds.
Although hydrogen peroxide can also be taken orally, Dr. Farr, who first characterized the effects of hydrogen peroxide on humans in 1984, recommends against it, because the enzymes of the stomach are unable to process it properly.
While oxygen free radicals are deadly to viruses and bacteria, they can also do damage to healthy tissue if left unchecked. When the body manufactures these oxygen-based defense substances, it follows this immediately by sending protective antioxidant enzymes to quench the process before harm to healthy tissue can take place. Nutritional support is also generally recommended with any oxygen therapy, particularly Vitamin C supplementation, which acts as a stabilizing antioxidant agent.
John Kaiser, MD, of San Fransisco, California, specializes in the practice of alternative therapies and the mind/body connection. Nearly 70% of his patients are HIV positive. One of his patients came to him after continually having his anxiety about being diagnosed HIV positive dismissed by his former doctors. In conjunction with a protocol of diet, nutritional supplements, and herbs, Dr. Kaiser addressed the man's stress-related symptoms. As a result, the man regained control over his emotions and his health has improved to the point where he has been asymptomatic for the last four years. Among the points Dr. Kaiser emphasizes to his patients are the following :
Massage Therapy
Massage can have immense benefits for people with AIDS or HIV. The benefits are both physical, such as improved circulation and drainage of blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, and improved movement for joints; and mental and emotional, including reduced stress and a greater sense
of ease and well-being.
According to Robert King, L.M.T., past President of the American Massage Therapy Association, massage provides an environment in which emotions relating to issues such as death, dying, and sadness can emerge, as well as acting as a catalyst which reinforces touching and hugging in daily life.
Improvement also takes place in relation to self-image and self-esteem after receipt of a caring massage. A person's sense of isolation
and loneliness is also broken down.
The resulting stress reduction derived from massage therapy can have a powerful immune enhancing benefit as well. Research at the Miami School of Medicine, Touch Institute, in Miami Florida, has shown increased natural killer cell activity and other immune system improvements
directly related to massage therapy.
Important : People with AIDS who receive massage often have specific requirements. The massage should not be too fast or too deep, to ensure that the adrenal system is not overstimulated, which can challenge the immune system. It is also vital not to release
too many toxins into the immune system, and to bear in mind the person's individual symptoms. Massage is always contraindicated for
cancer, and those with pulmonary problems (pneumonia) require gentle pats rather than rubs in the affected areas.
It is also important for anyone HIV positive or with AIDS to avail themslves of a liscenced massage therapist who has a background in
dealing with their condition. In many areas free massage is available for anyone HIV positive or with AIDS, and many volunteer
organizations offering on-site walk-ins.