Bibliographies: Complementary therapies
A modified version of this list of books, articles, and web resources originally appeared in the summer 2007 issue of Being Well, a newsletter jointly published by the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation and ACT.
BC Health Guide OnLine: Should I use complementary medicine?
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/dp/topic/tx1097/dp.htm
An article in the BC Health Guide Online that discusses what to consider if you are thinking of using complementary therapies. A brief worksheet to help you measure your interest in complementary therapies and decide if you’re ready to explore treatments is included at the end of the article. An overview of complementary therapies and selected therapies is also available on the same website.
Buteyko breathing. 2006. Positive Living. July. p. 8. http://www.napwa.org.au
An article where a breathing technique called ‘buteyko breathing’ is discussed and how it can help people reduce asthma.
Complementary approaches to healthcare: diverse perspectives among people living with HIV/AIDS. 2001. AIDS and Public Policy Journal. Vol. 16, no. 1/2. p. 18-27.
A research article that looks at understanding how sexual identity, ethnocultural background, gender, and addiction, influence individuals with HIV/AIDS to use complementary therapies. The article includes excerpts of personal comments from people living with HIV/AIDS about their life experiences that motivated them to seek out complementary therapies.
HIV/AIDS Complementary Therapists
A referral list produced by the Referral Services Program at the AIDS Committee of Toronto that lists complementary therapists located throughout Toronto, who welcome HIV-positive people as patients. The list is updated twice a year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. This resource is available in print in the Access Centre at the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and on-line at the following webpage: http://www.actoronto.org/referral-lists
Marijuana cooking: good medicine made easy / Bliss Cameron and Veronica Greene, 2005. CIR 615.7 MAR CAM 2005
A simple, illustrated cookbook for those interested in using medical marijuana. Four methods for making marijuana butter and oil extracts are given, followed by recipes for cookies, chocolate, bread, and brownies. The authors also provide options for quick consumption of butter, oil or tinctures if needed, offer information on doses, and share their experiences visiting a cannabis doctor and cannabis dispensary.
A practical guide to complementary therapies for people living with HIV / Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, 2004. CIR 615.5 PRA CAT 2004
An introduction to a variety of complementary therapies and their potential use for HIV-positive people. In addition to explaining what the therapy is and how it works, some descriptions include information on how the therapy is commonly accessed or delivered in Canada. Recommended resources and organizations are provided as well. To read this guide online, visit www.catie.ca.
Safe Pet Guidelines
http://www.pawssf.org/library_safepetguidelines.shtml
An online fact sheet developed by PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), a volunteer-based organization in San Francisco that helps low-income people with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses to maintain the companionship and other benefits of keeping pets. The fact sheet outlines strategies for keeping a pet healthy, and for preventing disease transmission between owners and pets.
Selecting a CAM practitioner
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/practitioner/index.htm
An online fact sheet prepared by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine that provides some guidance in selecting a complementary therapist. It points out ways to find complementary therapists, and suggests questions to ask a therapist before deciding to use them, and questions to ask during your first appointment. Some of the resources cited are meant for an American audience. An overview of complementary therapies and selected therapies is also available on the same website.
Vitamin power. 2004. Positive Living. December/January. p. 8. http://www.napwa.org.au
An article that discusses how nutritional deficiencies are related with HIV deterioration and earlier death, and how taking vitamins may be beneficial for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Who's minding the health food store? Study reveals PWHA's may receive inconsistent medical advice in stores. 2004. Positive Side Vol. 12, no. 2. p. 2-3, 11. http://www.pwn.bc.ca/cms/page_1535.cfm
An article that discusses a study conducted by researchers at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and the University of Toronto that looks into the types of advice health food stores give to HIV-positive people with regards to using natural health products.