Benefits of Massage Therapy in the Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients

Abstract The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people globally since AIDS was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive viruses in recorded history. Today, more than 33 million people are living with the disease and are often living longer lives because of the advances in medicine. However, many emotions and feelings of guilt, fear, & shame are reported among those infected as well a propensity to seek out alternative and complementary therapies as treatments. Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to help people with many different afflictions. Over the past 20 years, massage therapy has been found to be beneficial to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Research has shown that massage therapy has reduced the symptoms of the disease and the medication's side effects, relieved pain, neuropathy, and has reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. This paper will explore massage therapy as a treatment option for HIV/AIDS patients.