HIV/AIDS & Holistic Bodywork
by Nancy M. Turcich NTS, RPP, RPE

As information about HIV/AIDS filled the radio and television airwaves in the early 1990's, I decided it was time to educate myself and lay to rest some undesirable fears surrounding the subject. In the 1980's, when I was attending school for holistic bodywork therapy, HIV/AIDS was a relatively new disease, therefore, it was only briefly touched upon in the curriculum. As more and more information became available, I decided to dedicate my time to a volunteer organization in my community to expand my understanding of the disease. A few years later another group sprang up and offered a monthly educational forum accompanied by a wonderful meal to fill not only participant's minds but their bellies as well. I saw this as a great opportunity to gather information from the experts. Valuable insights poured forth rather quickly as the speakers shared medical as well as personal stories with the group. These engagements added a grander perspective as they not only expanded my knowledge, they opened my heart in kind. I was being shown how to be supportive and loving to those suffering or adjusting their lives to the illness.

At a conference for bodyworkers designed to help us explore ways to assist those affected by HIV/AIDS, I was taken by surprise when my grief rose to the surface like a submarine in distress. It was at that moment that I discovered in order to truly touch upon another human's struggle or suffering I had to literally dive into my own issues. Eventually, this process made room for more love and compassion to enter my very being, spreading throughout my life. However, at the time it was difficult. Fortunately, the group was extremely loving and supportive.

After volunteering my therapy services for years in my community with limited results I was perplexed. Confidentiality seemed to cause a huge gap between the services offered to those infected and awareness of the services available. I was unable to personally contact clients or speak to them as a group. In turn, many people didn't realize my services were available to them. In 2002 this shifted slightly, as I was given permission by the health department to work at the monthly clinic. This gave me direct access to people infected and I used the opportunity to educate those who came through my door at the clinic as well as privately.

Most of my clientele are healthy individuals who deal with occasional complications or side effects which accompany HIV/AIDS. As one client said, "I'm really healthy except for the HIV." He also added, "It's too bad I had to get sick in order to get such great health care, I feel I am getting the best there is!" High praise indeed. Unfortunately, not everyone has done as well.

One of my clients passed away in the summer of 2002. Although I was introduced to him knowing he was in his dying process, it was still very sad to see him go. Prior to this encounter, I thought I was ready to work with a seriously ill person. However, the first time I saw a naked, rail-thin body covered in purple-black marks, I knew I had been fooling myself into thinking I was ready. Years earlier, I feel I would not have been able to hold the space for compassion and love to enter. Yet, in 2002, as my eyes rested upon this body, the depth of this illness pierced my heart, opening it like a flower to the sunshine. Without hesitation, I was able to fully embrace this being. My thoughts were not that of disgust or dismay. In fact, they ran in the opposite direction. "How can I help them to feel better, how can I show them some comfort, how can I help to ease their mind, etc.???" The answer to all my questions came quickly and simply, "Just be there!" And so, that is what I did. I was there for them several times a month to ease their body and mind; to share a loving, soothing touch. Each treatment varied with their ever changing condition. Although the medications helped with the HIV/AIDS, they took a toll on the body. Years earlier, this client had a quadruple by-pass as well as radiation and chemotherapy for Karposa Sarcoma (lesions) which affected the circulation in the extremities. Due to past medical history, the heart was under a great deal of strain and although another surgery was necessary, chances of survival were slim. The most visible areas of the present illness was in the legs and feet. As their health declined, the toes began to swell and discolor, going from purple to black and oozing regularly. Once that transpired, we began using pillows to prop the legs and feet, keeping them free of contact with any surface. Propping the legs helped to relieve the pain experienced in the inner thigh. This was caused by a rather large lesion that was shortening the muscle tissue and causing discomfort.

My therapeutic skills include massage therapy and polarity therapy or energy therapy. By working with a combination of therapies, I am able to aid the body in releasing tension and establishing balance. When I first started working with the person described above, a buffalo hump (fatty deposit) was causing pain and discomfort as they were unable to lay flat. Buffalo humps appear in the upper region of the back along the spine, although fatty deposits can occur in other areas of the body as well. In HIV/AIDS patients, they seem to be related to certain medication, so consulting a physician is always important and encouraged. My first experience working with a buffalo hump had taken place only a week prior to this encounter. I found by using pressure points and directing energy through the hump it changed its effects upon the body. In fact, as we continued to work, the hump softened and became less painful. I attributed this change to the elongation of the spine through energy work and cranial (head) manipulation. From my perspective, as the hump enlarges, it gathers energy which sits along the spine, not passing through to the lower body. In turn, this causes a build up of energy and pressure on the nerves which leads to pain. The pain lessens as the energy is dispersed through therapeutic touch. Although the fatty tissue may remain, it no longer causes discomfort. This accumulation of energy also applied to the lesion on the inner thigh except that I added massage to the area to relieve the tension in the tissue. After massaging the area, I cupped my hands around the lesion to increase energy to the area, allowing it to pass through the tissue. Due to the oozing and discomfort in the feet, I avoided direct contact. Instead, I held my hands a few inches above the area working within the parameters of the energy system. I also employed the science of reflexology (a map of the body reflexed in the hands and feet) which demonstrates a direct correlation between the hands and the feet. Applying therapy to the hands affects the feet and vice versa. The hands work with acute conditions, the feet affect chronic conditions. As I worked with the head and the neck, I was affecting the tips of the toes which reflex to that area. The beauty of reflexology is it works in both directions. Witnessing the effects of reflexology upon the body was impressive.

As my client's health waned, their greatest moments became our sessions together. I was told that it was the only time of true relaxation. This response to the work assured me that it had reached great depths which was a huge gift. Knowing we connected on another level eased my mind and filled my heart as our time together grew shorter.

Holistic therapy helps people get in touch with themselves as they are being touched. Watching a child respond to the gentle touch of their mother demonstrates the power of touch. When touch is coupled with a knowledge and understanding of the energy system the effects upon the system increase dramatically. As the flow of energy in the body changes, the system calms and lets go.

When illness comes knocking on our door, to simply accomplish a state of relaxation is an enormous gift. As the body unwinds and releases areas of discomfort and pain, we are able to look beyond our physical bodies and see more of who we are; loving and caring beings.

Holistic bodywork therapy allows individuals to naturally (without drugs or chemicals) secrete endorphins, the body's natural pain killer. Symptoms, aches, and pains are only part of the picture that a holistic therapist observes. Overall attitude, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects are all a piece of the puzzle we call health. One of my clients explained it this way. The importance of spiritual healing when you are HIV+ cannot be over-estimated. They stated, " When I became positive, it forced me to become more aware of the importance of life, more aware of my friends and the treasured love I share with them. Life, since then, through many seeming hardships which have become blessings in disguise, has taken on an intense beauty. I live more in the moment."

My experience working with people infected with HIV/AIDS has been very rewarding and enlightening. I have never felt more appreciation and openness in my work. As the words " THANK YOU" echo in my head, I am reminded that they come from my client to me and from me to them in an endless cycle. Although I stepped toward this illness to rid myself of fears, I acquired a genuine present by sharing love and compassion as well as reaping it for myself. The open and honest relationships I have formed brings about a deeper understanding of the love we share. It's all about sharing.

Note: To find a holistic bodywork therapist in your area, contact the health department or local HIV/AIDS organizations. Also, calling therapists in your area and requiring if they work with HIV/AIDS clientele is applicable.

For more details about holistic therapy and Nancy's experience with healing refer to her book Finding My Way Through Paralysis To Holistic Health.

Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgements and credentials included..

For further information or questions, please contact Nancy @ Natural Massage Therapy at 928-717-1251, nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com.

All articles are for informational/educational purposes only. This information does not take the place of current treatment plans nor medications prescribed. Always consult your physician to determine the most beneficial course of treatment for your individual needs.