[BIOLOGY | Week #9] Cell Biology: HIV + AIDS

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Cell Biology: HIV + AIDS

How do you feel about western approaches to HIV/AIDS?
What are your thoughts on PreP treatment?
Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?

Much like my reflection in my blog entry from the previous week about the western understanding to cancer, I think the approach to HIV/AIDS is also reactive, rather than responsive. In the West, we continue to heavily focus on medication that treats AIDS related illnesses, rather than looking at how to holistically care for a person living with AIDS. I'm not surprised because there is no capital to be gained if people continue to rely on pharmaceutical drugs.   I think investing in PreP treatment is a useful method of preventing the spread of HIV, however investment in culturally responsive health education on the disease should be matched. In reference to the articles on stigma as a barrier to using PrEP among women written by Carline Vrana, how can health care institutions integrate educational programs/literature to not only de-stigmatize the use of PrEP, but HIV/AIDS as a disease.  



TCM continues to show great results in strengthening our immune systems acting as a preventative and promotive way of living. There are specific points, channels and herbal formulas that can strengthen our Wei qi (protective qi, which acts as an barrier from external diseases).  But I believe the attitude and cultural outlook on lifestyle and wellness within TCM is the greatest tool to strengthening the immune system, which ranges from practicing taiji/qi gong, nutrition and promoting a quality of life that isn't anchored in stress. Using rheumatoid arthritis as an example, the graphic above reflects  the contrasting views of TCM & Western medicine when it comes to addressing an condition in a patient.

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