AIDS and Metabolic Therapy

Category: Patient Care

Author: Anthony J. Cichoke, D.C.

There is no known cure for AIDS at this time, but Dr. Cichoke proposes a treatment using metabolic therapy.

The first chapter gives an excellent history of AIDS, its origins, how it affects the immune system, and current classifications of its stages. The next two chapters explain the immune system in greater detail, including anatomy and physiology, as well as a discussion of how AIDS tests work. Finally, the author presents his metabolic approach which includes detoxification of the body, a dietary program, vitamin therapies and their effects, and the benefits of herbs and enzymes.

As health care providers, all chiropractors should know as much about diseases as possible. AIDS is no exception. There will be patients who are tired and feeling run down (symptoms of a possible systemic infection) that will seek chiropractic care. Failure of the doctor to recognize the early stages of any disease does the patient a disservice. This book is valuable in outlining the current body of knowledge about AIDS.

Dr. Cichoke has published over 100 articles and papers in scientific and lay journals. He is on the postgraduate faculty of a number of chiropractic colleges, a diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition, and is in several editions of Who's Who. He was a chiropractic team physician at Portland State University for many years.

This brief book is quite well written. It is heavily referenced and has appendices that discuss alternative therapies, AIDS information and services phone numbers, and over 50 listings for suggested reading. The book itself walks the reader through a discussion of AIDS that is both interesting and informative. The value to the practicing chiropractor is high compared to the book's cost.

Whether you plan to use his treatment protocols or have no intention of getting involved in treatment of AIDS, the information presented about the currently known facts is worth the price.

When this book was first sent to me for review, I must admit the title made me wonder what business chiropractors have treating AIDS. After all, aren't there experts who have access to research and resources that are better qualified than the family chiropractor at managing this fatal condition? Despite this bias, I found the book for the most part quite rational and it seemed to make more sense the more I read. Certain parts of the book are controversial, to say the least, and it did not compel me to seek AIDS patients to treat. In fact, I do have protocols in my office which govern my acceptance or denial of an AIDS patient. I do not accept in my practice a patient with diagnosed AIDS unless I can procure a written referral from the treating MD, accompanied by a written statement in the patient's handwriting acknowledging treatment only for their pain and discomfort. This protocol applies to other fatal diseases as well.

I believe we as chiropractors can provide pain relief for terminal patients, but I want to be an acknowledged part of that patient's health care team. I want the other doctors to know I am treating the patient and why. There have been malpractice cases filed by children of the deceased claiming that the chiropractor promised to cure their mother's cancer or other terminal disease. If everyone involved understands the goals of therapy, and there is a written patient agreement of the nature of that care, it limits our liability in these important issues.