Thomas Egdorf, programs coordinator with TPA, helps organize the new clinic. He is also HIV positive and says, as part of his own treatment, he takes 20 pills a day. The reality is, in ten years, I'll probably have heart disease because of the drugs. But people also want to start living better, and they don't all want to take drugs. It is a valid concern.
Gold says naturopathic medicine has a different focus than scientific medicine.
We look at people. When people come into the clinic they may be HIV positive, but that may not be why they are seeing their naturopathic doctor that day. Botanical medicine uses plant extracts to treat or prevent symptoms. A main focus for naturopaths is a patient's diet. Eating a properly balanced diet can give a patient energy and certain foods help in digestion and liver detoxification.