It has now expanded to provide service to more clients and to increase awareness of maintaining overall health. In the past year, ActionAIDS provided 700 massages to clients. Acupuncture Preliminary studies conducted in San Francisco have indicated that acupuncture minimizes stress, strengthens the body's adaptive mechanisms and increases immune function, white blood cell production and T-cell production. Acupuncture has also been effective in pain management and reducing the toxic side effects of AZT, and it is a critical component in the holistic approach of traditional Chinese medicine. The use of herbs and food can act as medicine to the body by promoting balance based on proper food selection, stimulating the appetite and helping to maintain strength.
Herbal counseling is available to all clients.
Herbal distribution and counseling is provided to clients who have been referred to this service. The ActionAIDS education department annually provides information to approximately 20,000 people through its community outreach, volunteer speaker's bureau, and corporate work place programs. Special emphasis is placed on targeting people who are considered high risk candidates for infection, especially those residing in minority, inner city neighborhoods who require specific information conveyed in a manner that resepects culture, racial, and language characteristics. Clients are able to explore the option of returning to work through a series of community forums that address legal issues, public and private benefits and particular concerns. Clients who choose to enter the workforce receive individualized support, training and job referral services.