Reflexology Reflexology Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a pseudoscientific system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. There is no convincing evidence that reflexology is effective for any medical condition. In a Cochrane Collaboration review, reflexology is defined as follows: "Reflexology is gentle manipulation or
The Berlin Patient The Berlin Patient The Berlin patient is a phrase that has been used on two distinct and unrelated occasions: in the first case, to describe a person who has exhibited prolonged "post treatment control" of HIV viral load after HIV treatments were interrupted; and in the second case, to describe the one individual who is considered to have been cured of HIV infection. Both cases originated in Berlin, Germany. The first Berlin patient was described in 1998. After receiving an experimental therapy, the patient, who has remained anonymous, has maintained low levels of HIV and has remained off antiretroviral therapy.