D
Diagnostic techniques
Description
Various techniques are loosely included under the umbrella of complementary ‘therapies’, which are not generally therapeutic interventions, i.e. treatment, but rather alternative methods of reaching a diagnosis in order to plan treatment using other therapy modalities. In the House of Lords classification of complementary and alternative therapies (2000), diagnostic techniques constitute group 3b, having very little, if any, scientific basis.
Dowsing
Elimination diet
Description
An elimination diet is used to detect suspected food allergens which lead to intolerances and sensitivities which can trigger various health problems. A totally bland diet is eaten for up to 1 week in order to eliminate any foods which may cause adverse symptoms. Individual foods are then reintroduced singly to facilitate identification of any noticeable reactions.
Face diagnosis
Iridology/iridiagnostics
Description
Iridology was developed by the Hungarian physician Ignatz von Peczely and involves close examination of the irises of the eyes. Abnormal appearance of the irises, such as flecks, discoloration, pressure signs and shape, are said to indicate potentially abnormal pathology. The principle is similar to that of reflexology in which a small part of the body represents a map of the whole. Far Eastern practitioners are beginning to use computer-assisted iridiagnosis.
Kinesiology
Description
This is based on the theory that a feedback loop exists between the body’s inner organs and the muscles, particularly in the upper arm, biceps and quadriceps. If an organ fails to function properly or as a reaction to injury or stress, toxins accumulate around the related muscle, causing weakness. Kinesiologists test the strength of various muscle groups using the principles of traditional chinese medicine to determine which body systems are out of balance. It is often used to test for allergies and food intolerances. Touch for Health is a simplified form of kinesiology and involves testing of 42 muscles to determine energy imbalances of the meridian system which can then be treated with acupressure. There is a significant difference in attitudes to kinesiology between the UK and the North Americas, with postgraduate degrees in the subject being available in some US and Canadian universities.
Kirlian photography
Description
This technique involves photographing the low level electromagnetic energy field around the human body (sometimes referred to as the aura), thought to be detectable as barely visible light (bio-photoemissions). It is used to detect alterations of shape and colour which may indicate changes in emotional state, energy and health. The person is placed within a high-frequency, alternating electric field which interacts with his/her electromagnetic energy field. A photographic representation can then be interpreted and a possible diagnosis made.
Vega test
Description
The Vega test purports to measure resistance to the flow of electricity over acupuncture points at the ends of the fingers and toes. The process involves application of homeopathic dilutions of various substances, including allergens, bacteria, viruses or diseased tissue; the Vega machine detects reactions to each substance and the information is then interpreted to identify the causes of the person’s ill-health.
