Neural therapy

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Neural therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which local anesthetic is injected into certain locations of the body in an attempt to treat chronic pain and illness. It is based on the theory that trauma can produce long-standing disturbances in the electrochemical function of tissues. Neural therapy has its roots in the work of two German physicians, Ferdinand and Walter Huneke, who first used procaine (a local anesthetic) for therapeutic injections in the 1920s.

Overview

Neural therapy operates on the concept of the "interference field" (Störfeld), which is an area of the body that has experienced some form of trauma, infection, or other disturbances. According to proponents, these fields can cause distant effects in the body, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction. By injecting local anesthetics into these interference fields, neural therapy aims to restore the body's autonomic nervous system function and promote healing.

Techniques

The most common substance used in neural therapy is procaine, although other local anesthetics may also be used. The therapy involves two main techniques:

• Segmental therapy involves injecting anesthetics into specific segments of the body related to the sympathetic nervous system.
• Specific therapy targets interference fields directly, which could be scars, teeth, the tonsils, or other areas believed to be causing systemic effects.

Applications

Neural therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. However, the effectiveness of neural therapy for these conditions remains a subject of debate within the medical community.

Criticism and Research

The scientific basis for neural therapy is considered weak by mainstream medicine, and there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials supporting its effectiveness. Critics argue that any benefits derived from the procedure may be due to the placebo effect or the natural course of the condition.

Conclusion

While neural therapy is popular in some parts of the world, particularly in Germany and South America, it remains controversial. Patients seeking this treatment are advised to consult with a healthcare professional and consider the current evidence on its efficacy and safety.