MOD114 – Neural Therapy

Definition

Neural therapy is an integrative medicine technique that involves injecting local anaesthetics or homeopathic solutions into specific points on the body to treat chronic pain, dysfunction, and illness.

Explanation

Neural therapy is based on the concept that trauma, infection, or surgery can create disturbances in the body’s autonomic nervous system, leading to long-standing electrochemical or electromagnetic dysfunctions in tissues. These disturbances, known as “interference fields,” can disrupt the body’s natural healing processes and contribute to chronic health issues.

Practitioners of neural therapy identify these interference fields, which may include scars, peripheral nerves, autonomic ganglia, teeth, and other tissues. By injecting small amounts of local anaesthetics (typically procaine or lidocaine) or homeopathic remedies into these areas, neural therapy aims to:

1. Reset the autonomic nervous system
2. Restore proper nerve function
3. Eliminate energetic blockages
4. Improve circulation to affected areas
5. Stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms

Neural therapy is often used to address a wide range of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain syndromes
• Headaches and migraines
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Digestive disorders
• Menstrual irregularities
• Allergies
• Skin conditions

The treatment is based on the interconnectivity of the body’s systems, and that dysfunction in one area can affect seemingly unrelated parts of the body. For example, an old scar might be contributing to chronic headaches. By treating the scar with neural therapy, practitioners aim to resolve both local and distant symptoms.

Neural therapy sessions typically involve a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms, followed by precise injections into the identified interference fields. The number of treatments required varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated, but many patients report experiencing immediate relief after a session.

Evidence to Efficacy

Neural therapy shows promising results for managing various health conditions, particularly chronic pain. While more research is ongoing, existing evidence suggests several potential benefits:

A randomised clinical trial published in Spine Journal examined neural therapy for chronic low back pain. The study found that patients receiving neural therapy experienced significantly lower pain scores and improved functional recovery at 3 and 6 months compared to those receiving only trigger point injections. This suggests neural therapy may offer longer-lasting pain relief and functional improvements for chronic low back pain patients.

Neural therapy appears to work through multiple mechanisms. A review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that neural therapy influences the autonomic nervous system, modulates inflammation, and affects cellular communication. This multi-faceted approach may contribute to its effectiveness across various conditions.

The therapy’s ability to address “interference fields” – areas of chronic irritation that can disrupt the body’s regulatory mechanisms – is thought to be key to its efficacy. By targeting these areas with local anaesthetic injections, neural therapy aims to restore normal function and promote healing.

Neural therapy also shows promise for conditions beyond pain management. Some practitioners report success in treating functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system, including certain digestive and circulatory issues.

The safety profile of neural therapy, when performed by trained practitioners, appears favourable. The use of low-dose local anaesthetics minimises risks associated with higher doses used in conventional anaesthesia.

While more large-scale studies are desirable, the existing evidence, combined with decades of clinical experience in Europe and growing interest worldwide, suggests neural therapy offers a valuable complementary approach for managing chronic pain and related conditions. Its non-pharmaceutical nature and focus on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms align well with the holistic principles of complementary and alternative medicine.

 The Neuroscience

Neural therapy offers a promising approach to managing various health conditions by targeting the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Here’s an overview of the neuroscience behind neural therapy:

Mechanism of Action: Neural therapy works by modulating the ANS, which plays a crucial role in regulating inflammatory and immune processes, microcirculation, and pain perception. The therapy involves injecting low-dose, short-acting local anaesthetics (LAs) into specific areas of the body, including areas of injury, inflammation, nerves, and ganglia.

Key Neuroscientific Principles:

• Autonomic Nervous System Modulation: Neural therapy aims to restore balance to the ANS, which controls reflexive neuroimmunological and inflammatory cascades. By targeting the ANS, neural therapy can potentially influence a wide range of bodily functions.
• Neuroinflammation Reduction: Research suggests that neural therapy may help attenuate neuroinflammation and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors. This anti-inflammatory effect could contribute to pain relief and improved function in various conditions.
• Neuroimmune Interaction: Neural therapy leverages the bidirectional signalling between the immune system and the nervous system, which plays a role in the development and maintenance of chronic pain.
• Neurotransmitter Regulation: The therapy may influence the production and balance of neurotransmitters, potentially contributing to improved mood and emotional well-being.
• Neural Plasticity: By modulating neural pathways, neural therapy might promote neuroplasticity, allowing for the formation of new neural connections and potentially supporting cognitive function.
• Pain Perception Modulation: Neural therapy has shown promise in alleviating pain, possibly by influencing pain perception pathways in the brain.

 Governing Body

Neural Therapy is not widely practiced in the UK so overseeing organisations are limited. However, if you do seek to experience this then be aware of the following International Training:

The North American Academy of Neural Therapy (NAANT) offers education and training in Neural Therapy. While based in North America, their courses might be accessible to UK practitioners through online learning or international workshops.

Some practitioners seek training in countries where Neural Therapy is more established, such as Germany. For example, Neuraltherapie Heidelberg offers courses in Neural Therapy, though these are primarily in German.

 What Good Looks Like

In the context of Neural Therapy, a positive and effective experience should encompass several key elements:

• You should feel welcomed into a calm, comfortable environment. The treatment room should be clean and conducive to relaxation.
• The practitioner should take time to explain the Neural Therapy process, including the specific points they’ll be treating and why these are relevant to your condition.
• During the treatment, you might experience a brief, sharp sensation as the needle is inserted, followed by a feeling of warmth or tingling in the treated area. This sensation should be tolerable and not overly painful.
• You should notice the practitioner’s expertise in locating and treating ‘interference fields’ – areas of chronic irritation that may be contributing to your symptoms.
• The injections should be performed with precision and care. You might observe the practitioner using very fine needles and injecting small amounts of local anaesthetic into specific points.
• Throughout the session, you should feel that the practitioner is attentive to your comfort and responsive to any concerns you express.
• You might experience an immediate reduction in pain or improvement in function in some cases, known as the ‘lightning reaction’ or ‘seconds phenomenon’. However, it’s also normal for improvements to develop more gradually over time.
• After the treatment, you should feel a sense of relaxation spreading through your body. Many people report feeling a pleasant lightness or improved mobility in the treated areas.
• You should receive clear aftercare instructions, such as keeping the treated areas warm and avoiding strenuous activity for a short period following treatment.
• Overall, you should feel that your health is being addressed in a comprehensive, individualised manner, with an emphasis on restoring balance to your autonomic nervous system and supporting your body’s innate healing capabilities.

Remember, while some effects may be felt immediately, the full benefits of Neural Therapy often develop over a course of treatments. A good practitioner will explain what to expect and how to maximise the benefits of your Neural Therapy sessions.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are some key questions to help identify an exceptional Neural Therapy practitioner, along with desired answers:

How do you personalise Neural Therapy treatments for individual patients?

Desired answer: Detailed explanations of how they assess your specific condition, autonomic nervous system function, and potential interference fields. They should mention tailoring the treatment points and local anaesthetic dosage based on your unique needs.

What specific techniques do you use in Neural Therapy, and why?

Desired answer: Knowledge of various techniques such as segmental therapy, interference field therapy, and autonomic ganglia injections. They should explain the benefits of each and why they might choose one over another for different conditions.

How do you integrate Neural Therapy with other complementary therapies?

Desired answer: A holistic approach that combines Neural Therapy with other modalities like acupuncture, osteopathy, or nutritional advice. They should explain how these work synergistically.

Can you describe your approach to identifying and treating interference fields?

Desired answer: Specific knowledge about common interference field locations, diagnostic techniques like autonomic response testing, and strategies for addressing these fields effectively.

How do you manage potential side effects or healing reactions during Neural Therapy?

Desired answer: Explanations about potential temporary exacerbations of symptoms, how they monitor for these, and strategies to support patients through healing reactions.

What aftercare advice do you provide following Neural Therapy treatments?

Desired answer: Specific recommendations about post-treatment care, potential temporary reactions, and any lifestyle adjustments to enhance the treatment’s effects.

How do you determine the appropriate ‘dosage’ of Neural Therapy for each patient?

Desired answer: Explanations about assessing your individual response to treatment, the specific condition being treated, and adjusting the frequency and intensity of treatments accordingly.

What precautions do you take when using Neural Therapy on sensitive areas or with complex cases?

Desired answer: Mentions of using gentler techniques, careful dosing of local anaesthetics, and thorough pre-treatment assessments for complex cases.

A practitioner MUST include:

• A thorough initial assessment of your condition and overall health
• Clear explanations of the treatment process and what to expect
• A commitment to using high-quality, sterile materials
• A clean, well-equipped treatment space
• Proper hygiene practices, including hand washing and equipment sterilisation

Remember, an exceptional practitioner will welcome your questions and provide clear, detailed answers that demonstrate their expertise and commitment to your well-being.

Related Therapies

Acupuncture (MOD007): A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. Acupuncture can complement Reiki by addressing energetic blockages.

Osteopathy (MOD121): A system of medicine that emphasises the physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury, based on the principle that the body’s systems are interconnected and capable of self-regulation and self-healing.

Chiropractic (MOD029): A healthcare profession focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, using manual adjustments and other techniques to improve function and alleviate pain.

Biofeedback (MOD136): Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic monitoring of bodily processes to train individuals to gain voluntary control over physical and mental functions typically considered involuntary.

Homeopathy (MOD070): A holistic healing system that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Flower essences are often used alongside homeopathic remedies.

Naturopathy (MOD113): A system of alternative medicine based on the healing power of nature.