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Electro-Dermal Testing - EDT
About EDT Electro-dermal testing (EDT) is used in this clinic to assess food and other sensitivities. It’s a non-invasive form of diagnostic electro-acupuncture using a galvanometer and Chinese Medicine Theory. Electro-dermal testing was developed in Germany over the last 35 years by a number of physicians, dentists and scientists, and applies biophysical techniques to Oriental acupuncture. The original technique, started in 1953 by Dr. Voll, was a complex procedure involving measuring hundreds of acupuncture points. The EDT method is a culmination of much of this research. It was further developed inGermany in 1978 by Dr. Schimmel, MD, DDS. Testing Procedure EDT requires that only one point be measured, as the system is based on measuring against test ampoules rather than against the organ-linked points themselves. The skin resistance on the acupuncture point is measured by producing a slight potential difference (voltage) between a tip electrode held against the point and a large hand electrode held by the patient. The procedure measures changes in skin resistance at the acupuncture point in response to placing test substances (food or special test ampoules) in a circuit with the patient. The testing is painless, involving no needles, shocks, scratches, etc., and gives specific information as a preliminary to detoxification and to assist in attaining optimal health. The test results are used in conjunction with other clinical observations and tests performed by the doctor or clinical assistant. Skill and training of the tester is required. Current Use Presently, more than 10 000 Electro-Diagnosis machines are in use in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In the past decade, use has increased in Great Britain and North America. In Canada, it is part of the accepted modalities listed in the Medical Act of Nova Scotia. Other provinces and states also regulate the use of these devices for a number of health disciplines. German doctors recognize and use both biochemical and biophysical means. Until recently most of the research material was available only in German. North American physicians and patients encounter more difficulty in understanding and accepting these concepts and methods given that our education and culture views health and disease more exclusively from a biochemical perspective. In a controlled, comparative study of various ways of testing for food sensitivities, Julia Tsuei M.D, compared blood, scratch, cytotoxic, food challenge and electro-acupuncture testing. The electro-dermal test results proved to be accurate and reproducible. This study, reported in the American Journal of Acupuncture, 1984, revealed that it was non-invasive but demonstrated great sensitivity. Preparation for Test
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