Currently, there is no definite cure for ElectroSensitivity. Every individual has a unique set of symptoms and a common mechanism for the cause of the disease has not yet been established. However, there are treatments available, with which people have varying levels of success.
Despite the fact that there is no definite cure, one thing is for sure:
The symptoms people get from being exposed to electricity disappear when they are not exposed.
i.e.. Whilst shielding themselves from electricity, the symptoms an ElectroSensitive person experiences entirely (or almost entirely) disappear.
Therefore, the first thing an electrosensitive needs to do to get themselves better is to find out exactly which sources of electricity, or which appliances in their home or workplace, are making them sick. Although this process can take a long time - sometimes even months or years - once shielded, their symptoms are likely to be completely alleviated.
Sadly, while this completely eliminates the bad effects from electricity - it is not a cure. No matter how long an ES sufferer spends away from the sources that make them sick, once re-exposed the symptoms will, in almost all cases, come back with the same force.
The UK based Breakspear Hospital report that they are able to treat ElectroSensitive's. In a brochure on ElectroSensitivity (available upon request) they say:
"There is an effective treatment for many allergic responses to foods, chemicals and inhaled matter - this is called provocation/neutralisation...As the food and chemical sensitivities come under control and the body detoxifies itself, the electrical sensitivities usually go as well".
The brochure then goes onto to recommend a 5 point treatment plan:
Neutralizing the effects of foods and chemicals
Minimizing electromagnetic exposures
Minimizing overexposure to noxious chemicals
Restoring nutritional status, especially of cell membranes
Founded by award-winning environmental health expert Dr William Rea, the Environmental Health Centre Dallas reports that they have treated over 500 people for electrical sensitivities. 80% of those treated apparently had chemical sensitivities too.
The treatment given is based on the theory of 'Total Body Overload', whereby the body is completely overloaded with stressors such as chemicals, electromagnetic pollution, bacteria, viruses, weather & meteorological changes and so on, thus causing the body to become hyper-sensitive.
Diagnostic tools include laboratory evaluation (such as examining fat/adipose tissue for chemicals), sauna & detox, immunotherapy (provides relief from symptoms), nutrition, patient education and brain scans.
A recent report (Nov 5th 2005) by the UK government's Health Protection Agency came up with an excellent list of list of attempted treatments and their efficacy. The treatments were listed under section 4.5.3 of the report. They are:
Neutralizing Chemical Dilution
Investigation by Occupational Medicine Specialist
Acupuncture
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
"Occupational Health Service MultiDisciplinary Intervention Programme"
Dermatologist Investigation
Shiatsu
Vitamin Supplementation
"MultiDisciplinary Group Intervention"
However, the report states:
"The studies reviewed suffer from a combination of the small number of subjects included and the potential variation both within and between study populations. Little information is given as to the attributed exposures of the subjects. These factors limit the applicability outside the immediate study group. For those studies where detail was available, only two were placebo controlled"
We are clearly a long way from having an accurate picture of the effectiveness of each of the treatments!
For a more detailed analysis of the treatments, please refer to the report.
The same report also listed other treatments which have been put forward by various sources but haven't as yet been scientifically evaluated:
Adequate Hydration
Filtered Water
Oral tryptophan
Avoidance of GM foods
Trace element supplements
Chiropractice
Reflexology
Nambudripad Allergy
Elimination Technique
Magnet Therapy
Anticonvulsant's
Olanzipine
Healing/Spiritual healing
Oxygen therapy
Green clay baths
Topical sea salt/baking soda
Negative air ionizers
Crystals
Plants in the environment
These lists of treatments were gathered from various sources including relevant scientific papers, articles and websites.
electrosensitivity.org is maintained by Troy Knight
Copyright 2006 - 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without prior permission. Disclaimer.