Sensitivity Reduction Technique (SRT)
The Problem
Up to 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children in the United States suffer from allergic diseases. Hives, sneezing, bronchitis, itching, asthma and swelling are symptoms experienced by many allergy sufferers. Even more common, but seldom correctly diagnosed, are symptoms of delayed allergy and sensitivity to foods and chemicals including but not limited to headaches, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, urinary urgency or frequency, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, and chronic sinusitis.
Traditional Allergy Treatment vs. SRT
Although skin testing and blood testing are effective at identifying a specific type of classic allergy (IgE mediated allergy), they are not effective at identifying other more common mechanisms by which a person can have allergic or adverse reactions. The Elimination/Challenge diet, though effective in revealing food allergies, can require weeks of effort and relies on dietary avoidance or rotation to treat the allergies. SRT can identify and desensitize allergens regardless of the causative mechanism.
What is SRT?
Sensitivity Reduction Technique (SRT) is a technique that assists in reduction or removal of allergies and sensitivities. It is non-invasive, drug free, and a natural solution to reduce/eliminate sensitivities. SRT utilizes kinesiology, homeopathy and acupressure (which is needle-free).
SRT can eliminate adverse reactions to many allergens including foods, food additives, spices, drugs, nutrients, pollens, flowers, molds, perfume, animals, cosmetics, chemicals, tobacco, pathogens, and environmental triggers including heat and cold. Avoidance of chemical toxins and carcinogens is recommended even after tolerance is gained.
Sensitivity Removal Technique (SRT) was developed by an Ohio physician, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny. She wanted to streamline similar methods, such as Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET), BioSET, and the Jaffe-Mallor technique, in which she had trained. After her adaptations were refined over seven years of practice, Dr. Tenpenny proceeded to train others in her techniques. As a result, Sensitivity Reduction Technique (SRT) is now offered at the Celebration of Health Association.
ORIENTAL/WESTERN MEDICINE
From a Western medicine perspective, allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most individuals. Integrative Medicine principles see allergies and sensitivities as resulting from disrupted energy flow in the meridians (energy pathways). Allergies and Sensitivities interfere with the flow of energy in the body. Energy flow is balanced in health and imbalanced in disease. According to acupuncture theory, stimulating specific acupuncture points is capable of bringing the body to a state of homeostasis and restoring a good flow of energy.
The immune system has a memory, a fact that helps assure survival by providing immunity to infections. That memory, if carried to an extreme, is also responsible for developing chronic symptoms from repeated exposure to offending substances (allergens). SRT, in effect, presses the autonomic nervous system’s “reset button” and programs the autonomic nervous system to receive a new cellular memory so tolerance can replace the former allergic response. Thus the free flow of vital energy can be restored.
What Happens During an SRT Session?
Testing:
Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of movement of the human body. Clinical Kinesiology, a method of manually testing muscle strength, is used to identify the specific allergens that affect an individual’s health and to identify which specific organs or tissues are affected by those allergens. Any substance capable of producing decreased muscle strength can cause a disturbance in homeostasis. Testing is done while the patient is fully clothed and is either sitting or standing.
Activating / Clearing:
While the patient is in contact with vials that contain homeopathic representation of the substances that have been identified as allergenic, pressure is applied to specific acupuncture points along the spine to activate / open up energy flow to the autonomic nervous system. Acupressure is used once again to activate specific acupuncture points on the arms and legs to open energy flow throughout the body.
Rest / Reset:
The patient sits or lies quietly for 15 minutes after a treatment. Since the treatment can profoundly impact physiology, symptoms such as headaches, chilliness, perspiration, nausea, and emotional releases may occur in more sensitive individuals. This 15 minute rest lets the body adjust to this change, thus decreasing or eliminating these possible symptoms.
Avoidance:
The patient is required to avoid eating or drinking (anything but water) for three hours after an SRT treatment. The patient may be asked to also avoid contacting additional specific substances, to which he/she is being desensitized, for three hours after a treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
All patients receive the three Foundation sessions that enhance digestion, build the immune system, and desensitize / clear basic essential bio-chemicals and nutrients, preparing the body for further desensitization. After the initial three sessions are completed, an average of four to twelve additional sessions may be needed, depending on the extent of allergic illness.
What do I need to do to prepare for my first session?
Wear comfortable clothing. Eat and drink shortly before your appointment, as you will be asked to avoid eating and drinking (anything but water) for three hours immediately following your session. You will be given written detailed instructions for future appointments at your first appointment. You should allow approximately 30 minutes for each session.
NUTRITION
Considering the fact that most people eat three or more times a day, there are many opportunities for an allergy-prone person to develop allergies or sensitivities to foods. Not only are symptoms of a food allergy uncomfortable, but the resulting changes in the digestive and immune systems can cause interference with the absorption and utilization of nutrients. Allergies and sensitivities to the vitamins and minerals in foods can also occur.
In an effort to feel better, persons suffering from allergic illnesses often take vitamin and mineral supplementation, but may unknowingly take the very nutrients to which they are allergic or sensitized, and can actually make themselves feel worse. After nutrient sensitivities are addressed by SRT and a period of avoidance is observed, a program of specific nutritional supplementation may be recommended.
Will it be covered by insurance?
SRT is not a usual and customary treatment. It is usually employed to help people with complex problems that may not have responded well to conventional medical care. Therefore, it might not be covered by most insurance plans.