Allergies & Sensitivities
Many people come to In The Clear because they believe they are reacting to foods, environmental substances or other triggers.
At the clinic, we use a vial-based assessment as part of the Boulderstone Technique. This is not the same as NHS allergy testing, skin-prick testing or blood testing.
The assessment is non-invasive. There are no needles or skin scratching.
The aim is to explore whether particular substances produce a response within the framework we use at the clinic.
What happens during the assessment?
You remain fully clothed and usually lie on the treatment couch while the practitioner holds your head.
Small glass vials containing different substances are introduced one at a time. The practitioner pays attention to whether there is a change in the response felt through their contact.
We normally work through a standard group of more than 40 substances. If there is something particular you are concerned about, you can also bring a sample with you and we can include it.
At the end, we discuss what produced a response and what, if anything, might be appropriate to explore further.
What does the assessment tell us?
The assessment is used to identify substances that produce a response during the session.
If you have had a serious allergic reaction, or have been advised to avoid a particular substance, you should continue to follow medical advice. Nothing we find during a session should be used as a reason to reintroduce a substance that may be dangerous for you.
What should I bring?
You do not normally need to bring anything special.
If there is a particular food, drink, cosmetic, household product or other substance that you suspect may be causing a problem, you are welcome to bring a small sample with you.
Please also tell us about any medically diagnosed allergies, particularly if you have ever had a severe or anaphylactic reaction.
What happens after the assessment?
The first appointment is usually an assessment. We work through the substances being tested and let you know which of them produce a response.
If we find responses that we can work with, we will normally ask you to return for a follow-up appointment.
At the follow-up, we work with each substance individually. The substance is placed on you and the practitioner feels the response through the contact at your head. It is then removed before the response becomes too strong, and we allow your body to process what has been activated.
The substance is then introduced again. We continue this process of introducing and removing it — rather like the on-and-off process used in our trauma work — until we can no longer detect a response.
Thinking about an appointment?
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is something we might be able to work with, you are welcome to contact us before booking.
Tell us briefly what seems to be causing the problem, whether you have had any medical allergy testing, and whether you have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction.
We can then explain what the assessment involves and whether it seems appropriate to arrange an appointment.