What is Hair Analysis?
Hair Analysis test is a form of food and environmental substance intolerance testing whereby a small sample of hair is sent away and analysed. This process is called EAV (Electro-acupuncture According to Voll) testing developed in the 1940’s by a German doctor named Reinard Voll. It is understood that EAV testing uses the principles of acupuncture to measure the energetic system of the body using a galvanometer against your hair sample and test vials. Because your hair records all the reactions in your body over a certain amount of time, this process allows the tester to examine such information and identify the substances you have reacted to.
What does the Hair Analysis test for?
This analysis tests for over 200 substances you may be intolerant to. This involves food substances such as dairy, wheat, fruit, nuts, meats, additives and preservatives, as well as environmental substances such as pollen, dust mites, common detergents, animal fur and cosmetics. It can also determine how your liver, thyroid and adrenal glands are functioning, and suggest presence of parasitic or fungal (candida) infection.
What are the benefits of Hair Analysis?
- Unlike allergy testing, it tests for intolerances that create minor but chronic symptoms which are often difficult to identify.
- It allows you to identify specific foods and environmental substances to avoid rather than shooting in the dark or eliminating large amounts of food that may be nutritionally important.
- You will be provided with a comprehensive report outlining what you are intolerant to and the level of intolerance you have to each substance.
- The test covers a much broader range of substances (over 200) compared to conventional allergy tests and other intolerance tests available in New Zealand.
- It is a reputable and reliable test frequently used by numerous naturopaths and naturopathic colleges.
- The process is painless and easy.
What can I expect?
- The sampling process is very simple and takes less than 5 minutes.
- A small sample of hair is taken from a few different areas of the back of your head close to the nape of your neck. The sample taken is usually not significant enough to be visibly noticeable.
- The results of the test is not affected by chemically treated hair.
- If you have short hair, or concerned about taking a sample from the head, the sample can also be taken from the armpit or the groin (this will require you to take the sample yourself).
- The result usually takes 3 weeks to return, at which point you will be contacted for a follow-up consultation to discuss the results.