EAV and holistic medicine.

Washington State practitioners who use EAV (Electroacupuncture, according to Voll) equipment have attracted unwanted attention from the state's Department of Health and Medical "Quality" Assurance Commission (M"Q"Ac, pronounced "M-quack"). EAV, also known as electrodermal testing (EDS) or meridian stress analysis (MSA), uses an ohmmeter to measure the electrical resistance and conductivity of specific acupuncture points on the skin. Dr. Reinholt Voll, MD discovered a Universal Baseline measurement of 50, which indicates an energetically healthy meridian regardless of gender, age, or race. Readings significantly above the baseline indicate inflammation. Readings below 30 indicate low energy and possible deterioration. EAV gives holistic practitioners a non-invasive tool for assessing a patient's overall health. Although EAV procedures have not undergone FDA approval, the devices themselves are registered with the agency as Skin Conductance Meters.

Jonathan V. Wright, MD began using EAV in 1986, when he took part in a three-month comparison of EAV screening to traditional needlestick testing in children with allergies and sensitivities. He found, "EAV was clearly superior in both methods and results. It was also more humane, less time-consuming, and less expensive." ICON Health & Fitness, Inc., which makes home exercise equipment, now includes EAV screening in its self-funded medical plan. The company performed an outcome study using the BioEnergetic Stress Test (BEST) System, a MSA device produced by BioMeridian Corporation. Douglas Younker, ICON's Human Resources Director, said that information gained through meridian stress analysis led to a significant reduction in symptoms and high satisfaction among the participants and that $10.40 was saved for every dollar spent.

Despite evidence of EAV's benefits, Washington State's M"Q"AC has targeted professionals who use the device. Dr. Geoffrey Ames' medical license was suspended for five years because he demonstrated EAV equipment to a patient. He can practice medicine as long as he does not use EAV. Dr. Wright says that M"Q"AC sent him "a preliminary investigation letter," partly because his website advertises "Sensitivity Screening via noninvasive measures" (EAV screening). Reports in Dr. Wright's newsletter about the crackdown on holistic practitioners have caused Washington citizens to appeal to state legislators. Groups such as WaCHOICE are urging legislators to pass a bill that prevents state agencies from targeting health care practitioners whose practices deviate from conventional care, especially when patients are not harmed. The bill cleared the Senate but failed to pass in the House. The bill will be reintroduced in 2008. In addition, M"Q"AC has lost credibility. A September 2007 performance audit of M"Q"AC, requested by Governor Christine Gregoire, found serious flaws and inconsistencies in the agency's procedures, documentation, and disciplinary actions.

EAV Discussions. Available at: www.veradyne.com/avatar_eavdiscussions.html. Accessed September 26, 2007.

ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. Healthcare study: The use of meridian stress assessment. March 22, 2000. Available at: www.biomeridian.com/icon-study.htm. Accessed October 8, 2007.

WACHOICE. Serious flaws unearthed in state performance audit. September 6, 2007. Available at: www.wachoice.org/thebigpicture/news.php. Accessed September 26, 2007.

Wright JV. Challenges facing holistic medicine. Nutrition & Healing. June 2007. Available at: www.wachoice.org/theissues/thechallenge.php. Accessed October 25, 2007.

Wright JV. State tries to ban accurate and pain-free sensitivity testing. Nutrition & Healing. September 2006; 6-7.

Wright JV. You made a difference. July 2007. Available at: www.wachoice.org/theissues/thechallenge.php. Accessed October 25, 2007.