Clinic in Broomfield offers alternative allergy therapy

BROOMFIELD – For many allergy sufferers, a steady regimen of pills and shots may seem inevitable. But according to some alternative medicine practitioners, a new laser technology might help alleviate allergy symptoms sufficiently – at least in some patients – to make those shots a thing of the past.

Dr. Brad Richardson, a Broomfield-based doctor of chiropractic, began attending seminars last fall about the BAX-3000, a system using biofeedback, radio frequency and lasers to help pinpoint allergens and reprogram the body’s immune system response to them.

After completing the training course, Richardson purchased the equipment – which is distributed by the AllergiCare Relief franchise group – at a cost of $40,000 to $50,000.  He installed it in his Broomfield clinic, Summit Chiropractic Care Center, where he practices with his wife, Amy Richardson, a certified nutrition therapist, who practices in the clinic as a nutrition therapist and food allergy specialist.

 She was also trained in the operation, and together she and her husband have been giving the BAX-3000 treatments at their clinic since last December.

Patients receiving the BAX treatment are initially tested by way of metal clips attached to the fingers and hooked up to a computer, which is programmed with the radio frequencies associated with 18 different food groups. While further testing with environmental and other allergens may also be done, Amy Richardson said food-testing is always done first.

“No matter what their symptoms we absolutely have to test for foods because 80 percent of the immune system resides in the digestive tract,” she said.

An electro current identifies the body’s sensitivity response to the specific radio frequencies associated with the possible food (or environmental or chemical) allergens.

 “We identify which allergens we’re clearing, and go into the computer and load up that group,” Richardson said.

During a BAX treatment, the patient is exposed to a “diluted” radio frequency of the identified allergen – using an FDA-cleared infrared low-light laser as a delivery device – on certain acupuncture pressure points of the body. This laser stimulation, in conjunction with the allergen exposure, will re-educate the body’s immune response. The procedure is noninvasive, and takes only about two minutes per allergen.

Richardson explained the BAX doesn’t claim to cause a cure for allergies or these other conditions. Rather, it alleviates burdens of hypersensitivity from the immune system, so that its natural histamine response can work.

“We are not comparing ourselves to an allergist,” she said. “And we’re not claiming to cure or treat these conditions. The BAX system simply neutralizes the body’s response.

It reprograms the nervous system so that what was once an inappropriate response to a harmless substance becomes an appropriate one.”

The fee for a one-hour consultation and testing session is $150. BAX treatments run from $30 to $95, depending on how many allergens are being neutralized. Richardson said insurance does not cover any BAX treatment or testing, but the clinic frequently runs half-price discounts and can reimburse patients who have a health savings account.

Richardson said the BAX system has been used to help patients with other conditions as well, such as attention deficit disorder, asthma, arthritic problems and even autism.

  Some medical practitioners, like Dr. Michael Volz, an allergy specialist with a private practice in Broomfield, believe the effectiveness of the BAX-3000 system has not yet been proven.

 “When I feel I might need to learn more about something, I always look to see what studies have been published,” he said. “And there are no publications or research from medical search sites that even talk about the BAX-3000.  I’m not aware of any evidence-based information that has evaluated this system. When there’s a lack of any studies, it would be reasonable for one to question and be skeptical about its validity and practical use.”

Volz expressed concern that he has never seen a review or study of the BAX system on the FDA Web site.

“There’s a lot of evidence on other tests and medications, and it’s surprising to me that someone would accept this without more evidence or FDA approval,” he said.

  “In context of all this, I don’t see how anyone can reasonably say that there’s evidence to support that this is a valid or useful way of treating someone with allergies.”

But the Richardsons have treated more than 100 patients with the BAX system – with a nearly 100 percent success rate, according to Amy Richardson. Patients taking the BAX treatment are reporting benefits such as less mucus production, more energy and better quality sleep, Richardson said.

“Everybody is getting some result,” she said. “People tell us that after their first treatment they can sleep all night without a Benadryl.  

“And we never tell people to get off their medications, but patients on inhalers and antihistamines are eliminating or reducing use – on their own,” she added.

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