Bee Venom Therapy; An Overview of This Alternative Medicine Approach
For centuries, the use of bee venom has been common in the alternative medicine approach to the treatment of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, symptoms of fibormyalgia and, more recently, to treat sexual dysfunction, cancer, epilepsy and depression. Understanding the treatment approach, basic components of bee venom, and the potential side effects, may provide a patient with the level of knowledge necessary to pursue an alternative medicine approach to healing.
Commonly used in Eastern Europe, bee vemon therapy is performed by individuals from all walks of life. Licensed physicians, acupuncturists, beekeepers and even patients, themselves, have performed bee venom therapy in an effort to cure over 500 diseases, disorders and mental conditions. Containing over 40 active substances, most which have not been studied, bee venom, most notedbly, provides relief to inflammatory conditions. Through the protein, melittin, bee venom therapy promotes the production of cortisol within the body, Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands, is a natural anti-inflammatory. Additionally, the interleukin-1, found in the body and attributed to arthritic pain and inflammation, is slowed or halted in production. As a result, patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and arthritic conditions report an improved level of pain, improved mobility and a general feeling of well being following bee venom therapy.
When considering bee venom therapy, it is recommended the treatment be provided by an alternative medicine professional with experience in apitherapy, the term coined for individuals utilizing bee venom therapy in the treatment of disease. By utilizing an apitherapist, the risk for potential life threatening side effects may be negated. With 2% of the population reporting an allergy to bee venom, it is imperative the apitherapist perform a round of test stings to assess the allergic reaction response, in addition to, provide a bee sting kit which will include epinephrine should side effects of the sting include difficulty in breathing.
Administration of BVT, bee venom therapy, is commonly performed at sensitive nerve sites throughout the body. Similar to the site selection by an acupuncturist, the apitherapist will select areas most sensitive to the sting sensation. The theory is the immune response will occur more quickly and provide more efficient results. With a slightly more than 50 physicians in the United States performing BVT, the most common approach to bee venom therapy may be through the acupuncturist who is already knowledgeable of the key nerve sites. Whether suffering from a debilitating and progressive disease such as multiple sclerosis, or a minor case of depression, the use of bee venom therapy has become widely accepted as a feasible approach to healing in and among the alternative medicine community.
When suffering from these conditions, consult your local acupuncturist or beekeeper regarding options for treatment outside of the medical practitioner’s office.
