Neural Therapy (NT) - One of the Best Treatment Secrets Held for 100 Years

What is Neural Therapy: The Definition

Neural Therapy (NT) is a holistic method for restoring multiple physical and psycho-emotional conditions by injecting small doses of low-concentration local anesthetics (primarily procaine or lidocaine) into specific segmental interference fields and peripheral nervous system ganglia. The purpose is to diagnose and promote the recovery of the self-regulating functions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), thereby reestablishing body-mind homeostasis.

Other terms used: “Procaine Therapy,” “Novocain Blockade,” in Russian literature “Impletol Therapy,” and in some Spanish-speaking countries, “Healing Anesthesia.”

While local anesthetic injections like ganglion blockades and segmental therapy are used in conventional medicine, their purposes and effects differ significantly.

Please read an excellent review: MDPI Review

Short History

Local anesthetics (LA) were first investigated by Sigmund Freud while seeking relief for trigeminal neuralgia. Procaine (Novocain) was synthesized in 1904 by Alfred Einhorn, and the widespread use of local anesthetics began primarily in Germany and the former Soviet Union. German physicians Ferdinand and Walter Huneke later developed Segmental Therapy, a method involving injections in areas of lesions.

In 1940, the Huneke brothers described a pivotal phenomenon: the Lightning Reaction. While treating a patient with chronic left shoulder pain unresponsive to local injections, Dr. Ferdinand Huneke injected procaine into an old, painful scar on her left tibia. Instantly, her shoulder pain disappeared.

This experience led to the discovery of the Interference Field (IF)—a phenomenon not explainable by conventional medicine, yet essential to the curative effects of Neural Therapy.

Who Can Be Treated with Neural Therapy?

According to extensive literature, expert opinion, and 100 years of international clinical experience, most patients—regardless of symptoms—can benefit from NT. Common reasons for consultation include:

• Acute or chronic pain
• Migraines and neuralgias
• Allergies, respiratory, and skin conditions
• Recurrent infections
• Gynecological and urological disorders
• Psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and other psychological issues

Neural Therapy enhances the effectiveness of other treatments, including pharmacological, surgical, manual, energetic, psychiatric, and homeopathic modalities.

In some ways, NT resembles acupuncture, which acts through energetic channels. However, NT works directly through the Autonomic Nervous System. One of my patients aptly described it as “acupuncture on steroids.”

Side Effects of NT

Preservative-free procaine (0.5%–1%) or, less commonly, lidocaine is used in NT. Severe adverse effects are extremely rare. Mild and temporary reactions may include:

• Inflammation at the injection site
• Dizziness, fatigue, low-grade fever
• Muscular pain, stiffness, or mild exhaustion

The iatrogenic trauma associated with NT is significantly lower than with many diagnostic procedures such as biopsies or endoscopies.

Contraindications to NT

• Severe hypotension
• Acute myasthenia gravis
• Known allergy to local anesthetics
• Patients on anticoagulants: only superficial injections
• Lidocaine should be reduced (≤10 ml) in patients with heart/liver issues
• Procaine should not be used with sulfonamide antibiotics

Differences Between NT and Conventional Local Anesthesia

In conventional medicine, local anesthetics are used mainly for pain relief. In contrast, Neural Therapy aims to treat the whole person by restoring systemic balance through the Autonomic Nervous System. NT injections are often administered to distant interference fields and can have long-lasting effects.

What Is an Interference Field (IF)?

An Interference Field is a chronically irritated tissue that stimulates the Sympathetic Nervous System. Chronicity—not intensity—is key. IFs can be found in:

• Infected wounds, abscesses, scars
• Severe inflammation or toxic tissue
• Emotional trauma or unresolved psychological events
• Obstetric scars linked to postpartum depression

Finding and Resolving an IF

History is critical. Testing involves injections, energetic evaluation, or techniques like Autonomic Response Testing (ART). The author uses a modified form of ART developed in their office.

Signs of IF Resolution

• Sustained pain relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Normalized hormone/enzyme levels
• Improved joint function
• Resolution of psychiatric symptoms
• Resolved allergic responses

Why Is Neural Therapy Unknown in the U.S.?

The lack of awareness stems from limited research, poor insurance coverage, and lack of trained practitioners. NT is more widely practiced in Europe and Latin America. The author helped co-found the North American Academy of Neural Therapy (NAANT.org).

Conclusion

Neural Therapy is a century-old, body-mind therapy with strong safety, efficacy, and holistic potential—yet it remains underutilized in the English-speaking world. Increased research and education are essential for its broader integration.

Reading List

1. Barop H. Textbook and Atlas of Neural Therapy. Thieme; 2018.
2. Dosch P, Dosch M. Manual of Neural Therapy according to Huneke. Thieme; 1995.
3. Pischinger A. The Extracellular Matrix and Ground Regulation.
4. Speransky AD. A Basis for the Theory of Medicine. 1943. Available here.
5. Kidd RF. Neural Therapy: Applied Neurophysiology; 2005. neuraltherapybook.com
6. Kidd RF. Newsletters: link
7. Koval PR. Neural Therapy and Self-Organization; 2013.
8. North American Academy of Neural Therapy: NAANT
9. MDPI Review on Neural Therapy