“The bees, they are just profoundly special beings. They’re my doctors, because they are giving me the medicine. With bee venom, people look so much younger, literally overnight.
There are so many crazy natural treatments out there, but very few have good evidence that they work and that they’re safe. Out of all the fringe treatments, bee-venom therapy is among the most risky. The obvious risk is when you pass out and your throat closes…
When I first started it was painful. I just had a tremendous fear that I am allergic.
I would not be here today without the bees. I think many people who use bee venom, they’re being exploited by the culture of belief.
The bee venom, it is a toxin that cures. It is a wonder cure.”
This is how the Netflix serie: (Un)Well – Bee Sting Therapy begins.
What is bee venom therapy used for?
Bee venom therapy (BVT) is the medicinal application of BV from honeybees into the human body for the treatment of some diseases, such as rheumatism arthritis [7]. This strategy has been used in alternative medicine for more than 5000 years.
Does bee venom therapy work?
Therapy with bee venom involves receiving up to 40 stings in a session. Ice is used to numb the skin and to reduce pain. There may be more than one session per week. The theory behind the treatment is that bee stings cause inflammation.
Does bee venom leave your body?
The venom sac and sting of the bee are torn from the abdomen and left behind. Amazingly, even when the sting is no longer a part of the bee, it can keep pumping venom into a victim. That’s why getting the sting out quickly after a sting is important.
Do bees die during bee venom therapy?
During therapy sessions of bee venom acupuncture, the therapist uses live bees, and proceeds to pinch them until the stinger appears, and then inserts it through the skin. The bee subsequently dies after this process.
How much does bee venom therapy cost?
01 microgram of venom within the first minute to five minutes.” An initial two-hour consultation costs $225, while follow-up appointments are $95 each.
What is Apitherapy?
Apitherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that uses honey bee products, including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom. Proponents of apitherapy make claims for its health benefits which are unsupported by evidence-based medicine.
What are the risks of Apitherapy?
Adverse reactions to bee venom therapy are frequent. Frequent exposure to the venom can also lead to arthropathy. In sensitized persons, venom compounds can act as allergens, causing a spectrum of allergic reactions that can range from mild, local swelling to severe systemic reactions, anaphylactic shock, or even death.
In March 2018 it was reported that a 55-year-old woman died after receiving “live bee acupuncture”, suffering a severe anaphylactic episode which the apitherapy practitioner did not respond to by administering adrenaline. While stabilized by ambulance personnel on the way to the hospital, she died a few weeks later from complications resulting in multiple organ failure. Live bee acupuncture therapy is “unsafe and unadvisable”, according to researchers who studied the case.
What are the products?
Apitherapy makes uses of a large number of different honeybee products. Some practices of apitherapy will have less risk than others. For example, adding honey to your tea to soothe a sore throat carries less risk than being stung by bees to relieve arthritis pain.
Talk to your doctor to see if apitherapy is right for you. Together, you can make sure it won’t interfere with any other current treatment. If you’re ready to look into apitherapy and your doctor isn’t sure where to go next, look for a naturopath who offers it as a treatment method.
Benefits of apitherapy
The American Apitherapy Society says it has anecdotal evidence showing bee venom is effective in the treatment of:
- immune system problems, such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS)
- cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension , arrhythmias, atherosclerosis , and varicose veins
- endocrine disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome , menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and decreased blood glucose levels
- infections, like herpes simplex 1 and 2, warts , mastitis, and laryngitis
- psychological disturbances, such as depression or mood swings
- rheumatologic disturbances, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and “tennis elbow”
- skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis , corns, warts, and topical ulcers
Apitherapy is thought of as a last-resort treatment but may be beneficial to those who cannot be helped by traditional therapies and medicines. MS patients have reported increased stability, along with less fatigue and muscle spasm, after trying the therapy. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have said pain and swelling have decreased following the stings. It has also been said to shrink the size of rheumatoid nodules. For those who have not achieved relief with other treatments, apitherapy may help.
Referring Brand Affiliate ID: NL3351210
Referring Brand Affiliate ID: NL3351210
