Contact Reflex Analysis (CRA) is an analytical technique used in our office along with other forms of examinations (blood work, X-rays, ct scans, physical examination, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating a person’s health condition. It was developed by Dr. D.A. Versendaal. While the application initially appears a little strange, it has proven through the decades, to be of great help in assessing the health of an individual. The initial reaction by some is just due to the fact that they have never seen or have never been exposed to this form of examination. It’s just unfamiliar to them. At this point, I want to emphasize that CRA is an analytical technique and not a diagnostic technique. In other words, it will not tell you that you have cancer, heart disease, or any other disease. It is simply used to assess the function of the body. For example, it may tell us that your liver or kidneys, etc. are malfunctioning but won’t name a disease. That would require more extensive testing.
How Does It Work?
CRA utilizes the electrical system of the body to identify areas of malfunction primarily using acupuncture points on the acupuncture meridian system and nervous system. These points are systematically tested by testing a particular muscle and it’s the ability to either withstand or fail a strength challenge as we touch or even get near a particular point. Some would refer to this as “muscle testing”. When a point is negative, the muscle (say in the arm) remains strong. If the point is positive, indicating a problem, the muscle goes weak. It’s a form of a bio-feedback system. The body is showing us that there is something wrong. Then we refer to the 50-60 years of CRA research as well as the acupuncture historical research which give us an idea of the problem and the appropriate remedy that can be applied. Medical tests that utilize electrical feedback from the body would include the EKG, a test that most of us are familiar with for heart evaluation, or an EEG that assesses brain activity. An EMG is another test used to evaluate nerve conduction.
I have to admit that when I first saw CRA, I was quite skeptical. I was trained to be “scientific”. The research was not up to speed at that time, so I blew it off. After several years of practice, I realized that I didn’t have all of the tools that I needed in my toolbox. So I was reluctantly re-introduced to CRA and was pleased to see that the research had caught up and was demonstrated in a form that could be efficiently used in my clinical practice. The rest, as they say, is history. CRA has literally helped thousands of patients, many that were not finding help elsewhere. It has been able to detect and find issues that were being missed by other conventional testing. It remains an integral part of my practice today.
Disclaimer** Blogs are not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice of physicians. The information included is for general or educational purposes only. Readers should consult their physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to this information or any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Reading this information does not create a physician-patient relationship.
