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If you’ve ever seen the results of an X-ray, a MRI or a CAT scan you’ve probably been amazed - to be able to take a picture of a bone or organ is a miraculous thing. But did you know it’s possible to see not only organs or cells, but even further into the human body? It can be done with a procedure known as darkfield microscopy. The darkfield microscopic examination is one of the most controversial and misunderstood evaluations performed by complementary health practitioners.

Darkfield microscopy uses freshly taken blood to view the “inner terrain” of the body-its acid-base balance, protein intake, and trace nutrient levels, among other things. It can also assess the function and health of blood cells (red, white, and platelets), reveal the state of the smallest proteins (endobionts), and uncover the presence of tiny but developed structures such as bacteria, pre-viral, and pre-fungal elements.

The darkfield examination is most suitable for patients with chronic diseases, people prone to recurrent infections, and those with questions concerning toxicity (amalgam, chemical, drug, metabolic etc.). More specifically, the general state of the immune system, red cell health, excretory and detoxification functions, oxygen utilization, and degenerative tendencies can all be judged with this test. The effectiveness of chosen biological therapies can be ascertained, monitored, and controlled by comparing blood samples taken before, during, and after treatment. In addition, darkfield microscopy is a valuable preventive assessment even in individuals with no obvious existing illness. This test cannot be replaced by any other blood test, or by normal microscopic examination (brightfield) or by blood samples sent to laboratories.

Darkfield microscopy was developed by German zoologist Dr. Gunther Enderlein (1872-1968) and practised by numerous physicians, microbiologists, and researchers over the years. Investigation into this area persists today, primarily in Europe, but also in North America. Several versions of darkfield have appeared more recently under the name of “live blood analysis.” Unfortunately, these new methods have done much to discredit the Enderleinian approach-outrageous diagnostic claims have been made by promoters and followers, many of whom are non-medically licensed people whose training in microscopy may consist of only a weekend course.

Using darkfield microscopy, Enderlein observed that co-relations exist between endobionts (proteins) and bacteria, fungi, and viruses. He theorized that the changing of endobionts from non-disease-producing forms into disease-producing forms created chronic diseases. In other words “friendly, neutral” bacteria, viruses, and fungi could become increasingly pathogenic. Enderlein believed that the state of the body’s inner terrain determined the health of the endobionts, and, subsequently, the health of the entire individual. Certain therapies and medications have been developed to alter the terrain and help reverse the disease-producing organisms and endobionts back to their friendly, neutral state.

Some researchers question Enderlein’s theory and explanation of the existence of endobionts. Yet many practitioners worldwide praise the clinical usefulness of the darkfield examination and its benefits to their patients.

Darkfield microscopy does not tell us everything about a person’s health, nor does it act as a “crystal ball” to predict the future. However, when used in conjunction with other naturopathic and conventional assessments, it can reveal much about one’s current and potential health status.

Dr. Garrett Swetlikoff is a naturopathic physician who lives and practises in Kelowna. He focuses on progressive and interventional natural medicine. He can be reached at 250-868-2205 or gswetlikoff@shaw.ca

Source: alive #253, November 2003