Thermography tests the ability of body systems, organs, and glands to regulate or function properly. Even in healthy patients, a thermogram establishes a baseline for comparison to help detect future imbalance or disease in your body. It is a true early detection test. It is also a valuable functional test. Just as a Glucose Tolerance Test shows how the pancreas responds to a stressor — a load of glucose — the thermogram shows how numerous parts of the body respond to a stressor.

Detecting abnormal changes in bodily temperatures in response to a cooling stimulus, provides insight into health imbalance before it becomes serious. The older infra-red photography showed suspicious “hot spots” pointing to areas of inflammation. The CRT (Contact Regulation Thermography), with 116 temperature probes, may be more precise at finding potential problem areas.

To reiterate, the CRT unit measures the temperature of small areas at the body’s surface before and after a cooling-off period. For most areas of the body, the temperature decreases after the cooling period. Abnormal temperature changes in an area are indicative of increased or decreased blood circulation in the corresponding organs or body systems. These effects may be due to inflammation or degeneration. Unusual changes may also be caused by a hyper- or hypo-active autonomic nervous system.

Using CRT, it is possible to pinpoint not only possible areas of disease, but also places where there is an imbalance that puts them at increased risk for future disease. By finding these areas early, you will be better able to make changes to correct these imbalances, slowing or preventing their progression. Measurements re-taken after following a treatment plan are used to monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

With thermography testing, a variety of conditions may become apparent, such as fungal infections, food allergies, infected teeth, lymphatic congestion, a tendency to breast, ovarian, or prostate disease, and many more.

A thermogram test is safe and non-invasive. Please contact us if you have any other questions, or would like to schedule your screening test.

Patient Preparation

The temperature measurements of small areas on the upper body, before and after a cooling-off period, takes about an hour. In order to get the most accurate results.

Please consider the following points before receiving your thermogram:

• Please do not shower, shave, or use any creams, lotions, powder, or make-up.
• Avoid physical stress such as exercise, or any activities that will increase your blood circulation.
• Avoid emotional stress and confrontation the day of your thermogram.
• Come in about half an hour early and allow some time to meditate in order to relax prior to measurement.
• Jet Lag is a stressor. Allow one day per hour of time change before testing.
• Have a light breakfast, replacing coffee, green or black tea with herbal tea.
• Please do not smoke or drink alcohol a minimum of 24 hours before testing.
• Take only essential medicines or supplements beginning the day before testing, such as insulin, thyroid, and heart medicines. Bring a list of your medications and hormones. Ask us if there are any questions. If possible, avoid energetic therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and neural therapy for three days prior to testing.
• Your arms and legs need to be covered regardless of weather and season. Wear comfortable clothes such as a long-sleeve shirt or a sweater and loose-fitting, full-length pants, with shoes and socks. If you wear eyeglasses, remove them at least hour before measurement or upon arriving in our office.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially anything that leaves a red mark on the skin. Avoid scratching or rubbing skin just prior to readings, as this can warm up areas we measure.
• Inform us before coming in if you have an acute infection such as a fever, cold or flu.

The cost of the test includes an analysis of the results by Dr. Ruhland in the form of a written report, which is usually completed one week after testing, and which is used to help create a treatment plan for clinic patients during a follow-up visit. Depending on the results of the first test, a repeat thermogram is usually recommended from 2 weeks to one year after the first. Patients pay for testing at the time of service, and submit the bill to their insurance company. Dr. Ruhland is happy to discuss the results of your test with your other practitioners if you sign a written release.