The supposed benefits of auto-hemotherapy are related to the increased number of macrophages (defense cells). By elevating the levels of macrophages, auto-hemotherapy promises to treat various diseases, from acne to cancer, and even make you thin.
The method consists of intramuscular application of the patient's own blood. Theoretically, the blood, when applied to the muscle, is recognized by the organism as being a foreign body, triggering a immune system response, which increases the number of macrophages.
The macrophages are important defense cells of the organism, whose function is to "swallow" and destroy invading microorganisms, in addition to working together with other defense cells (T and B lymphocytes).
It is known that macrophages trigger a powerful action against viruses, bacteria and even cancer cells.
Based on this, self-hemotherapy adepts claim that the method is capable of curing various diseases, ranging from acne and stomach ulcer to cancer, to alcoholism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, obesity, among others.
Yet, there is no scientific evidence that the patients submitted to this type of treatment have presented improvements or even the cure of these pathologies.
What are the risks and side effects of autohemotherapy?
The main risk of auto-hemotherapy is the risk of infection, which in some cases can progress to generalized infection and lead to the death of the patient.
This infection can be caused by bacteria which are in the skin or in the environment itself, which often does not have adequate sanitary conditions.
The hematoma that forms after application becomes a culture medium for bacteria, where they multiply and proliferate.
The Brazilian Association of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy (ABHH), Anvisa and the Federal Council of Medicine do not recognize auto-hemotherapy as a therapeutic method, since there are no scientific studies to prove their efficacy.
For more information on auto-hemotherapy and its risks, see a hematologist or hemotherapist.
