(hair element analysis, hair mineral analysis, hair-shaft analysis): "Diagnostic technique" that involves laboratory analysis of a sample of hair. It allegedly can be a "useful guide" to bodily well-being.
A method of determining the levels of minerals, including both toxic metals and essential minerals, in the body by measuring the concentration of those minerals in the hair. Unlike mineral levels in the blood, those in the hair reflect the person's status over several months.
Hair analysis is the result of ultra-modern technology, that has within the last 10 years provided a window into the cells. The importance of a cellular measurement is that metabolism takes place within the cells, not in the blood, urine, or other sites that are currently measured. Hair analysis thus offers a new perspective, for studying both diseases and for studying stress and coping mechanisms.
As A Treatment"...If proper collection protocols for obtaining hair samples for mineral testing are not followed, the clinical validity of the trace element results can be markedly compromised..."
A painless and easy way to test for levels of toxic and essential minerals. A small amount of hair is taken from the nape of the neck and the mineral content of the hair is determined. A computerized analysis reveals the person's condition for the last three months.
Hair analysis is the chemical analysis of a hair sample. Hair may be considered for retrospective purposes when blood and urine are no longer expected to contain a particular contaminant, typically a year or less.Eastern Research Group. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/hair_analysis/5.3.html Section 5, Choosing the Best Biological Marker. SUMMARY REPORT, HAIR ANALYSIS PANEL DISCUSSION: EXPLORING THE STATE OF THE SCIENCE.
Hair analysis is the chemical analysis of a hair sample. It is used in some branches of alternative medicine as a method of investigation to assist diagnosis. Its use is controversial.