A patient has undergone an unconventional medical treatment at a farm in Africa, where she was intentionally stung by bees as part of a therapy known as apitherapy. The treatment, administered by Stephen Kimani Kaboyo, Director and Founder of Bellafam Africa, involves using bee venom to stimulate the body’s immune response and alleviate various health conditions.
Before administering the treatment, Kaboyo assesses the patient’s suitability, taking into account factors such as pregnancy, transplanted organs, and low blood pressure. The placement of the bee stings depends on the specific ailment being treated, with some areas being targeted locally, such as the wrists or knees, and others being treated through general points, including those integrated from Chinese traditional medicine and acupuncture.
One patient, Rose Mwangi, has sought treatment for Lichen Planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. After trying conventional medication without success, Mwangi turned to apitherapy and has seen significant improvement after seven sessions. Her skin has cleared up, and she is no longer experiencing the itchy, flat-topped, purplish bumps that characterized her condition.
The science behind apitherapy is complex and not fully understood by modern medical standards. When a bee stings, it triggers an immune response in the body, which can help to alleviate conditions such as wrist pain. The venom contains proteins like melittin, which can induce immune responses and potentially contribute to health benefits. However, Dr. Subramanian Sevgan from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology cautions that extensive clinical trials have not been conducted, and the benefits of apitherapy are not yet conclusive.
Sevgan also warns of the risks associated with apitherapy, including the potential for fatal allergic reactions. He stresses that patients must be carefully assessed for allergies before undergoing treatment and that apitherapy should be used as a supplementary treatment, not a standalone therapy. Kaboyo, who has a background in civil engineering but is passionate about agriculture, has pivoted towards setting up a farmhouse and offering apitherapy treatments. As the use of apitherapy continues to grow, it is essential to approach this unconventional treatment with caution and to conduct further research to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.