Cutler's theories, conclusions, and treatments may elicit raised eyebrows from M.D. allergy specialists, although they are commonly used by naturopaths. She diagnoses allergies by means of muscle testing: the patient holds a glass vial of the allergen in one hand while the health professional presses down on the other arm, with weakness indicating allergy. Part of her process uses acupressure to stimulate points on the spine to activate energy blocks and reprogram the brain to stop identifying the substance as an allergen. Her treatment includes enzyme therapy.

Much of The Food Allergy Cure is a discussion of allergies, their symptoms (which can be just about any ailment, complaint, or condition), causes, and food triggers, with plentiful case studies of Cutler's success with patients. There is very little actual self-help information here. Usually Cutler discusses a condition and its roots in food allergies, and then describes how successful she is in treating patients with this condition using her BioSET system. The only at-home treatments described in the book are muscle testing, acupressure technique, an introduction to detoxifying activities, and a number of dietary suggestions and recipes. Other than that, she advises you to consult a BioSET practitioner (you're directed to the author's Web site for a referral list) and/or order the products she promotes. --Joan Price