Girl Once Allergic to Most Foods Eats Without Fear
A 7-year-old in Denver has dropped strict restrictions after three years of a holistic therapy program developed by a nutrition coach.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Packing lunch for Julia Black used to mean checking labels and coordinating with school nurses. Now, the 7-year-old grabs a cheeseburger without her parents worrying about a reaction. The shift began in April, when Julia celebrated her first unrestricted meal at the Cheesecake Factory.
Julia was previously allergic to eight major food groups: wheat, dairy, eggs, sesame, peas, lentils, mustard, and nuts. Her mother, Gina Black, described the condition as a daily struggle. "I just prayed that she was safe every day," Black said. Julia sat at a designated table at school where staff monitored her constantly.
The family turned to the Allergy Release Technique, or A.R.T., after a photography client suggested a less invasive option than the 30 skin pricks Julia previously endured. A.R.T. was founded by Amy Rose, a board-certified nutrition coach, after her son suffered a severe hospitalization from a food reaction more than 20 years ago.
Rose combines a bio scan machine to evaluate the immune system with tapping methods and positive affirmations. The goal is to move the body out of an overreactive state before reintroducing specific foods. Rose said the process helps families manage the anxiety surrounding new meals.
A 2024 study published in The Journal of Alternative Medicine and Therapies examined the therapy. The research, which involved Boston University and Boston Children's Hospital, found that A.R.T. patients showed less sensitivity in skin tests. These patients also consumed larger amounts of allergens safely and reported a lower daily burden from allergies.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that some children outgrow food allergies naturally. The academy recommends that an allergist confirm when an allergy has resolved. Black said she was initially skeptical of the holistic approach but found the results convincing.
"And then little by little, it was mind-blowing honestly, absolutely mind-blowing," Black said. Her husband, Matthew, said the process was difficult but worth the outcome. Rose has treated patients ranging from children to adults in their 80s.
