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Hulda Regehr Clark (18 October 1928 – 3 September 2009)[1] was a naturopath, author, and practitioner of alternative medicine. Clark claimed almost all human disease was related to one of two causes: parasitic infection or pollution. She also claimed to be able to cure all diseases, including cancer and HIV/AIDS, by using a holistic program that included several elements (see Treatments and Methods below) and by destroying parasites using an electrical device called the Zapper.[12] Clark wrote several books describing her methods. She had a private practice office as a nutritional consultant in Indiana before moving to San Diego, California. Eventually she relocated to Tijuana, Mexico where she ran the Century Nutrition clinic. Her books have been translated into 17 languages.[NS-1]

Clark was a controversial figure, drawing both criticism and support for her beliefs and methods. Clark's claims and devices were dismissed by alternative medicine figure Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND (a founder of Bastyr University) as scientifically unfounded.[24] Food and Drug Administration Director of Office Enforcement John Taylor once called them “potentially fraudulent,” although no investigation was made in relation to their efficacy.[2] Clark’s fans were “equally fervent in their support” and defended her methods.[NS-2] Clark supporters ranged from average citizens to well-known people such as Massachusetts State Representative Nancy Caffyn.[NS-2]

Clark was charged with practice of medicine without a license in 1993 in Indiana. The charges were dropped in 2000 for violating Clark’s right to a speedy trial.[21]

Clark died 3 September 2009 of multiple myeloma (a blood and bone cancer).[4][5][6]

Background

Clark began her studies in biology at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, where she was awarded Bachelor of Arts with high honors in Biology in 1949 and a Master of Arts degree (with no field of study or major stated) in 1950. After two years of study at McGill University, she attended the University of Minnesota studying biophysics and cell physiology. She received her doctorate degree in 1958 from the University of Minnesota. Her website's biographical sketch states her degree was in physiology,[7] but the Graduate School's Register of Ph.D. Degrees conferred by the University of Minnesota, July 1956-June 1966, states she received a Ph.D. in 1958 with a major in zoology and a minor in botany, with a thesis entitled "A study of the ion balance of crayfish muscle; evidence for two compartments of cellular potassium."[8]

In an interview she stated “I am a very broad spectrum biologist including botany, zoology, physiology and biophysics and the math and chemistry to go with it.” [NS-29]

After completing her degree, Clark moved to Indiana where she conducted government-funded research at Indiana University. In 1974 Clark began private consulting and her own research. She held a naturopathy degree from the defunct Clayton College of Natural Health[7] (which operated from 1980 to 2010) a school lacking accreditation from any accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.[9] The state of Indiana does not have a naturopathic licensing law requiring accreditation.[NS-3]

Almost twenty years later, in 1993 Clark moved to San Diego. This was the same year that two of her books were released--The Cure for All Cancers and The Cure for HIV/AIDS. The move to California came two months before charges were issued against her in Indiana. [20] In California she published several more books.

From 2002 until her death she operated the Century Nutrition health clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, where her focus was primarily on late-stage cancer patients. Clark and her son Geoff separately owned businesses her patients and others used, including a restaurant, her self-publishing company, and a self-health store that sold her inventions. According to civil court records, her books generated over $7 million in sales by 2002, although Clark disputed this figure.[2]

Treatments and Methods

According to Clark, all disease is caused by foreign organisms and pollutants that damage the immune system. Clark asserted that eliminating parasites, bacteria and viruses from the body using herbal remedies or electrocution while removing pollutants from the diet and the environment would cure all diseases. In her book she states:

Killing parasites, removing pollutants, and clearing gallstones and kidney stones from your body are a powerful combination of treatments. It is so powerful you can change yourself into a new person in half a year. And then go on improving for years more.[11]

Parasites and Pollutants

In her book The Cure For All Cancers, Clark postulated all cancers are caused by the flatworm Fasciolopsis buski. This worm lives mainly in south and south-eastern Asia, especially in rural areas where people eat unboiled food from water plants, or where pigs live close to humans.[NS-4] Clark was surprised by her discovery of F. Buski in cancer patients. “I had learned of course that it would only occur in remote areas, in China or India, certain tropical regions, and that you would never see a single case of it in the United States.”[NS-29] “The parasite as it is studied in China and India, the way we were taught it, occurs in your intestines, but the way I see it in cancer patients, is that it occurs in your tissues.” She believed that the parasite invades an already-existing tumor, and then in conjunction with a toxin or pollutant from the environment, causes the tumor to become malignant. [NS-29] Her earlier books blame Fasciolopsis buski as the primary culprit for disease, while her later book states that “[F. Buski] does not act alone. It acts together with four or more partners.” [NS-7]

Clark also said that HIV is a worm virus and that the worm, in conjunction with benzene, is responsible for AIDS: "I find it in every case of cancer, HIV infection, Alzheimer's disease… If benzene is the solvent, the intestinal fluke uses the thymus for its secondary host, setting the stage for AIDS. [11] She states in a documentary interview that she had several samples of water from Africa tested at a lab and found that the water contained benzene as well as “very high levels of toluene, xylene, and ten or a dozen other very bad solvents.”[NS-29]

According to Clark, hookworms cause depression. Epilepsy and seizures are caused by swelling in the brain, attracting calcium and heavy metals, created by the parasite Ascaris as well as by malvin, a natural dye found in strawberries, chicken, and eggs.[11]

Frequencies

Clark said that all living beings have frequencies, and these frequencies can be measured by using a device call the Syncrometer. Another device called the Zapper could then be used to kill parasites using their specific frequency.[11] Clark states instructions for building these devices, including a detailed list of parts, in her book The Cure for All Diseases.

Clark believed that the Zapper not only killed small invaders such as parasites, but the device also stimulated the immune system to energize white blood cells to attack invaders themselves. “A positive electric force that pulses up and down not only appears to kill tiny invaders; it also seems to energize your white blood cells to go on an all-out attack on your enemies: your parasites, your toxins, your bacteria, everything in spite of their immunity blockers." [NS-28]

Clark notes in her book that zapping does not kill “shielded” organisms such as “those that may be in the middle of your stomach or intestines.”[11] She does not make claims of safety, and specifically warns against using the devices for pregnant women and those with pacemakers.[11] She lays the plans out in her book inviting those around the world to try and test it for themselves.[11]

• Syncrometer: A "bioresonance" device developed by Clark and claimed to detect contaminants in substances up to one part per quadrillion (ppq).
• Zapper: A device thought to pulse low voltage direct current (DC) through the body at specific frequencies. Clark said this device kills viruses, bacteria and parasites. In one case, a patient with a cardiac pacemaker suffered arrhythmias because of interference from the "Zapper."[18]
• Homeography: According to Clark, a "new science ... which is the electronic analog of homeopathy." She said an electronic signature of a substance can be transferred into bottles making a "bottle copy" of the original substance and that it can be done indefinitely.

Cleanups and Cleanses

Clark said food and supplements were sullied by contaminants such as heavy metals, byproducts in manufacturing, residue, and mold. She created the “four clean-ups” in relation to dental, diet, body, and home. She also put forth several cleanses in her books (parasite, kidney, liver, and intestines). She advocated the use of a "liver flush." She said it removes gallstones and parasites from the liver and bile ducts. This involves fasting, epsom salt laxatives and a mixture of olive oil and grapefruit juice.

Treatment Claims

Clark claimed she could actually cure all diseases, whereas, she asserted, conventional treatments for diseases, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, often only aim to relieve symptoms.[12] [11]

When the cause is not found but the symptoms can be removed, helpful as this is, you have only found a treatment. My research was a search for the causes of cancer, how they might be removed, and whether their removal would lead to relief from the disease.[NS-6]

Clark made her research, devices plans, and theories widely available and did not patent her Zapper or Syncrometer. She is quoted as saying “I would not be one to make a two million dollar device out of [the syncrometer]. I want people to find what is wrong with their health. I want them to find out what its wrong with the environment.” She also said “I am hoping that some scientists will try to repeat my research. Isn’t that what science is all about? To try to repeat something? Not to say it couldn’t be true… but to try to repeat it. And if you see it is true, you have to have the courage to say so.”[NS-29]

Clark advocated for the use of her methods as a substitute for standard medical care in her first book:

Does this mean you can cancel your date for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy? YES! After curing your cancer with this recipe it cannot come back ... Remember that oncologists are kind, sensitive, compassionate people. They want the best for you. They have no way of knowing about the true cause and cure of cancer since it has not been published for them.[17]

In one of her last books, The Cure and Prevention of All Cancers, she writes:

Does this mean you can cancel your date for surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy? Yes, but only after curing your cancer. Your doctor would be the first to agree. But he or she should have proof. You could provide this. Set yourself a goal of providing proof to your doctor before your admission date to the hospital. This is not a treatment for cancer: It is a cure! The cure does not interfere with the treatment because it is mainly removing things, not giving things. Removing causes with noninvasive methods cannot interfere. Feel free to discuss this concept with your doctor. [NS-28]

In her book Cure for All Diseases she wrote “Should you stop taking your prescription medicine while you are treating yourself? NO. Wait until you have cured yourself of the condition that required the medicine.”[11] The disclaimer in her books states “The treatments outlined herein are not intended to be a replacement or substitute for other forms of conventional medical treatment. Please feel free to consult with your physician or other health care provider.”[NS-6]

Regarding the effectiveness of her treatment, Clark wrote, "The method is 100% effective in stopping cancer regardless of the type of cancer or how terminal it may be. It follows that this method must work for you, too, if you are able to carry out the instructions."[17] In an article in the Indianapolis Monthly, Clark is quoted as saying “I’ve never passed myself off as a medical doctor. My purpose is to enable the average citizen to investigate their own health problems.” [NS-2] While in the affidavit from her trial she is quoted as saying "I have treated about 70 patients and haven't had a single failure. There's no way it can fail if you know how to kill it.”[19]

Evaluation of Claims: Criticism

Hulda Clark has been criticized by those who claim her theories lack scientific validity and consist of anecdotal evidence. Joseph Pizzorno, a prominent naturopathic physician, evaluated Clark's claims and found that her books mixed patients with conventionally diagnosed cancer with those whose cancer diagnosis was based solely on her use of the "Syncrometer". The patients with medically diagnosed cancer did not respond to Clark's treatment, while those she had diagnosed using the "Syncrometer" were "cured". Pizzorno concluded that Clark's treatments were ineffective and treatments based on Clark's recommendations "pose a substantive public health danger".[24] She was described in the book Denying AIDS as "perhaps the first quack AIDS curer."[13]

Evaluation of Claims: Research

PLEASE NOTE THE PURPLE FONT COLOR

Frequency Treatment

Research shows that frequency therapy shows promise for treating a variety of conditions, including cancer.[NS-8] These studies use devices similar to the Zapper, although not the Zapper device itself. New researchers believe the electric currents have an anti-oxidant effect [NS-9] and that they also physically interfere with cell division. [NS-10]

A study by the American Association of Cancer Research used low-intensity alternating electric fields in the 100-300 kHz frequency range. The fields were found to have “a profound inhibitory effect on the growth rate of a variety of human and rodent tumor cell lines.” The electric field treatment resulted in “significant slowing of tumor growth and extensive destruction of tumor cells within 3-6 days.”[NS-11] “This effect, shown to be non-thermal, selectively affects dividing cells while quiescent cells are left intact.”

Another study was conducted on humans using frequencies from .2 Hz to 114 kHz. [NS-12] “We undertook this study to identify tumor-specific frequencies and test the feasibility of administering such frequencies to patients with advanced cancer,” say authors. There were 163 advanced stage cancer patients in the study. No patients reported adverse side effects and the study concluded that “cancer-related frequencies appear to be tumor-specific and treatment with tumor-specific frequencies is feasible, well tolerated and may have biological efficacy in patients with advanced cancer.”

Electric field therapy could now become the new standard in the treatment of Glioblastoma (brain tumors) [NS-13] A clinical study used low-intensity fields to disrupt cell division of tumor cells on a glass dish. [NS-8] The device is called the “NovoTTF-100A” and is “a portable device delivering low-intensity, intermediate frequency electric fields via non-invasive, transducer arrays. Tumour Treatment Fields (TTF), a completely new therapeutic modality in cancer treatment, physically interfere with cell division.”[NS-10] The FDA approved this treatment.[NS-13a] Aetna has commented on ETTF (electric tumor treatment fields), calling them “experimental and investigational,” and saying “there are 2 modes of action for these anti-tumoric effects: (i) arrest of cell proliferation, and (ii) destruction of cells while undergoing division. Both effects were observed when such fields were applied for 24 hours to cells undergoing mitosis that is oriented along the field direction.” [NS-14] This was further explained in a Ted talk by Bill Doyle titled “Treating Cancer with Electric Fields.”[NS-15]

Additional studies have looked at cancer cells affected by electromagnetic fields,[NS-16] leukemic cells affected by direct electric current,[NS-17] and low-frequency magnetic fields role in the death of human leukaemia cells.[NS-18]

Microcurrents were shown to help diabetes, hypertension, and chronic wounds in a study showing that 30-100% of test patients had wounds healed after 2-4 months of treatment. Patients either reduced or stopped medication by the end of treatment, and had no side effects.[NS-9] Study authors noted that “ultra-low microcurrent presumably has an antioxidant effect.”

Malaria is another ailment for which treatment is being researched using electric current treatment. A study showed that electromagnetic fields were effective against malaria parasites, and suggested it as a feasible low-cost treatment option for treating both malaria and human cancer cells. [NS-19]

The FDA has a summary of the effects of magnetic fields on microbial populations for uses of food safety. They call the results “controversial” and say “consistent results concerning the efficacy of this method are needed before its potential use as a food preservation method is assessed.” They call for more research, saying “Some of the more significant research needs are: Identify key resistant pathogens. Establish the effects of magnetic fields on microbial inactivation. Elucidate the destruction kinetics of magnetic fields. Determine the mechanism of action of magnetic fields. Determine critical process factors and effects on microbial inactivation. Validate the process and evaluate indicator organisms and appropriate surrogates. Identify process deviations and determine ways to address them.”[NS-20]

Parasites

Clark claimed that all cancer was caused by parasites and pollutants. Studies have confirmed that certain parasites can trigger cancer, although studies have not linked F. Buski to cancer. Up to twenty-five percent of malignancies are caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites.[NS-21] The American Cancer Society states that two liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis have been found, mostly in East Asia, to cause cancer of the bile ducts. Schistosoma haematobium is another parasite that has been linked to cancer, primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Further studies are in progress. [NS-22] [NS-23]

Liver Cleanse

Liver flushes remain a “little-researched area of modern medicine.”[NS-24] One study showed that the gallstones produced were actually no more than a combination of the ingredients taken to instigate the flush. A second study showed passage of actual gallstones verified by ultrasound. More study is needed on this topic.[NS-24]

Anecdotes: Patient Complaints

In 2002, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Clark and her son Geoff operated a restaurant and leased housing for patients at Clark's Tijuana clinic. The article described a couple whose daughter, suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, was treated for 10 months by Clark at a cost of approximately $30,000 without improvement. Despite the cost and lack of improvement, the couple stated Clark insisted she was close to curing the child, and stopping treatment might endanger her.[2] The patient's mother commented, "People don’t understand why we stayed so long, but Hulda Clark did a very good job of preying on us," and Clark, while stating she could not respond to the parents' allegations on grounds of patient confidentiality, denied their statements in general.[2]

Anecdotes: Patient Support

In 2000, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported on a woman who went to Clark’s clinic in Mexico to heal. Of her treatment she said “Suddenly, I felt better than I had in my whole life." She had her metal fillings removed, did several cleanses, zapping, and nutritional therapy. Her doctor suspected she had fibroid tumors, but she did not have it confirmed by biopsy. She had been smoking a pack a day since age 13 and had a family history of breast cancer. At first Lynch was disbelieving of Clark’s treatment. At the urging of a friend she followed the treatment plan. Her lumps didn’t get worse, but also didn’t get better. She traveled to Mexico and had her fillings removed, after which she said “When the last filling was out, I suddenly felt this incredible rush and I had a convulsion, as if I had been struck by lightning.” She stayed for three weeks for cleanses, zapping, and nutritional therapy. “I felt the treatments were working-the mental clarity was profound. I think toxins are related to mental health issues,” she said.[NS-25]

In 2000, Nancy Caffyn, a Republican member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, vouched for Clark’s methods. "So much of what she advocates is just common sense, when it comes to cleaning up your body and ridding yourself of the chemicals and toxins you take in every day," Caffyn says. "It seems like every other day I read something about medical research that discovers something that Dr. Clark (she holds a Ph.D.) has talked about for years."[NS-26] Caffyn passed away in 2010 at the age of 75 after a 15-year battle with cancer.[NS-27]

Another patient named Drew in an article in the Indianapolis Monthly credits her wellness to Clark’s regimen of “body cleanses, the Zapper, and removal of all amalgam fillings.” She says she “spent thousands of dollars on conventional and alternative treatments before Clark helped her.”[NS-2]

Legal Issues and Arrest

Indiana

Charges were filed against Clark in Indiana in 1993. She was extradited from California and returned to Indiana in 1999, upon which charges were dropped due to failure to provide her with a speedy trial. In May 1993, while Clark lived and practiced in Indiana, an investigator for the Indiana Department of Health and a deputy attorney general visited her office incognito as part of a sting operation. Clark proceeded to test the investigator and "told him he had the HIV virus [sic], but said that he did not have cancer." She told the investigator that she could cure his HIV in 3 minutes, but that he would "get it back" unless he committed to returning for six more appointments. She was so confident that she offered a money back guarantee, and said that she was publishing her book in two months. She then ordered blood tests from a laboratory.

After getting the blood test in Indianapolis, the undercover agents returned to Clark’s office. Clark received an urgent phone call, after which she asked them if they were from the State Board of Health. The undercover agents revealed their identity. Clark asked the agent what he would do about the positive AIDS test but also stated everything she had told them in a previous appointment had been a "mistake". Two days later, she had vacated the premises and moved to California.[19][20][21]Clark said she had been planning the move for two months as caretaker to a 96-year-old woman who wanted to be near the ocean, and that Clark also had an offer to publish her book in California. [20] Charges were filed three months later in August 1993.

Six years later, in September 1999, Clark was located and arrested in San Diego, California, based on a fugitive warrant from Indiana. According to Clark, she knew about the investigation but this was the first time she learned about the charge. Her lawyer protested the long delay before her arrest, but a prosecutor implied that she fled Indiana "when she learned that she was being investigated by the state," and the local police department had limited resources to devote to finding her.[20] Clark’s lawyer Ross Thomas said “The reason for the delay is that the officers didn’t look.” Clark had an international following and she said she was “far from hiding” while writing books, publicizing her theories, holding a CA driver’s license, passport, and bank account.[20] She was returned to Indiana to stand trial, where she was charged with practicing medicine without a license. The charge was later dismissed for failure to provide her with a speedy trial. The judge's verdict did not address the merits of the charges but only the issue of whether the delay had compromised Clark's ability to mount a defense and her right to a speedy trial.[2]

Mexico

In February 2001, Mexican authorities inspected Clark's Century Nutrition clinic and ordered it shut down, as the clinic had never registered and was operating without a license. In June 2001, the Mexican authorities announced that the clinic would be permitted to reopen, but was prohibited from offering "alternative" treatments. The clinic was also fined 160,000 pesos (about $18,000), and Clark was barred from working in Mexico, even as a consultant; however, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported in 2003 that there was evidence that Clark continued to work at the clinic.[22]

Personal life

She was married to John Burt Clark from 1956 to 1965. During that time she had three sons: Geoffrey Allen Clark, Douglas Burt Walcerz, and Robert John Clark.

Works

• The Three Owls Reading Method (1965–67)
• The Cure for All Cancers (1993)
• The Cure For HIV / AIDS (1993)
• The Cure for All Diseases (1995)
• The Cure For All Advanced Cancers (1999)
• Syncrometer Science Laboratory Manual (2000)
• The Prevention of all Cancers (2004)
• The Cure and Prevention of All Cancers (2007)
• Dr. Clark’s Healthy Recipes (2010)
• Syncrometer Science Laboratory Manual (2011)

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