The Quantum Xrroid Interface System (QXCI) —also called EPFX, or SCIO—is claimed to balance “bio-energetic” forces that the scientific community does not recognize as real. The device has also been claimed to be ” the most advanced medical assessment and therapy device in the world today!” [1] It supposedly loops “all 200 trillion human cells . . . within a 55-channel biofeedback system” to create “optimal wellness.” [1] Its developer, William C. Nelson (1951- ), is said to be a medical doctor with a long and distinguished scientific career. According to Nelson:
Every item has its own voltametric signature. . . .
The word “Xrroid” is a coined word meaning the rapid testing of thousands of items in a short period of time using electrophysiological means. This data is then calculated by the computer and brought up on the screen, which tells us what the major and minor reactive substances of the patient are. Within our grid we place all the known vitamins and minerals, thousands of homeopathics, toxic substances . . . and other significant items to biology. . . .
The quantum coherency effect is achieved by matching the virtual photon and voltametric signature pattern of a reactive substance in the body of the patient and then watching the voltametric resistance changes that happen in the patient in response to the item. If there is a coherency, a reactive positive or negative pattern can be induced [2].
To operate the system, a head harness, ankle straps, and wrist straps are used to connect the patient to a digital box (pictured below) connected to a computer. After “calibration” is done, the equipment monitors, interprets the patient’s reactions to tiny electrical impulses generated by the box [3], and advises what products to take.
Further “Explanations”
According to distributors, the QXCI: (a) “gathers bio-energetic data from the body . . . at nano-second speeds,” (b) offers “over 70 unique bio-resonant therapies to rectify health patterns, thus providing a full spectrum of wellness measurement and enhancement technologies,” and (c) “engages the body electric in an unconscious biofeedback process, thus healing and rectifying the wounds and ailments via the unconscious process of the being.” [1,4]
Another distributor explained the QXCI in simpler terms:
QXCI . . . is a state-of-the-art evoked potential bio-feedback system for stress detection and stress reduction. . . .
During testing, the device resonates with thousands of tissues, organs, nutrients, toxins and allergens for one hundredth of a second each, and records the degree to which your body reacts. . . .
The QXCI scans the patient’s body like a virus-scan on a computer, looking for everything from viruses, deficiencies, weaknesses, allergies, abnormalities and food sensitivities. It reports on the biological reactivity and resonance in your body and indicates needs, dysfunctions and vulnerabilities. The information provided is fundamentally different from X-rays, blood tests, etc.., as it tells us about the energetic state of your body and the direction in which the body is focusing its energy. . . .
Once it’s measured vitamin levels, amino acids, nutrients, food substances, minerals, enzymes, natural sugars, toxins, hormone levels, muscle tone, disease, bacteria moulds, fungi, viruses and the health and balance of internal organs, it then compares these figures against a “norm”. . . .
Basically it shows up anything that is affecting the health. For example, if someone has digestive trouble, the QXCI may show that they had salmonella as a child, which is still causing them problems. . . .
Actually, it’s more than just a diagnostic tool. There are so many programs on the QXCI, which after measuring the body’s frequencies, also feeds back its own frequencies to redress or neutralize destructive wave patterns. In some cases it may add frequency, in others reverse it to either enhance or counteract the body’s own resonances The QXCI doesn’t just show up the negative aspects of the body but also the positive aspects. However, in attempting to improve and revitalize health, we tend to focus more on the negative aspects, so that they can be redressed.
The QXCI has been devised using the principles of Quantum Physics. . . . Basically, during treatment, the QXCI measures the body’s resonance/reactance pattern and determines what benefit has occurred in the time period since the last measurement (less than a second earlier). If there has not been an improvement, the input resonance is altered. It maintains each beneficial setting as long as it is helping and changes it as soon as it is no longer useful. . . .
Experience the QXCI, an ultrafast computer program with specific software, to analyze and relieve and correct all the stresses that causes illness, disease and injury in your body. A computer interface gives you fast insight into exactly what is causing your distress [5].
The QXCI device is recommended for adults, children and pets, as well as for self-use; and some proponents even claim that it can work with the patient located elsewhere. A California practitioner who advertised that sessions could be done “from the other side of the world,” stated:
If you choose to do a distance-type appointment, you will need to send a recent-as-possible sample of your hair in an envelope and your current signature on a 3″ x 5″ white index card. This will be placed in the QXCI so that the program may sample your body’s frequency. The sample and signature must arrive BEFORE the appointment can be made [6].
History of the Device
Several marketers state that the Xrroid was first used in 1985 as the Electro-Physio-Feedback-Xrroid (EPFX) System. In 1989, the Eclosion Corporation of Commerce City, Colorado, received FDA permission (510K clearance) to market the EPFX as a biofeedback device. However, the claim that it was a biofeedback device was simply a ploy to mislead the FDA.
Biofeedback is a relaxation technique that can help people learn to control various autonomic functions. The patient is connected to a device that continuously signals the heart rate, degree of muscle contraction, or other indicator. The patient is instructed to relax so that the signals decrease to a desirable level. The patient may ultimately learn to control the body function subconsciously without the machine.
Legitimate biofeedback devices are not used for diagnosis or claimed to influence any disease process. When the agency learned that the EPFX was being used for diagnosing and treating medical conditions, it informed Eclosion that this was illegal and, in 1992, the company issued a recall notice for the software for 139 devices that had been distributed at that time [7,8]. A 1992 FDA report states that the device was being used primarily by chiropractors, dentists, and physicians interested in homeopathic diagnosis and treatments and that company had made unapproved changes to the software program that deviated significantly from the original 510(k) application [7].
For several years, the QXCI was described an improved version of the EPFX. During the past few years, however, the device has been marketed mainly under the name EPFX or SCIO. The manufacturer is QX Ltd, of Budapest, Hungary. The device is not legally marketable in the United States as a diagnostic or treatment device, but distributors and importers get around the law by pretending that it is legitimately used as a biofeedback device for stress reduction. QX Ltd. has stated that more than 3,000 Xrroid devices have been sold worldwide. The 2002 price for the interface device, software, user manual, and basic training was $13,000. Used devices reportedly sold for $8,000.
Additional training has been available from several sources, the most notable of which was the International Medical University Natural Education (IMUNE, which was headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland but appeared to operate primarily in the United States. IMUNE provided “educational programs leading to certification in biofeedback for . . . individuals who have demonstrated not only an understanding of the QXCI but who have firm roots in an approved health care practice.” Its offerings included a professional seminar series ($400) and a 6-day “certification” course ($2,000) [9]. The IMUNE Web site suggested that practitioners have their clients sign an “informed consent” which states (in part):
I . . . understand that the QXCI is a device used to identify and balance sources of bio-energetic stress that may impact on the mind-body system. No information should be construed as a claim or representation that this device is used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease or any other medical condition [10].
QX Ltd.’s chief executive officer, Benny Vervliet, moderates the “Official QXCI-English Discussion Group,” which has about 400 members. The group is open to anyone and enables members to access a practitioner database. On May 26, 2002, the database included 27 practitioners in the United States, 12 from Canada, 8 from Germany, 6 from Spain, 5 from England, 4 from Sweden, 3 from Norway, and 11 from other countries. However, many other practitioners are not listed.
The Quantum Alliance Web site has a video demonstration of the EPFX device.
Nelson’s Background
Bits and pieces of Nelson’s background have appeared on more than a dozen Web sites, none of which had a complete account. The following information was obtained mainly from five sites: Moonlight Health [11], Quantum Life [12], Acer Quantum [13], Advanced Dermacare [14], and Quantum World [15]. The comments in red text in the brackets are mine.
- Dr. Nelson’s first vocational experiences were in quantum physics and electrical engineering, when he worked on the navigation system for the Apollo project. He taught mathematics, meditation, and mystic philosophy at Youngstown State University for over eight years [11].
- On moving to Denver, Nelson took a teaching assignment at Lafayette University, where he taught nutrition, anatomy, physiology, medicine, homeopathy, and corporate wellness [12]. [Lafayette University was not a school but was part of the make-believe paper conglomerate that included the American Nutrimedical Association (ANMA), described below [17]. AMNA began operations in Ohio in 1983 and moved to Colorado in 1987.]
- Nelson became a medical doctor and a licensed clinical counselor in Ohio “to diagnose and treat the ailments of mankind.” [11] [I am unable to find any listing for Nelson in a medical doctor database or any evidence that he ever practiced medicine. One biographical sketch states that he graduated from NEOCOM (Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine) but became disillusioned and dropped out during his internship, which would mean that he could not have become licensed to practice medicine in the United States [11]. The same write-up states that he obtained a medical degree from “International Medical University.” I assume that this refers to IMUNE—mentioned above—which is not a medical school. Another write-up states that Nelson got a B.S. in psychology and a masters degree in counseling psychology at Youngstown State University, a doctorate in psychology from Southeastern University (New Orleans), and a doctor of science (Sc.D.) in counseling from Lafayette University [13]. Southeastern University was not accredited and had no legitimate academic recognition [15]. Ohio does recognize the title of “licensed professional clinical counselor,” but I didn’t check to see whether Nelson was registered.]
- Dr. Nelson has a Ph.D. in both quantum physics and electrical engineering [14,15] [I have found no information on the sources or dates of these alleged credentials.]
- Dr. Nelson has been one of the most prolific lecturers and writers on the subjects of quantum biology, energetic medicine, homeopathy, alternative medicine, and the entire field of naturopathy. He has lectured around the globe on these subjects, and brought his unique synergistic prospective to integrate the sciences of mathematics, quantum physics, electronics, naturopathy, homeopathy and energetic medicine. His lecture at the Royal Society of Medicine in London is still talked about. Having authored over 70 studies and 20 books on Homeopathy, Dr. Nelson is one of the greatest contributors to natural medicine ever [11]. [The National Library of Medicine’s Medline database, which lists more than 13 million articles published in scientific medical journals, does not appear to contain any by Nelson. Minimum Price Homeopathic Books, which probably stocks more titles than any other homeopathic bookseller, lists none by him.]
- Dr. Nelson was elected president of the American Nutrimedical Association and has doctorates in homeopathy, naturopathy, science, business, and international law [11]. [The American Nutrimedical Association issued dozens of different spurious credentials, including “professional membership” certificates to anyone who sent $50. [17] Nelson’s listings in AMNA’s 1985 and 1991 directories mention “NMD” (doctor of nutrimedicine), ND (doctor of naturopathy), and PhD degrees. At that time, the only requirement for obtaining an NMD “diploma” was completion of a short application and payment of a $250 fee. Nelson was listed on AMNA’s letterhead in 1992 as AMNA president with NMD and “DSc.” after his name. I have never seen any evidence that ANMA held elections.] Another biographical sketch states that Nelson obtained his “ND degree” from “Clayton.” [13] I assume that this refers to Dr. Clayton’s School of Natural Healing, a nonaccredited correspondence school that offered a a “100-hour course” that led to its degree. His “international law degree” came from make-believe Lafayette University [12].
- After leaving Colorado, Nelson became a Professor of Homeopathy at the College of Practical Homeopathy in London and then was hired as a Professor of Medicine at the postgraduate education department of Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest [12]. [I could find no mention of him in the list of department of medicine faculty members posted to the Semmelweis University Web site in 1997.]
Taken together, the above sources claim that Nelson received eight doctoral degrees between 1980 and 1993 when he moved to Hungary. As far as I can tell—none of these came from an accredited school. Records from the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia indicate that Nelson was indicted for mail fraud in June 1996 and was placed on the fugitive list several months later [18].
In 1997, Nelson received a patent for a process for manufacturing solutions for homeopathic medicines. Nelson’s application claims that administering tiny electric currents to solutions enabled them to make homeopathic products more effective. The document described human experiments but contains no details that would enable the reader to evaluate the validity of the experimental design [19]. More important, there is no logical reason to believe that any homeopathic product is effective for its intended purpose [20].
Inherent Risks
Bogus devices like the Quantum Xrroid can cause three types of harm:
- Patients who become alarmed about improper diagnoses can wind up having unnecessary tests to rule out the presence of these conditions.
- Failure to diagnose actual diseases can lead to delay in getting appropriate treatment.
- The phony diagnosis and treatment can result in unnecessary expense.
In 2002, Marshall D. Voris, PhD, a member of the Texas State Medical Board for Acupuncture, tested a QXCI device on himself and a few members of his staff and concluded that it should not be considered a biofeedback device. In a report to Rex’s attorney, he stated:
The device fires low levels of current into the patient and then in a method similar to radar, reads the bounced signals and transfers them to a database. The data base consists of several thousand diagnostic categories from several different medical disciplines including homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, traditional medical, as well as astrology, prayer wells, and other mystical data. Upon studying the software I also found pornographic images embedded in it, for what reason I was unable to determine.
Based on that database, the patient is given a diagnosis. I ran several tests on myself and was diagnosed as having elevated mercury levels, high blood pressure, asthma, and early stage pancreatic cancer, and allergies to milk, cows, and sunlight. I was amused, as I have none of those conditions or allergies.
I tested other members of my staff and discovered similar misdiagnosis including one of the male doctors who was diagnosed a being both pregnant and suffering from testicular cancer.
If the diagnostics were not bad enough, I discovered that the QXCI then fires micro currents back into the body purportedly in an attempt to alter the conditions it has diagnosed. We use microcurrent in our practice for pain control, but one has to be careful with it as it can result in disrupted equilibrium for patients.
Although myself and the other doctors here found my results to be humorous, it would not be so for the unsuspecting patient exposed to this device. This device must be classified as dangerous. The danger it presents is two-fold: (1) it makes misleading and inconsistent diagnosis; and (2) the firing of microcurrent into an individual can be harmful [21].
Regulatory Action
In January 2008, after being embarrassed by investigative reports published in the Seattle Times [22], the FDA banned importation of the QCXI [23]. Although this is a step in the right direction, it will not protect consumers from practitioners who already have the device. Moreover, deceptive packaging may make importation difficult to detect.
The Bottom Line
The Quantum Xrroid device—also called QXCI, EPFX, or SCIO (or L.I.F.E. System marketed by a former Nelson associate) —is claimed to balance “bio-energetic” forces that the scientific community does not recognize as real. It mainly reflects skin resistance (how easily low-voltage electric currents from the device pass through the skin), which is not related to the body’s health. It is promoted with elaborate pseudoscientific explanations and disclaimers intended to protect its practitioners from prosecution. Use of the device can cause unnecessary expense as well as delay in getting appropriate treatment. If you encounter a practitioner who uses one, please ask the appropriate government agencies to investigate.
References
- What is QXCI? White Dove Healing Arts Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- Nelson WC. Quantum coherency and reactivity, 1994.
- Quantum Xrroid Consciousness Interface. Maitreya Kft. – QX Ltd. Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- How does the QXCI work? White Dove Healing Arts Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ. Global Quantum Quest Web site, accessed May 27, 2002.
- How long are appointments and what does it cost? Alternative Choices Healing Center Web site, accessed May 26, 2002.
- Gill LJ. Warning letter to Michelle Vandepas, president, Phazx Systems, Inc., May 19, 2000.
- FDA Enforcement Report, Dec 9, 1992.
- IMUNE home page May 25, 2002.
- Informed consent. IMUNE Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- Health Action Network Society. Energetic medicine. Moonlight Health Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- The biography of William Nelson. Quantum Life Web site, archived Aug 5, 2002.
- Acer Quantum Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- Quantum Xrroid brochure, Advanced Dermacare We site, archived Nov 14, 2002.
- Products. Quantum World Web site, accessed May 25, 2002.
- Bear JB. The Alternative Guide to College Degrees & Non-Traditional College Education. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1980.
- Barrett S. American Nutrimedical Association. Quackwatch Web site, revised April 16, 2002.
- Criminal Docket for Case #: 96-CR-209-ALL, USA v. Nelson. USDC District of Columbia, filed June 25, 1996.
- Nelson W, Kiely C. Process for manufacturing homeopathic medicines. Patent No. 5,603,915, Feb 18, 1997.
- Barrett S. Homeopathy: The ultimate fake. Quackwatch, Aug 26, 2001.
- Voris MD. Declaration in Rex v. Nelson et al., Aug 2002.
- Willmsen, Berens MJ. Miracle machines: 21st century snake oil. Seattle Times. Series that began in November 2007.
- IA #80-06. Automatic detention of fraudulent and deceptive medical devices.” Revised July 8, 2008.
This article was revised on July 12, 2009.
