Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) works by gradually exposing your immune system to antigens—substances that are triggering an abnormal immune response—such as foods, pollens, molds, and internal microbial factors. Over time, this gentle exposure “trains” your immune system to tolerate these substances rather than reacting aggressively.

Antigens can include:

• External antigens – things like pollen, foods, or chemicals, which commonly trigger allergies
• Internal antigens – substances from bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that may contribute to autoimmune reactions

By teaching immune cells to stop misidentifying these substances as threats, LDI can help reduce allergy-related symptoms, lower inflammation, and support a healthier immune balance—allowing for a freer, more comfortable lifestyle.

LDI solutions are made by carefully combining an antigen—such as a food protein, environmental chemical, or microorganism—with sterile water. The mixture is filtered through a medical-grade membrane to ensure purity, then serially diluted, often to less than one part per million of the original material.

This extremely low-dose approach allows the immune system to respond safely and effectively, reducing symptoms without triggering severe reactions.

LDI can help reduce inflammation and calm autoimmune activity that may be triggered by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or environmental toxins. Many chronic illnesses—including Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, interstitial cystitis, and lupus—involve an immune system that has become overactive or misdirected.

In these cases, LDI works to restore immune tolerance—teaching the immune system to stop overreacting and to distinguish between real threats and harmless stimuli.

It’s important to note that LDI is not designed to eradicate infections. Instead, it focuses on modulating your immune system’s response and rebalancing immune function. Many chronic conditions once thought to be caused by ongoing infections (like Lyme disease or Mycoplasma) often persist due to immune dysregulation rather than active infection.

Rather than relying solely on repeated infection-focused treatments or extensive testing, LDI addresses the underlying immune imbalance driving persistent symptoms. By restoring tolerance, it aims to reduce chronic inflammation and support long-term healing.

LDI works on all immunoglobulin (antibody) types, so this includes IgG, IgE, IgA, and IgM.

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) is quite different from homeopathy. Specifically:

Mechanism of action in the body
LDI resolves symptoms by improving immune system tolerance to specific allergens or antigens. In contrast, homeopathy does not function through immune tolerance mechanisms. LDI—unlike homeopathy—can create long-term changes in how the immune system recognizes and responds to specific allergens. Homeopathy does not directly target or address specific allergens.

How treatment is administered and monitored
With LDI, standardized doses of specific allergens are administered sublingually and gradually adjusted over time to reach a therapeutic level. The goal is to provide enough antigen to promote immune tolerance while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Multiple antigens can also be administered concurrently, such as LDI for foods and chemicals.

How the solutions are prepared
LDI solutions are prepared by diluting specific antigens in sterile water and contain measurable amounts of antigen material. Homeopathic remedies, by contrast, are typically diluted beyond the point at which detectable molecules of the original substance remain.

Effect of dilution
As LDI treatment solutions are further diluted with sterile water, they become weaker and produce a less robust immune response. Once an LDI solution no longer contains antigen material, it functions as a placebo and does not exert a physiological effect. This is the opposite of homeopathy, in which remedies are believed to become more potent with increasing dilution and succussion (shaking).

Anyone who is suffering from condition that involves an abnormal immune reaction. So almost any chronic condition.

• Allergic Disorders – asthma, anaphylaxis, EOE, MCAS, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, hay fever, chronic sinusitis, contact dermatitis, etc.
• Allergies – any type or reaction (IgE, IgG, etc)
  • Environmental – animals, trees, pollens, mold, dust, etc.
  • Food – vegetables, meats, gluten, dairy, grains, fungus, artificial colors, etc.
  • Metals – lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, silver, nickel, etc.
  • Chemicals – pesticides, insecticides, pollution, glyphosate, etc.
  • Others – Essential oils, cannabis
• Chronic Infections – Lyme disease, EBV, PANS, PANDAS, herpes outbreaks, shingles, parasites, folliculitis, acne, cold sores, athlete’s foot, candida, dandruff, ringworm, sarcoidosis, etc.
• Chronic Digestive Disorders – IBS, constipation, diarrhea, thrush, burning mouth syndrome, etc.
• Chronic Inflammatory and Immune Disorders – fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndromes, chronic neurological symptoms, hidradenitis suppurativa, vulvar lichen scleroses, chronic vaginitis, Endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, rashes, rosacea, pyoderma gangrenosum, juvenile arthritis
• Autoimmune Disorders – rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis, etc..
• Chemical and EMF Sensitivities – multiple chemical sensitivity, EMF sensitivity, reactions to various detergents, soaps, scents, etc.
• Conditions With Underlying Suspected Immune/Inflammatory Cause – osteoarthritis (not always wear and tear), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, etc.

For acute infections, the appropriate LDI formulation may help strengthen your immune response to the specific pathogen. In some ways, this is similar to how a vaccine helps guide the immune system toward a more effective response.

For chronic infections—such as Lyme disease, post–COVID-19 (CV-19), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), or Candida—symptoms are often driven less by the pathogen itself and more by immune system dysregulation and ongoing inflammation. LDI works by gently retraining the immune system to be less reactive and more precisely targeted.

For example, chronic Lyme disease often involves a combination of immune dysregulation, inflammation, and loss of immune tolerance. LDI using Lyme Mix can help calm the overactive or misdirected immune response and promote better immune balance. This is one reason chronic Lyme can respond poorly to repeated antibiotics—not simply because Borrelia is skilled at evading the immune system, but because the underlying issue may be a chronically inflamed and dysregulated immune response that also needs to be addressed.

LDI can be very beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases. In cases of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, there is a documented association with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. In these situations, we often use a formulation that includes this antigen along with two additional mycobacterial species, which can be effective for many patients with IBD.

We also offer a parasite-based mixture (comprised of protozoan antigens), which can be dramatically effective for some individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

Another approach is autologous LDI. If the above antigen mixtures do not result in complete symptom resolution, we may ask patients to provide a stool sample, which is then processed into an individualized LDI antigen. The theory is that whatever is triggering inflammation in the gut is residing within the gastrointestinal tract; by using a patient’s own sample and identifying the appropriate dilution, immune tolerance can be restored. Autologous LDI has been instrumental in resolving inflammatory bowel symptoms for a number of patients we have treated over the years.

Yes, we’ve clinically seen LDI to be helpful for desensitizing the immune system to allergens that cause an anaphylactic reaction. The LDI treatment itself does not carry a risk of triggering anaphylaxis. To gauge treatment success you will be advised to do a test dose of whichever allergen causes anaphylaxis under doctor supervision.

While LDI can reduce immune reactivity to various toxins, it does not enhance detoxification pathways. This means LDI cannot replace the need for a proper detox if toxicity is present. However, LDI works very well alongside detoxification—especially once toxins have been removed—by helping your immune system respond more calmly.

This is particularly important for heavy metal exposure or mold mycotoxins. While LDI can reduce immune overreaction to these substances, the toxins themselves must be eliminated from the body for true healing to occur.

Your LDI treatment is prescribed and monitored by your physician at Aspen. It’s specifically tailored to your body and symptoms, so it’s a patient-centered process.

STEP 1 – Consultation
It starts with an appointment with your physician who determines the best LDI antigens for you based on your symptoms, history, physical exam, and lab results.

STEP 2 – Starting Treatment
You are given your first antigen(s) in-office or we’ll mail your treatment to you. The sterile water and antigen mix is administered sublingually (under the tongue) and the treatment is as little as two drops. Dosing with LDI begins cautiously, using a weaker dilution to minimize the risk of symptom flare-ups and to assess your body’s sensitivity.

STEP 3 – Observing Response
You’ll then keep track of any positive/negative changes in your “Symptom Tracker” after each dosing. Your feedback is key in adjusting treatment for optimal effect.

STEP 4 – Return For Additional Antigens
We add antigens carefully, sometimes one at-a-time weekly, until all indicated antigens have been given. You’ll be advised to return every 6-7 weeks to get re-dosed and receive a “shotgun” of all antigens received prior. Depending on your response, we’ll carefully adjust the dosage

STEP 5 – Ongoing Evaluation
As treatment progresses we continually reassess and tweak dosages seeking optimal improvement without discomfort.

STEP 6 – Lasting Relief
With treatment our goal is long-term symptom relief and discontinuing treatment.

STEP 7 – Return for Booster As Needed
Please let the doctor know if you feel your symptoms flare after a treatment or they flare in between your 7 week break between treatments. The doctor will determine if you need to come in for a “booster” LDI.

Your physician will know if LDI is working because responses are often clear and immediate—symptoms either stay the same, improve, or temporarily worsen depending on how well the dose matches your body’s needs. Each response helps guide us toward your ideal dose.

Understanding Your Response

No Change
This means the dose was too weak or a different antigen may be needed. In this case, we can safely try a slightly stronger dilution or a different antigen about a week later. (In LDI, a lower number indicates a stronger dose.) Timing adjustments depend on your condition, needs, and other ongoing therapies.

Symptoms Worsen
This indicates the dose was likely too strong. You may notice a temporary increase in your usual symptoms—called an LDI flare. LDI does not cause new symptoms; it only amplifies existing ones. Flares typically appear within the first 48 hours and last longer when the dose is farther from your ideal range. If a flare occurs, we wait about seven weeks for your immune system to reset before restarting with a gentler dilution.

Symptoms Improve
This suggests we’re close to your optimal dose. You may experience partial or temporary relief, and we’ll adjust your dilution or volume slightly to fine-tune your response.

The Goal: Finding Your “Core Dose”
Your core dose is the ideal dilution that eliminates symptoms for six weeks or longer. Once it’s identified, maintenance becomes much simpler—helping your immune system remain calm, balanced, and resilient.

LDI usually starts with doses about once a week. As your body responds, treatments are gradually spaced out to every six to seven weeks, and often even further over time as you continue to improve. Some patients eventually stop therapy altogether and remain symptom-free for long periods.

While LDI can provide relief for years, symptoms may sometimes return. Because the immune system is complex, the treatment may require periodic adjustments. It’s more accurate to think of LDI as ongoing management rather than a cure. Patients may choose to wait until symptoms return and then take another core dose as needed. Over time, doses can be spaced even further apart — sometimes up to a year or more.

For severe food allergies, most patients notice some improvement within the first three doses. However, a total of 6–12 doses, or approximately 1–2 years of treatment, may be needed to achieve optimal results. LDI helps an estimated 70–80% of patients, though some individuals may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement occurs during the course of treatment.

If no improvement is noted, underlying factors may be interfering and should be evaluated. The most common reason LDI is ineffective is underlying intestinal dysbiosis.

If you and your physicians are not seeing the expected clinical benefits, your physician may recommend trying different LDI antigens and/or adjusting the dosing strategy. In some cases, the issue is not the LDI itself but underlying factors within the patient’s biochemistry that are interfering with progress.

For example, vitamin D deficiency can downregulate regulatory T cells and prevent the immune system from developing tolerance. Replenishing vitamin D levels helps improve immune system reserve and responsiveness. Other factors that may inhibit progress include nutrient deficiencies (such as B vitamins), adrenal depletion, toxin overload, and/or gastrointestinal dysbiosis.

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) is extremely safe and gentle. Over more than 55 years of clinical use—with hundreds of thousands of doses administered—there have been no reports of anaphylactic or life-threatening reactions, even in patients with severe allergies to components in the mixtures.

Most reported responses to LDI doses are mild and often similar to placebo, showing that factors like anxiety or heightened symptom awareness can influence perception.

Some patients—particularly those with highly sensitive immune systems—may experience temporary symptom flare-ups. Your doctor carefully tailors your dose, dilution, and treatment schedule to minimize these reactions.

• Adverse reactions are rare and usually occur only if the dose is stronger than your ideal level.
• If a flare happens, it reflects a temporary aggravation of existing symptoms and typically resolves based on how far the dose was from your optimal dilution.
• Treatment generally begins at a cautious dilution, especially for patients with complex conditions or more reactive immune systems.

With careful monitoring, LDI remains one of the safest therapies for allergies, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.

Never. The way LDI is made makes it completely safe. Each substance—whether it’s a food, chemical, or microorganism—is first mixed with sterile water, then passed through a special medical-grade filter that removes all bacteria and other particles.

The filtered mixture is then diluted many, many times—often to less than one part per million of the original substance. Each treatment dose is just two drops placed under your tongue. At that level, any trace of the original material is far lower than what you’d find in regular tap water.

Even when LDI is made from infectious materials, the filtering and dilution process removes all infectious potential, so there’s no risk of infection or exposure.

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) was developed by Dr. Ty Vincent of Global Immunotherapy and was initially used to treat Lyme disease, with a high degree of success. Since then, Dr. Vincent has developed more than seventy antigens to address a wide range of allergies, chronic autoimmune conditions, and illnesses believed to involve chronic infections. LDI is also fundamentally different from conventional immunotherapy used for environmental allergies.

As Dr. Ty Vincent, MD explains:
“With LDI, we reprogram the immune response to promote immune tolerance. This concept is central to LDI—we are re-establishing immunological acceptance or tolerance to the antigen triggering symptoms. An antigen may be a food, a natural environmental substance (such as mold, pollen, or animals), a chemical, or an infectious organism including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. In recent years, I have also found that hormones, minerals, and essential nutrients may act as antigens. The key, once the correct antigen is identified, is finding the precise dilution—the point at which the immune system stops attacking. That is the key to success with this approach.”

Both vaccines and LDI educate the immune system, but in very different ways.

• Vaccines stimulate the immune system to react against a specific threat.
• LDI works in the opposite direction: it reduces unnecessary immune reactions and promotes tolerance.

In essence, LDI is about teaching your immune system to remain calm when encountering certain antigens—rather than creating a response—helping your body distinguish harmless substances from real threats.