<P> Between 1996 and 1997 sociologist David Hess conducted an interview with Francisco Contreras, in which he discussed many aspects of the Clinic's operations . Contreras said that Metabolic therapy was the main offering of the clinic, and was made up of four steps; Detoxification, restrictive low - fat, low - protein, high - carbohydrate diet, the use of Megavitamin therapy, shark cartilage, thymus and levamisole and the use of amygdalin extracted from apricot seeds . </P> <P> Another therapy was called the "Warburg" therapy named (according to Hess's account) after Otto Heinrich Warburg . This consisted of a restrictive high - carbohydrate diet, giving patients insulin and quercetin . Hess also wrote that Contreras cited a number of non-physical aspects to the clinic's therapy, including religious assistance, psychology and singing and laughter sessions--Contreras claimed that people with strong spiritual beliefs recovered better, and that laughter stimulates the immune system . </P> <P> Hess also wrote that Contreras cited a number of non-physical aspects to the clinic's therapy, including religious assistance, psychology and singing and laughter sessions--Contreras claimed that people with strong spiritual beliefs recovered better, and that laughter stimulates the immune system . </P> <P> In 2005 Ralph Moss reported that the clinic was using amygdalin and the Issels treatment . In 2011 Moss wrote a further report on the Tijuana clinics, and noted that their ability to attract custom had been diminished by the publication of research showing that amygdalin was not effective, by tougher regulation arising from the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, and from Tijuana itself become a less desirable destination as a result of a decline brought on by the war on drugs . Moss also noted that some American hospitals now had alternative medicine offerings, diminishing the distinctive appeal of the clinics in Tijuana . </P>

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