Some metals such as lead (Pb) are cleared most efficiently by IV chelation therapy, but others such as mercury (Hg) can be treated just as well orally.

It is generally best done slowly over time, to give the body adjustment time between chelation cycles and avoid dramatic side effects from the liberation of too much toxic substance from the tissues at one time.

In addition to the chelation agent the patient should also be given nutritional supplements to help clear the metals, to replace beneficial metals (zinc, magnesium, calcium) that may be depleted by the treatment and to protect the body from the potentially harmful effects of the metals entering the blood stream.

If it is done correctly patients can have dramatic improvement in their chronic symptoms without ill effects.  These are often symptoms or conditions which they have been told are 'incurable', 'permanent' or 'all in their head'.