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"Are you expecting me to believe that a
spectrum of sunlight can cause healing for pains in joints and
muscles?"
Light medicine has been a topic well documented since the early
1900's. Even as far back as 1870, Dr. Pleasanton, a researcher
in the United States, published research showing the relationship
between light frequency and the rate of growth of cells and tissues,
as well as their rate of cell division.1 Specific wavelengths
affect our metabolism and our aging process, according to "enlightened" scientists.
Dr. Harry Riley Spitler, M.D., O.D., proved in his book that
light plays an important role in regulating the autonomous nervous
system, as well, pointing out how certain spectrums of light
are crucial to our daily wellbeing, emotionally and physically.2
Previously, I was only familiar with laser light treatments used
to tone and rejuvenate skin, reducing lines and improving blemishes.
I am more interested at present in the beneficial effects of the
application of specific spectrums of natural light for overall
health. One study presented by Dr. Zane Kime, M.D., stated that
sunlight is a leading factor in strengthening the body's resistance
to infectious diseases, increasing the oxygen capacity of the blood,
and improving stress tolerance. Laboratory experiments supporting
his study show that exposure to sunlight increases lymphocytes
and neutrophils, and reduces the frequency of colds and respiratory
infections.3
Dr. Richard Wurtman, Professor of Endocrinology at Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, stated that wavelengths of light are almost
as important as vitamins and minerals to the body's proper functioning.4
Without proper nutrients or oxygen, our body suffers. How much
so also does our health suffer considering our modern life, with
our severe lack of natural light?
Unfortunately, the wavelength of light that is the most beneficial
to the body is often the one we are exposed to the least, due
to pollution and everyday lifestyle. The spectrum of light that
appears to be most resonant with cell tissues seems to lie within
the far infrared spectrum. Studies suggest that far infrared
light stimulates the production of cell tissue and rapidly promotes
the regeneration of skin and blood tissue in areas exposed to
it.5 This could also prove to be especially helpful in the recovery
of wounds and following surgery in preventing the formation of
scar tissue.
One of the first pioneers in the field was Dr. Neils Finsen, who
was curing lesions and variola using red and infrared rays. More
recent research performed by Tiina Karu, M.D., of the Laser Technology
Center in Russia, holds that this spectrum of light speeds up cellular
metabolic processes, like stimulating the activity of mitochondria,
and triggering enzyme activity as well as the healing, regeneration,
and normalization of damaged cell tissue. Obviously, although we
can receive this light from spending time in the sun, excessive
exposure to certain rays, such as Ultraviolet Rays (UV) in sunlight
can be damaging to our system.
The first research on isolating, or mimicking far infrared light
was done through NASA decades ago. Recently, several scientists
in Japan extended this technology, and designed a way to create
fibers to be worn on the body that emit wavelengths the same as
natural far infrared light from the sun, yet much more concentrated.
The material itself was formed primarily out of several minerals
with piezoelectric qualities, such as tourmaline and serpentine.
The raw materials were highly costly, so the technology was not
popularly used.
A breakthrough in 1994 caused the production of the "FAR
Infrared" wraps with great results. A textile engineer discovered
how to mix the piezoelectric substances with a mineral oxide without
minimizing the beneficial effects that the substance had on the
body. A separate discovery was made in which the fibers themselves
could be minimized in size (quite possibly one of the smallest
diameter fibers created to date, being several times thinner than
human hair). This maximized the amount of surface area, thus amplifying
the amount of energy within a limited area of material. Therefore,
even a thin, wearable wrap could be easily worn undistinguished
under clothes, and comfortably worn. These FAR Infrared wraps were
created for use on the following areas: Waist wraps, for digestive
region and backaches, knee wraps, elbow wraps and wrist wraps for
use on areas prone to joint and muscle injuries, and ankle wraps,
which have been reported to be beneficial for foot problems as
well as swelling or poor circulation. The manufacturers even created
a blanket and mattress to generate the far infrared benefits to
the entire body while sleeping, or relaxing.
I have found several studies that suggest the benefits of using
far infrared light on injuries: The American Journal of Geriatrics
has published a study in which elderly patients experienced an
improvement of pain and disability from degenerative osteoarthritis
of the knee. A fully randomized, partially double-blind trial resulted
in a pain reduction of more than 50% within the group using the
therapy, whereas there was no significant improvement in the placebo
group. Studies done with Magnetic Resonance Imaging suggest a more
rapid recovery from muscle fatigue, as you can see in the images.
Fig. 1. After 30 minutes exercise; dark parts indicate muscle fatigue (due to build-up of lactic acid)
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Fig. 2. Instead of the usual 2-3 hours, the FAR Infrared products help muscles recover within 20 minutes only
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Dr. Zane Kime, M.D., in his book "Sunlight"6 holds up the findings that
sunlight exposure is similar to physical exercise in its effects on the
body, as it improves the balance of blood pressure, blood sugar, and an
increase in oxygen in the cells, muscle strength, vitality and mental
stability. Natural spectrums of light found in sunlight, for example,
are essential for bone growth as well as preventing osteoporosis, regulating
hormonal functions as well as immune functions. It has occurred to me
that light may be a great help to patients who cannot exercise, because
of health reasons, age, or lifestyle inhibitions.
As we age, we all experience a shift in our hormones, and researchers
now feel this change is responsible for many of the maladies we
associate with ageing, such as menopause, sleeplessness, fatigue,
arteriosclerosis, and others. In his research in Pennsylvania at the Thomas
Jefferson Medical School, Dr. George Brainard has stated that light affects
the hormonal balance of the body, in levels of melatonin, prolactin, cortisone,
testosterone, TS4, LH, FSH, T3, and thyroid hormones. John Ott,
a modern pioneer in this subject, attributes these affects to a process
similar to the photosynthesis process in plants. In this process, light
is converted by the body into electrochemical impulses that are sent to
the pineal and pituitary glands, which send the hormones through the body's
central nervous system to all the cells of the body. The hormones affected
through this process and the functioning of these glands are the growth
hormone, thyroid hormone(TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin,
oxytoxin, melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), and anti-diuretic hormone.
Therefore, light is essential to the functioning of our entire endocrine
system.7 As hormone replacement has mixed results at times, it is possible
that in the future, doctors will prescribe light for therapy, in forms
such as the FAR Infrared wraps.
Common problems associated with lifestyle and aging, such as hypertension
and osteoporosis, headaches and digestive problems, are attributed
by some scientists to be the result of excess acidity in our system.
The American Medical Journal found that in patients with bone loss,
alkalizing their system caused a decrease in bone loss. Their conclusion
was that our typical American diet is acid-producing.8 The acids
deposited in our blood are often stored by the body in forms of
cholesterol, fatty acid, uric acid, and other villains that cause havoc
in our system.9 Sang Whang, the author of "Reverse Aging" claims that these excess acids can be eliminated with the use of far infrared products, along with consuming certain alkaline minerals and foods.10 The far infrared resonance heats up the internal temperature of the body, increasing circulation, thus enabling the blood to melt out the acidic toxins that have been deposited for years in one's arteries. A study done on carotid artery buildup showed an increase in blood flow within the artery after two nights of the subject sleeping on the FAR Infrared mattress, for an average of 10 hours a night.11
The other element contained within the FAR Infrared technology that
I investigated was the negative ions that were claimed to increase
with the use of it. Nature's "life enhancing particles", negative ions, are molecules with an extra electron, discovered in 1899 by two scientists named Elster and Geitel. Mice live longer in certain cases when exposed to negative ions. They have been linked to killing germs, and preventing infections. Dr. Igho Hart Kornblueh, a physician, found that patients recovered 57% faster from surgery when exposed to large doses of negative ions. It has also been found that negative ions seem to help with allergies, migraines, and sinus problems.12
Although negative ions are plentiful in nature (occurring at almost twice
the amount near the ocean or waterfalls as normal), our environment is
sadly lacking these energetic boosters. Dr. William Rea, Chief of surgery
at Brookhaven Medical Center in Texas, states that "Most houses don't breathe like they used to".
Steel and concrete absorb most of the available negative ions in the atmosphere,
and plastics have a positive static charge, so that the amount of negative
ions that we receive is extremely minimal.
Emotional problems? Blame it on the ions, or the lack of them. The
opposite of negative ions, positive ions, are particles with a missing
electron. In certain courts, the issue of winds that bring in positive
ions has been used as an excuse for erratic and criminal behavior.
On the contrary, negative ions promote alpha brain waves, creating
a calming effect. Dr. Albert P. Krueger, an American scientist well respected
for his extensive work with ions, discovered that negative ions
affect the rate at which serotonin is oxidized in the bloodstream. Serotonin
is secreted by the pineal glands and intestines, and affects sleep,
mood, nerve-impulses, blood-clotting, and contraction of smooth muscles.
It is most popularly associated with feelings of security, peace, and
satisfaction. Negative ions have been shown to reduce neurosis and anxiety.13
This may explain why so many people sing in the shower, or why one can't
seem to fully wake up without one. When the water falls in the shower,
it creates negative ions. Negative ions are also found plentifully
around waterfalls and oceans. Vasil'yev, a Russian ion pioneer, showed
in the 1970's that ions act on the endings of pulmonary afferent nerve
fibers, and alter the functional state of the central nervous system,
and through it, the peripheral organs.
The FAR Infrared material was shown to increase the rate of negative
ions. This should be a relief for all of us who don't live or work
at waterfalls or on the ocean shore.
As I approach my upper years, I am elated to use technology such
as this to enhance my daily life, and increase my chances of living
healthy long past my 90th birthday. I hope that you have the same
opportunity.
1. Articles on Light Therapy
2. The Syntonic Principle, 1941, Harry Riley
Spitler, M.D., O.D.
3. Sunlight, Zane Kime, M.D., Pengrove, CA, World Health Publications,
1980
4. Articles on Light Therapy
5. Ibid, pg 278
6. Sunlight, Zane Kime, M.D., Pengrove, CA, World Health Publications,
1980
7. Articles on Light Therapy, pg261
8. New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 330, June 23, 1994
9. Reverse Aging, JSP Publishing,
Sang Whang 1990
10. Ibid
11. Mitsui Hospital Research Lab, Japan
12. Negative Ions, Vitamins of the Air? Jim Karnstedt and Don Strachan
The above has been edited to remove any personal claims
made by the author and is attributed to the names below.
Health Facts, Articles, Testimonials
Reversing The Aging Process - an Enlightened Doctor's Discovery
© Copyright 1999 by Dr. Fouad I. Ghaly, M.D. |
