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Additional Ultra Violet Information:
Ultraviolet light is part
of the light spectrum, which is classified into three wavelength ranges:
UV-C, from 100 nanometers (nm) to 280 nm; UV-B, from 280 nm to 315 nm; and
UV-A, from 315 nm to 400 nm.
Light is a form of electromagnetic energy that moves in
measurable waves. The human eye is capable of seeing only a small segment
of the spectrum known as visible light; shorter and longer wavelengths are
not visible. Therefore, shorter length cosmic rays, gamma rays, X-rays and
UV light and the longer length infrared and radio waves are all invisible
to humans. To be specific, UV energy radiates between 180 nanometer (nm)
to 400nm wavelengths in the narrow region between X-rays and just below
the violet end of the visible light spectrum.
More
than 3,000 natural and man-made substances can transform invisible
radiated UV energy into longer, visible wavelengths that appear in a
variety of colors. These substances react to UV because they are composed
of easily excitable molecules. When UV light strikes one of these reactive
substances, this energy, in the form of photons, causes each molecule to
rotate violently. As the molecules slow down, they release this radiated
energy in longer, now visible wavelengths that appear to the human eye as
a glow in the color of the specific activated material. This phenomenon
called fluorescence, is instantaneous and ceases the instant the UV light
is removed. Fluorescence lets users detect otherwise invisible traces that
indicate various quality defects, diseases and contamination.
Ultraviolet radiation has particular physical characteristics which affect
such phenomena as: Luminescence and Phosphorescence and can cause
Fluorescence. Short wave UV light is also widely used for sterilization.
Luminescence: the emission of light produced by means other than
combustion such as the luminous glow of a watch dial.
Fluorescence: the emission
of light produced by certain substances when excited by a UV energy
source. This emission ceases when UV source is removed.This is a
characteristic, along with optical contrast and relief, that enables users
to see contaminants, etc. with RestAssured lights.Phosphorescence: the
emission of light produced by certain substances when excited by a UV
energy source which continues after the energy source is removed. Black
Light: lamp producing UV light in the range between 320-380 nm. This type
of long wave light is commonly referred to as "Black Light."
UV LIGHT
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Short Wave
Length
Range: 180-280 nm |
UV-C has
germicidal power. Eye and skin protection is required. |
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Medium Wave
Length
Range: 280-320 nm |
UV-B is
characterized by the ability to cause sunburn. Some eye and skin
protection is advisable. |
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Long Wave
Length
Range: 320-380 nm |
UV-A waves are
commonly called Black Light or Wood's Light. Long waves can pigment
the skin but do not cause sunburn. Eye protection is not required, but
recommended. |
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 Ultraviolet light has been used as a disinfectant for many years and is,
in fact, still used for that purpose. If the late 1900's, Niels Ryberg
Finsen used this knowledge for a new application and started using
external ultraviolet treatment in skin and mucus membrane diseases, for
which he was awarded a Nobel prize in 1903.1 By the mid-1930's
ultraviolet treatment was well-accepted for erysipelas and other skin
infections, as well as mumps.
One of the first
pioneers to use ultraviolet light on blood rather than externally was
Emmett K. Knott, who irradiated the blood of his first human subject in
1928. The patient had a case of sepsis (bloodstream infection) following
an abortion. She had been declared beyond help by the attending
physicians, but responded dramatically to the irradiation, recovering and
being able to bear other children.2
Other researchers
followed, showing the effectiveness of ultraviolet blood irradiation (UVBI)
in treating both bacterial and viral infections. Hancock and Knott
demonstrated that ultraviolet light could be used effectively in the
treatment of bloodstream infections. By June of 1942, 6,520 patients had
been treated successfully with ultraviolet therapy without harmful
effects.3
Dr. George Miley was
a clinical physician who practiced UVBI extensively in the 1930's. His
work demonstrated an increase of oxygen absorption by the blood following
ultraviolet exposure. Dr.Miley also reported on 151 consecutive
unselected cases of acute infection treated by UVBI. In those cases that
were treated early, 100 percent of the patients recovered fully. In
moderately advanced cases, 98 percent recovered; and even patients who
were near death experienced a 42 percent recovery rate.4
With such phenomenal
success, why is UVBI almost unknown today? With the debut of antibiotic
therapy, it's ease of treatment and it's success in treating infections,
it became the treatment of choice, and UVBI fell by the wayside.
However, with the advent o multiple drug-resistant infections and an
increasing population who cannot tolerate drugs, this treatment has found
a rebirth and is again showing it's effectiveness.
Some of the proven effects of UVBI are:
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Inactivation of
toxins and viruses.5 |
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Destruction and
inhibition of growth of bacteria.6 |
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Enhancement of
the immune system's ability to fight infections.7 |
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Increase in
oxygenation of the blood.8 |
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Activation of
steroids.9 |
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Increased cell
permeability.10 |
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Activation of
cortisone-like molecules, called sterols, into Vitamin D.11 |
Other
effects and much more information are listed in the book Into the Light
by William Campbell Douglas, M.D., available at our office.
Individuals vary in
their sensitivities to UVBI. Sensitivities may be modified by certain
drugs such as sulfanilamide. Over-dosage with ultraviolet light produces
depression, lessened resistance to bacterial infections, and reduced
bacteria-killing potency of the blood with a fall in hemoglobin. The
level of exposure required for an overdose is not approached in proper
clinical practice.
The method of UVBI
used in our office involves withdrawing the patient's blood into a tube
(treated with heparin to prevent clotting), passing it into a crystal tube
as it is drawn past the ultraviolet light and drawn into a 60cc syringe.
Then it is slowly pushed back into the body. This passes the blood
through the ultraviolet light twice--coming out and going in. This
process is generally done twice, to irradiate approximately 120 cc of the
blood. The irradiated blood can then emanate secondary irradiation to the
rest of the blood.12
We frequently
combine this therapy with IV hydrogen peroxide therapy, as each therapy
enhances the effect of the other.
Possible uses for
UVBI could include colds, viral syndromes, influenza, acute and chronic
sinusitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, emphysema, other acute or chronic
infections, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. With the theory that
rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are caused by toxic
reactions to chronic bacterial infections, we are anxious to try this
therapy on these frustrating diseases, as UVBI is effective against both
bacteria and toxins. This treatment is experimental in many other
diseases, and it's use can be discussed with your physician.
With an acute
infection such as a cold or the beginning of the flu, generally one
treatment is adequate for a reduction of toxic symptoms in 12 to 48 hours.
Serious or chronic bacterial or viral infections may require more
treatment, as recommended by the physician.
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia generally show
improvement with about ten treatments, with two treatments a week for the
first week or two, then weekly thereafter.
Characteristics of Ultraviolet
Physical
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Ultra-violet has a
chemical and bacteriocidal action on the blood and tissues of the body.
It breaks down the bacterial toxins and helps the white blood cells in
their phagocytic action.
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Ultra-violet's chemical
reaction depends upon its vitamin reaction in the system. Vitamins A, B,
C, D and E are affected by the ultra-violet light.
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Ultra-violet plays a
great part in the calcium phosphorus balance and in iron and iodine
fixation.
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Ultra-violet accelerates
the lymphatic and circulatory activities.
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Ultra-violet normalizes
all metabolism and glandular activities.
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Ultra-violet stimulates
antibody production and immunizes the body against disease.
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Ultra-violet has a
stimulating action on the Sympathetic System. It, however, acts as a
sedative to pain.
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Ultra-violet is good for
the heart and the lungs.
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