Many Mainers have an intuitive sense that light is important to good health. A little sunshine seems to lift spirits and have a beneficial effect on our sense of wellbeing. Light exposure, specifically sunlight exposure, sets our circadian rhythm and is necessary for our bodies to produce the vital nutrient, vitamin D.
Anyone who has slept under sun dried sheets or hung a cloth diaper in the sun knows that light will disinfect and freshen. Scientists too, have been curious about the role light can play in health and healing, ever since it was observed that a pool of sugar water left in the shade would grow cloudy and host a robust colony of bacteria, while the same solution left in the sun remained clear.
This prompted theories and resulting studies that determined low and mild doses of ultraviolet light radiation kills microorganisms. This discovery, in turn, led to more research and the development of UVBI or Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation.
Today, UVBI is a medical procedure that involves exposing a small amount of a patient’s blood to ultraviolet light. A small amount of blood (usually around 60-120 mL) is drawn from the patient through a vein, similar to donating blood.The blood is then exposed to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light (typically UV-A and UV-B).
The light exposure occurs in a specialized device that irradiates the blood as it passes through transparent tubing. After exposure to UV light, the treated blood is reinfused back into the patient’s bloodstream.
Mechanism of Action:
UVBI is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and it seems to work in other ways as well. UVBI appears to stimulate the immune system, potentially enhancing its ability to fight infections and regulate inflammatory responses. Some proponents suggest that UVBI can improve blood oxygen levels and circulation, leading to better tissue oxygenation and overall health benefits.
Conditions and Applications:
UVBI has been used or proposed for various medical conditions, including:
- Infections: Particularly bacterial and viral infections where the direct antimicrobial effects of UV light might be beneficial.UVBI has been shown to be effective and safe in treating psoriasis and Hepatitis C. It shows promise in treating Lyme disease, Candida, UTI’s
- Detoxification: Breaking down toxins, free radicals, and metabolic waste.
- Autoimmune Diseases: As a method to modulate immune responses in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or lupus.
- Chronic Conditions: Some practitioners have explored UVBI for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies and even as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment.
UVBI operates on the hormesis principle: whereby a small amount of a substance benefits the system by placing a healthy stress on the body and the body responds favorably. Only 5-7% of blood needs to be treated to gain the optimal effect. The knowledgeable staff at Med Matrix will determine what amount of UVBI is right for you. Call us today to learn how a little light can make a big difference in your health.
