Photoluminescence Therapy

WHAT IS PHOTOLUMINESCENCE?
The word Photoluminescence sounds mysterious and "hi-tech", but it is an extremely simple, painless and safe means of treating a person for a variety of illnesses. 'Photo' refers to light and 'luminescence' refers to emission of light. Photoluminescence involves subjecting blood to ultraviolet light to promote healing. This is why the procedure was originally called Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation.

IS PHOTOLUMINESCENCE A NEW TREATMENT?
One of the first pioneers of Photoluminescence, Emmett K. Knott, irradiated the blood of his first human subject in 1928, Dr. Virgil K. Hancock and Mr. Knott published the first article on the therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy in June of 1934. By June of 1942 they had treated 6,520 patients with ultraviolet therapy. Not only had the treatment worked nearly every time in getting rid of infections and toxicity. It had done so in the complete absence of any harmful effects. With the advent of vaccines and antibiotics it fell into disuse and was almost forgotten. With the dangers and lack of efficacy of vaccination now increasingly appreciated, the development of dangerous antibiotic resistant species of bacteria, and with the difficulty of eradicating many viruses, including those involved in AIDS, photoluminescence has once again come to be thought of as a viable alternative therapy.

IS PHOTOLUMINESCENCE (Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation) FDA APPROVED?
Yes

WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM PHOTOLUMINESCENCE?
The following are a list of medical conditions that may be significantly improved by the treatment:
" Infections of all types (bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoa)
" Venom Poisoning
" Chronic Fatigue, Candidiasis (fungal infection)
" Poor Oxygen, Low Blood Counts
" Toxicity in general, Blood Poisoning
" Poor Circulation, Occlusion of arteries (including stroke), thrombophelebitis, Macular degeneration
" Asthma, Allergies, Emphysema
" Cancer-adjunctive, Emphysema
" Diabetes Complications
" Poor Immune Function
" Rheumatologic Diseases, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis Pain
" Arthritis-adjunctive conditions
" Injuries, wound healing
" Dermatological conditions, acne, psoriasis

IS PHOTOLUMINESCENCE SAFE?
As indicated above, Photoluminescence is extremely safe. It is contraindicated only in people with the diagnosis of Porphyria, hereditary metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria, exeroderma pigmentosum, acute photodermatitis, a hypersensitivity to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet light, acute hemorrhagic diseases (such as hemophilia-but not including routine medical anticoagulation), Hyperthyroidism, subacute appendicitis and cholecystitis, immediately after a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Some antibiotics should not be taken during the course of the U.V. light therapy, unless under the direct supervision of your doctor. They may be photosensitizing. Those taking thyroid medications may need to decrease their dosages to avoid excessive elevations of metabolism, which might ensue when combined with the U.V. light therapy. Thyroid testing may need to be performed during treatment in selected cases.

DOES IT HURT?
The only discomfort is during the insertion of the needle and is minimal. The effects are long lasting and there is an absence of harmful side effects. The simple treatments are easily combined with other medical procedures and are economical, dependable and gentle for the patient.

WHY IS ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT EXPOSURE BENEFICIAL TO THE BLOOD?
Exposing the blood to the ultraviolet light has been shown to have the following effects:
" Increase in the oxygen combining power of the blood.
" Inactivation of toxins and viruses.
" Destruction and inhibition of fungal and bacterial growth.
" Activation of the immune system.
" Reduction of cholesterol and clot formation tendencies.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
A catheter is initially placed (similar to a blood draw) in one of the veins around the elbow. The blood is removed and travels through a small glass chamber, called a cuvette, where it is subjected twice to ultraviolet light and returned to the blood stream. Generally, 25-40 cc of blood is withdrawn (and returned) 3-4 times. The entire process is a closed, sterile procedure.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE DESIRED RESULTS?
This varies with the individual, but many people begin to feel improvements in their condition after just a few treatments. Depending on the severity of the condition, some patients may need ten or more treatments. For conditions not as severe, three to five treatments are normally required.

HOW OFTEN ARE THE TREATMENTS GIVEN?
Acute infectious situations typically will be treated with one treatment daily or every other day until improved or resolved. Chronic situations are treated on a variable schedule, but a typical pattern of treatment would be one treatment two times per week for three weeks, and then one treatment weekly for four weeks, then gradually moving towards one treatment every two months as maintenance.

DOES INSURANCE COVER PHOTOLUMINESCENCE?
Please check with your individual policy as to coverage.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$145.21 / session

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
About half an hour

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A TREATMENT?
Some people feel better immediately afterwards. Occasionally, some people feel worse before they feel better. This is because the body is actually detoxifying from the treatment. The stimulated oxidation process can cause your body to 'break' an infection. Detoxification symptoms include feeling tired or run-down, fever, chills, and flu like symptoms. This will usually last the night of your treatment and most people then feel better afterwards. In individuals with weakened immune systems (chronic fatigue, Candida, multiple sensitivities, etc.) it may take up to four treatments (rarely more) before the immune system is noticeably better.

PATIENT GUIDELINES:

1. Assist your body in eliminating waste and toxins that will be flushed by this therapy. You need to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of pure water daily, especially in the 24 hours before and after your treatment, and preferably between meals.
2. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 hours following each U.V. light treatment. Gentle walking will facilitate lymph drainage and support your treatment.
3. Have at least one bowel elimination daily. This will be aided by exercise, eating fruit, taking extra magnesium and Vitamin C to bowel tolerance, taking herbal laxatives when needed or flax seed as herein suggested: Flax Seed Recipe: 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed oil in 1 quart pure water. Bring flaxseed to boil in water, remove from heat and let sit one hour. Refrigerate. Take 1 tablespoon up to three times daily to promote healthy bowel elimination.
4. Bathe your body daily and rub your skin vigorously with a terry washcloth or loofah.
5. Avoid taking large amounts of anti-oxidant supplements that may hinder the oxidation process the day of your treatment. These include vitamins: beta-carotene, C, E, selenium, glutathione, pycnogenols, and (S.O.D.) Superoxide dismutase.
6. *****MOST IMPORTANTLY, EAT HEALTHY FOOD! *****

Offered by Dr. Robyn Benson