GLOSSARY
The following are definitions of commonly used terms used in connection with the use of
therapeutic light devices:
1) Visible Light: light that is within the visible spectrum, 400nm(violet) to 700nm(red)
2) Infrared Light: light in the invisible spectrum below red, from 700nm to 2,000nm
3) Frequency: number of cycles per second measured in Hertz
4) Coherency: wavelengths of light traveling in phase with one another
5) Monochromaticity: light that is of one color, or one wavelength
6) Collimation: light focused in a beam, maintaining a constant diameter regardless of its
distance from the object or surface at which it is directed
7) Nanometer (nm): a unit of measure of wavelength of light (one billionth of a meter)
8) Nanosecond: one billionth of a second
9) Joule (J): unit used to measure the energy delivered
10) Watts (w) and milliwatts (mw, 1/ 1000th of a watt): units used to measure the power
capability.
11) Peak power output: maximum output of power, measured in milliwatts and watts
12) Average power: amount of power actually delivered in a given period of time
13) Duty cycle: amount of time the light is actually on during a given period of time
REFERENCES
The Photobiological Basis of Low Level Laser Radiation TherapyThe Photobiological Basis of
Low Level Laser Radiation Therapy, Kendric C. Smith; Stanford University School of
Medicine; Laser Therapy, Vol. 3, No. 1, Jan - Mar 1991
Low-Energy Laser Therapy: Controversies & Research Findings, Jeffrey R. Basford MD;
Mayo Clinic; Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 9, pp. 1-5 (1989)
New Biological Phenomena Associated with Laser Radiation , M.I. Belkin & U. Schwartz;
Tel-Aviv University; Health Physics, Vol. 56, No. 5, May 1989; pp. 687-690
Macrophage Responsiveness to Light Therapy, S Young PhD, P Bolton BSc, U Dyson PhD, W
Harvey PhD, & C Diamantopoulos BSc; London: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 9; pp. 497-
505 (1989)
Photobiology of Low-Power Laser Effects, Tina Karu PhD; Laser Technology Centre of
Russia; Health Physics, Vol. 56, No. 5. May 89, pp. 691-704
A Review of Low Level Laser Therapy, S Kitchen MSCMCSP & C Partridge PhD; Centre for
Physiotherapy Research, King's College London Physiotherapy, Vol. 77, No. 3, March 1991
Systemic Effects of Low-Power Laser Irradiation on the Peripherial & Central Nervous
System, Cutaneous Wounds &
Burns, S Rochkind MD, M Rousso MD, M Nissan PhD, M Villarreal MD, L Barr-Nea PhD. &
DG Rees PhD,
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 9; pp. 174-182 (1989)
Use of Laser Light to Treat Certain Lesions in Standardbreds, L.S McKibbin DVM, & D
Paraschak BSc., MA; Mod
Veterinary Practice, March 1984, Sec. 3, p. 13
Low Level Laser Therapy: Current Clinical Practice In Northern Ireland, GD Baxter BSc, AJ
Bet, MA,,JM AtienPhD, J Ravey PhD; Blamed Research Centre University Ulster
Physiotherapy, Vol. 77, No. 3, March 1991
The Effects of Low Energy Laser on Soft Tissue in Veterinary Medicine, LS McKibbin & R
Downie; The Acupuncture Institute, Ontario Canada; J. Wiley & Sons
A Study of the Effects or Lasering of Chronic Bowed Tendons, Wheatley, LS McKibbin
DVM, and DM Paraschak Bsc MA; Lasers in Surg &Medicine, Vol. pp. 55-59 (1983) Scc 3
Lasers and Wound Healing, Albert J. Nemeth, MD; Laser and Dermatology Center, Clearwater
FL, Dermatologic Clinics, Vol.. 11 #4, 1993
Low Level Laser Therapy: A Practical Introduction, T. Ohshiro & RG Caiderhead, Wiley and
Sons
Low Reactive-Level Laser Therapy: A Practical Application, T. Ohshiro;Book:Wiley and Sons
Laser Biostimulation of Healing Wounds: Specific Effects and Mechanisms of Action,
Chukuka S Enwemeka, PhD; Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy - U. of Texas, Health
Science Center, San Antonio, TX; The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Vol.
9. No.10, 1988
Effect of Helium-Neon and Infrared Laser Irradiation on Wound Healing in Rabbits, B
Braverman, PhD; R McCarthy. Pharmd, A Lyankovich, MD; D Forde, BS, M Overfield, BS
and M Bapna, PhD; Rush- Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center; University of Illinois,
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 9:50-58 (1989)
Bone Fracture Consolidates Faster With Low-Power Laser, MA Trelles, MD and E Mayayo,
MD, Barcelona, Spain; Lasers in Surgery & Med. 7:36-45 (1987)
Wound Management with Whirlpool and Infrared Cold Laser Treatment, P Gogia; B Hurt and
T Zim; AMI-Park Plaza Hospital, Houston TX, Physical Therapy, Vol. 68, No. 8, August 1988
Effects of Low-Level Energy Lasers on the Healing of Full-Thickness Skin Defects, J
Surinchak. MA; M Alago, BS,, R Bellamy, MD; B Stuck, MS and M Belkin, MD; Lettennan
Army Institute of Research. Presido of San Fransico, CA; Lasers in Surgery & Medicine,
2:267-274 (1983)
Biostimulation of Wound Healing by Lasers: Experimental Approaches in Animal Models and
in Fibroblast Cultures, RP Abergel, MD; R Lyons. MD; J Castel, MS, R Dwyer. MD and i
Uitlo. MD, PhD; Harbor UCLA Medical Center. CA: J Dennatol. Surgery Oncol., 13:2 Feb.
1987
Effects of Low Energy Laser on Wound Healing In a Porcine Model, J Hunter, MD; L
Leonard, MD; R Wilsom MD; G Snider, MD and J DLxon, MD; Department of Surgery,
University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City UT, Lasers in Surgery & Med. 3:285-290,
84
Effect of Laser Rays on Wound Healing, E Mester, MD; T Spiry, MD; B Szende. MD and J
Tola; Semmelweis Medical Univ. Budapes, The American Journal of Surgery. Vol 122, Oct
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Low Level Laser Therapy in the United Kingdom, Kevin C Moore, MD; The Royal Oldham
Hospital, Oldhant, UK
Source of most this article www.wholehorse.co.uk
Introduction:
BioScan is a unique diagnostic and therapeutic system proven effective in the treatment of a multitude of equine ailments and chronic discomforts. BioScan products generate and apply photodynamic light precisely tuned to specific frequencies that studies have indicated stimulate healing enzymes within cellular structures. Benefits may include
·
Stimulates cellular reproduction
·Relaxes muscles and stimulates nerve transmission
·Stimulates acupuncture points and immune response
·Provides relief of minor pains and aches
·Helps provide an improved range of motion
·Provides an increase in local blood circulation
·Stimulate tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, which are part of the healing process of wounds,
ulcers or inflamed tissue.
·Stimulate fibroblastic activity which aids in the repair process.
·Increase RNA and DNA synthesis. This helps damaged cells to be replaced more promptly.
·Increase vascularity (circulation) by increasing the formation of new capillaries.
·Stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
What does this type of therapy do?
Put simply, it reduces pain and stimulates healing. Biophotonic therapy (BPT), also known as
Low Energy Photon Therapy (LEPT), has been clinically shown to accelerate healing by at
least 40%. At this time, no side effects have been found. In fact, Russian scientists exposed
healthy tissue to biophotonic energy continuously for 30 days and found no damage to the
tissue. The body simply does not absorb what it cannot use.
How does it work?
BPT utilizes the body’s natural response to specific wavelengths of light to accelerate healing.
We have all experienced the effects of light on our bodies in many ways. Have you ever spent
too much time in the sun and been burned? That is your skin’s physical response to ultra violet
light. Have you ever been told that your body can convert sunlight into vitamin D? Again, light
is creating a physical change in the body. Even our eyes operate on a chemical reaction to light.
BPT uses specific frequencies of red and near infrared light that have been found to stimulate a
healing response in the body. Although we are all exposed to these wavelengths through the
sun, only by isolating, amplifying, and manipulating these wavelengths is BPT realized.
Light therapy can:
* Increase vascularity (circulation) by increasing the formation of new capillaries, which are
additional blood vessels that replace damaged ones. New capillaries speed up the healing
process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can
also carry more waste products away.
* Stimulate the production of collagen: Collagen is the most common protein found in the
body. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue.
It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing
collagen production less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.
* Stimulates the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP): ATP is the major carrier of energy
to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products
faster by increasing the energy level in the cell. All food turns into ATP before it is utilized by
the cells. ATP provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell.
* Increase lymphatic system activity: Edema, which is the swelling or natural splinting process
of the body, has two basic components. The first is a liquid part which can be evacuated by the
blood system and the second is comprised of the proteins which have to be evacuated by the
lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the
lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. The venous diameter and the
arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of edema (liquid and
protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.
* Increase RNA and DNA synthesis: This helps damaged cells to be replaced more promptly.
* Reduce the excitability of nervous tissue: The photons of light energy enter the body as
negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions like calcium among others to go to
the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby relieving pain. Stimulate
the release of endorphine, enkephlin and dynorphine which are the body’s own long term pain
fighting chemicals.
* Increase nerve conduction rates. Stimulate acetylcholine release.
Acetylcholine causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal peristalsis and other
parasympathetic effects.
* Stimulate fibroblastic activity which aids in the repair process: Fibroblasts are present in
connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.
* Increase phagocytosis, which is the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or
degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of
the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean up must occur before the
healing process can take place.
* Induce a thermal like effect in the tissue: The light raises the temperature of the cells
although there is no heat produced from the diodes themselves. (The BioPack cluster will be
warm to the touch because of the electronics needed to power the 30 diodes.)
* Stimulates tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, which are part of the
healing process of wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissue.
* Stimulate acetylcholine release: Acetylcholine causes cardiac inhibition and vasodilation.
How was BPT discovered?
NASA discovered the potential of BPT unexpectedly. In the early days of manned space flight,
astronauts noticed that if they were wounded in space, they did not heal until they returned to
earth. This phenomenon remained inexplicable until the mid 1980’s when NASA missions that
incorporated agricultural experiments in space were able to “shed some light” on this problem.
The astronauts discovered that if they exposed their injuries to the red light that was being used
to grow plants, their wounds would heal. NASA remains on the cutting edge of BPT research
and Omnilight/BioScan continues to further the benefits of this research here on earth. The
powerful therapeutic benefits of light therapy has been demonstrated in over 40 years of
independent research worldwide and in over 2000 scientific reports and research articles.
Both visible red and infrared light have been shown to effect at least 24 different positive
changes at a cellular level.
What wavelengths of light are most beneficial?
Visible red light, at a wavelength of 660 nanometers (1nm = one billionth of a meter),
penetrates tissue to a depth of about 8-10 mm. It is very beneficial in treating problems close to
the surface such as wounds, cuts, scars, trigger and acupuncture points and is particularly
effective in treating infections. Infrared light (880 nm) penetrates to a depth of about 30-40 mm
which makes it more effective for bones, joints, deep muscle, etc.
The diverse tissue and cell types in the body all have their own unique light absorption
characteristics; that is, they will only absorb light at specific wavelengths and not at others. For
example, skin layers, because of their high blood and water content, absorb red light very
readily, while calcium and phosphorus absorb light of a different wavelength. Although both red and infrared wavelengths penetrate to different depths and affect tissues differently, their therapeutic effects are similar.
What is depth of penetration?
Depth of penetration is defined as the depth at which 60% of the light is absorbed by the tissue,
while 40% of the light will continue to be absorbed in a manner that is less fully understood.
Treating points with Light can have a dramatic effect on remote and internal areas of the body
through the stimulation of nerves, acupuncture and trigger points that act as conduits for energy
and information throughout the body.
What are the side effects?
At this time, research has shown no side effects from this form of therapy. Occasionally, one
may experience an increase in pain or discomfort for a short period of time after treating
chronic conditions. This occurs as the body reestablishes new equilibrium points following
treatment. It is a phenomenon that may occur as part of the normal process of recovery.
What are LEDs?
LED is an acronym for Light Emitting Diode. LEDs are long life, durable, semiconductor
lamps. LEDs are incorporated into BioScan/Omnilight BPT because of their unique ability to
produce light energy at specific wavelengths and intensities. LEDs represent the latest
advancement in BPT. Please not that you will not be able to see any light emanating from the
infrared LEDs while BioScan/Omnilight devices are on. This is due to the infrared
wavelengths being outside the human visual spectrum.
LED devices usually have a 50% duty cycle. That is, the LED pulse is "on" for 0.5 seconds and
"off" for 0.5 seconds. Moreover, LED is "on" 50% of the time and "off" 50% of the time
regardless of what frequency setting (pulses per second) is used.
What about LASERs?
LEDs now surpass LASERS in BPT applications. LEDs are as effective in refining light with
the added benefits of increased safety and reduced cost. A study done by the Mayo Clinic in
1989 suggests that the results of biophotonic therapy are a direct effect of light itself, generated
at specific wavelengths, and are not necessarily a function of the characteristics of coherency
and polarization associated with lasers. In a study entitled Low-Energy Laser Therapy:
Controversies and New Research Findings, Jeffrey R. Basford, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic’s
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, suggests that the coherent aspect of laser
may not be the source of its therapeutic effect. He states:
“LED’s and LASERS are no more than convenient devices for producing electromagnetic
radiation at specific wavelengths, and in addition to the one already cited, several other studies
establish that it is the light itself at specific wavelengths that is therapeutic in nature and not the
machine which produced it. For example, Kendric C. Smith at the Department of Radiation
Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, concludes in an important article entitled
The Photobiological Effect of Low Level Laser Radiation Therapy (Laser Therapy, Vol. 3, No.
1, Jan - Mar 1991) that
1) Lasers are just convenient machines that produce radiation.
2) It is the radiation that produces the photobiological and/or photophysical effects and therapeutic
gains, not the machines.
3) Radiation must be absorbed to produce a chemical or physical
change, which results in a biological response."
The equation between the machine and the biological response is a common error often made
by those who wish to promote the commercial interests of low-energy laser technology. Light
radiation must be absorbed to produce a biological response.
All biological systems have a unique absorption spectrum which determines what wavelengths of radiation will be absorbed to produce a given therapeutic effect. The visible red and infrared portions of the spectrum have been shown to have highly absorbent and unique therapeutic effects in living tissues.
