Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UVBI) therapy is a therapeutic method that harnesses the potent antibacterial properties of ultraviolet light to treat various medical conditions. This innovative therapy involves exposing the patient's blood to ultraviolet light, thus amplifying the body's immune response and promoting healing.
UVBI therapy, tracing its roots back to the early 1900s, has a rich history marked by significant milestones. Dr. Neils Ryberg Finsen, recognized as the pioneer of UVBI therapy, received a Nobel Prize in 1903 for his successful treatment of lupus and other skin conditions. Subsequently, researchers like E. Knott and V. Hancock expanded its application to septicemia in the 1920s, while the 1940s witnessed its effectiveness against the polio virus.
Throughout the mid-20th century, UVBI therapy was extensively employed across the globe, with over half a million treatments administered to more than 30,000 patients. Its use extended across numerous medical facilities in the U.S, reflecting its widespread acceptance within the medical community.
Ultraviolet light, inherently antibacterial and microbicidal, has been a trusted ally in maintaining cleanliness for centuries. Today, it remains integral to many applications, from water purification to air ventilation in medical facilities, and sterilizing surgical equipment. Further, the therapeutic use of light has evolved to cater to diverse needs. Ultraviolet light aids in addressing jaundice in newborns, while low-level lasers promote skin rejuvenation, hair growth, and acupuncture. High-level lasers are utilized in surgical procedures, and full-spectrum light offers relief from skin conditions and seasonal affective disorders. Thus, the enduring legacy of UVBI therapy and the broader use of light in medicine attest to light's indispensable role in promoting health.
According to the Foundation for Blood Irradiation (FFBI), research and clinical trials around the world, UVBI therapy has been effective in treating the following:
The blood irradiation treatment is very simple and relatively quick, the procedure itself only takes about half an hour. Blood is drawn with a needle and tubing, much the same as if you were to donate blood.
Approximately 150-200 ml of blood is extracted and travels through a small glass chamber, a cuvette, which is then exposed twice to ultraviolet light through an instrument called a Hemo-irradiator and then returned to your body using a sterile, closed-loop system. Many patients will feel significant improvement after just a few treatments. Severe and chronic conditions may require 10 or more treatments. We find that this treatment is greatly enhanced with other oxidative therapies such as ozone which we also offer.
UVBI therapy is a straightforward and expedient treatment, requiring only half an hour per session. Roughly 150-200 ml of blood is drawn, similar to a standard blood donation, and circulated through a cuvette where it's exposed to ultraviolet light via a Hemo-irradiator, before being returned to your body through a sterile, closed-loop system. We also pair ozone therapy with this procedure for better efficacy. This therapy yields noticeable improvements for many patients after just a few treatments, although more severe or chronic conditions may necessitate additional sessions. The effectiveness of UVBI therapy can be further boosted when combined with other oxidative therapies like ozone.
The wavelengths used are:
Our practice is rooted in the principles of integrative and functional medicine. We believe in harnessing the body's innate healing abilities and adopting a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
If you are in the Albany, NY, or nearby regions, and are interested in starting UVBI treatment, Jennifer Baer at Horizons of Health is here to help you embark on this transformative journey towards improved health and vitality.
Do you have questions about starting your path back to health? Our patient coordinator is standing by, happy to answer any questions you have to determine if our approach is right for you.
Known for her successful approach towards chronic wellness issues, Jennifer Baer, Nurse Practitioner and her team at Horizons of Health combine an integrative, functional medicine approach.
Our unique approach to diagnosing and resolving chronic health issues recognizes that lasting health depends on resolving the root causes of your symptoms. Click here to learn more »
After you have reviewed the information on our website and in our downloadable guides, we’d love to hear from you – to answer more specific questions about our approach and track record.
Simply apply for a free discovery consult with our patient coordinator at (518) 755-6870 or via our online appointment scheduler.