Recitals:
- Nothing in this note is to be construed as “medical advice.” This is informational, about something called low level laser light therapy.
- Since I have been using LLLLT (also known as LLLT, a/k/a/ photobiomodulation) I have personally experienced health benefits including the virtual elimination of eczema which I’ve suffered through for 70-years…
Background:
Down to just a few days until I am “Out of the Penalty Box” following the naval hernia / mesh implant. Although I’ve been feeling great, it’s time to find new and interesting ways to fill “retirement.” Back into the lab…Oh, and back on my “light crown.”
The knowledgeable reader – someone who has been around this site for years – may be able to tell when I’ve been “on the light crown.” Articles written have more spark and originality to them. I can sure tell when Elaine is not using the version 3.0 Light Helmet.
If none of this makes sense, fair enough. Let’s see if I can condense five years of personal research into a short, logical flow.
Definition:
A light crown, or light helmet, is an arrangement of light-emitting diodes typically worn for about 20-minutes per day. Power levels are under 5 joules per square centimeter. LED colors selected change the effects. Deep infrared (longer than 700 nm) penetrates tissue deeper.
The US government’s PubMed medical database, as of this morning, lists 6,090 studies containing the search term LLLT. 940 studies are returned in a search for “photobiomodulation.” And, to give you a sense of the breadth of application for “light therapies” here are some recent article titles to consider:
- The mechanistic basis of chromotherapy: Current knowledge and future perspectives.
- Light-Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation After Cerebral Ischemia.
- The Effects of Photobiomodulation on Vocal Fold Wound Healing: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.
- And relating to the discussion to follow: Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Possible Answer to the Opioid Crisis..
No, I did not pop the $51-bucks to read this last item, but it’s included in the list to illustrate the breadth of the field.
A “Light History” and the Medicine
Light is powerful stuff. The gospels of Matthew and John both reference Jesus’ “ I am the Light of the World.” While not a “thumper” per se, I’ve studied the Bible enough to become something of a literalist. Might be something to this “light” stuff – like enlightenment.
There is a huge increase in scientific study of the field. We know that under stress, “In vivo imaging of spontaneous ultraweak photon emission from a rat’s brain correlated with cerebral energy metabolism and oxidative stress..” Human translation: Odds are good that when you are stressed, you lose your Light.
It goes much deeper: A landmark (virtually unheralded) paper went much further, suggesting the “Possible existence of optical communication channels in the brain.” To those of us who have been tinkering in the field for a while (doing a bit of self-science) there seems to be some value to “light pumping.” In other words, flooding the body with light. Specific colors (corresponding to frequencies) and in controlled amounts.
In my first light crown build (2016), I used multiple LED’s. Red, blue, and green arrays were placed over my trigeminal nerve packs. These are the nerve bundles associated with the temples on either side of the head:
The left highlight is where one LED array was placed . Another was in the center. The third was on the opposite side of the head.
The addition of light emitting diodes in these locations may impact how sensitive people feel. There is a difference in effects depending on light frequencies and even the types of LEDs used.
Device Construction
The light crown build is fairly straight-forward as I explained in my book Dimensions Next Door in 2017. Any number of approaches can place the light arrays where they need to be: Extra-wide headbands are simple and less messy than 2-inch wide stretch material with arrays attached with Shoe Goo. In the all-fabric model, Velcro cinches the headband firmly in place.
A basic unit uses four LEDs per location for a total of 12. The LED’s used are generally of the 2.5-3.0 volt range and current consumption is about 20 milliamps per device. Depending on how it’s wired, 240 milliamps at 3 volts. Pushes out to (12 devices * 0.02) = 0.24 amps. Which times 3-volts gets us to 0.72 watts. The calculation to a target range of 4-4.5 Joules per square centimeter proceeds from here.
Historical Crowns & Light
Kings and queens wear ’em, right?
What seems likely is that “crown jewels” were possibly not selected based on ‘imaginary values.’ “Crown jewels” may have provided enhanced mental function by controlling specifics light frequencies illuminating specific parts of the head. Until, the technology blurred in ancient times and the backs of crowns became padded such that light didn’t pass through them any longer.
The role of light in human psychology is widespread and dispersed across multiple human belief systems. In particular, almost no one (except the earnest student) has ever heard of Shahab al-Din Suhraward. But his work is particularly germane to present-day research because the hundreds of light-based devices undergoing clinical trials (see https://clinicaltrials.gov): That’s because:
“In his Philosophy of Illumination, Suhrawardi argued that light operates at all levels and hierarchies of reality (PI, 97.7–98.11). Light produces immaterial and substantial lights, including immaterial intellects (angels), human and animal souls, and even ‘dusky substances’, such as bodies.“
We have had this discussion before: Under the law of conservation of energy, and knowing that when a person dies that “personal energy” has to go somewhere, a “soul’s worth of photons” might well “beat retreat” into other photonic (and likely holographic) energy realms. Dimensions Next Door, and my book on this was titled.
Moreover, Islam is not alone in the study of light in theological affairs:
“In theology, divine light (also called divine radiance or divine refulgence) is an aspect of divine presence, specifically an unknown and mysterious ability of God, angels, or human beings to express themselves communicatively through spiritual means, rather than through physical capacities. “
The point my constructing and use of a personal “light crown” has been to improve personal well-being and (spiritual) awareness.
Elaine and I have been using our light crown (and light helmet) for over a year now and we haven’t experienced any ill effects. I’m keeping particular tabs on a study at the University of Texas that is using a longer-wave length laser in a test to see if it can improve mild cognitive impairment. Study should be completed next year.
Elaine’s age-related macular degeneration appears to have been successfully treated in a five-year home protocol similar to the Lumithera devices now being trials in Europe. Their (EU-facing) science page here is particularly good at explaining the mechanics of LLLLT/PBM to newcomers. And there’s my now-missing eczema, too.
A Light Crown vs. Speed Crown
Olde Man Labs here has been pursuing two essential tracks. The first is oriented toward single and dual frequency long wave light sources. Deep red, in the 660 nm to 700 nm (super red) range seems to optimized a lot of health issues. For deeper penetation into tissue, longer wavelengths are used.
Our experiments have involved 660 nm red light alone, or in concert with 850 nm infrared. Think of this as a “conventional” light crown.
The second track is the multifrequency (multi-color) track. This is speed crown territory. Shorter wave lengths. Colors, sure, but we stay well clear of the UV range for obvious reasons. Nothing higher than 380 nm, for sure. *(Violet/Purple). My next build will be a purple (400 nm area) and 523 nm green.
Applying green light to the right temple, red to the center of forehead, and blue or purple to the left temple gives me a slowly developing “rush” over several sessions. It takes five or six days to evolve, but after that, there’s so much personal energy flowing it’s almost like being in an episode of “Limitless” or on speed.
When the first “speed crown” broke (RGB), I figured it would be a good idea to set it aside for a while and focus more on the healing (660-850 nm) light spectrum.
Since our studies began, a number of commercial products have come to market that may be useful. Rather than build up your own array, for example, you can find a therapy array on Amazon: SGROW 24W Red Led Light Red 660nm and Near Infrared 850nm Led Light Therapy Bulbs for Skin and Pain Relief. $40 bucks, it’s not cheap, but do read the reviews.
On the other hand, if you want to experiment with different effects? Mouser.com here we come…
Part of my collection of leaded (through-hole) LEDs. There are two good-sized project boxes worth.
One useful learning point: Don’t get diffused LED’s – narrow viewing angles are fine but diffused LEDs don’t seem to work as well. Water-clear lens are what you’re after. The whole point of laser light is its coherence. What happens when you diffuse?
Although I’ve been writing about this emerging technology both in books and on the Peoplenomics side of things, the tech is slowly becoming recognized. A good article over on SelfHacked (here) may convince you that Ure hasn’t completely flipped-out. Too much soldering smoke?
The takeaways from this morning’s update include the following:
- We’ve been using the red light therapy on the head for a year with no ill effects.
- The science is going mainstream as a complimentary/alternative therapy..
- Red light bulbs though pricey get good reviews on Amazon and are an alternative to red/infrared devices.
- Speed crowns pumping other wavelengths are still in the DIY column..
- And (the key part) is that certain mixes of light, when applied daily for 20-minutes, subjectively increase personal energy.
- So a year (or three) from now when “energy crowns” come out, remember this is all prior art.
For me the effect is so profound there’s almost a feeling that if I don’t consciously slow-down, I’ll burn up in the atmosphere.
With the baseline reaction speed of 0.34259 seconds tested over here (slow internet here!) I will see what – if any – actual change there is with a speed crown in a few weeks… Should be interesting…
Meantime, outfits like Thor Laser, and others, are selling sophisticated devices and we expect more device companies will follow. We keep hearing things about how a “red light bath” can improve athletic performance, too. No telling how long before pro sports puts light therapy use on their watch lists…
Write when you get rich,
george@ure.net
since you’ve been on the leds it seems your typos have reduced a bit…. ;)
Handy-Tekky Tip for the day:
Ever wonder if a certain infra-red LED is really “on?” Infra-red LEDs look dark to the human eye.
Simple. Your cellphone camera is probably sensitive to infra-red. Most
are. Look at the LED array with a cellphone camera.
This also works with TV remote controls, and some (but not all) other
infra-red emitters.
(I now refer to my cellphone as my “TriCorder.”)
Enjoy!
73
IR LEDs show up clearly on the security cameras. This is easier for some of us than bothering with a cellphone.
George
“Mouser.com here we come…”
I do use Mouser from time to time but find Digikey has the better search engine for finding parts.
Digikey, Mouser and Newark are the big players in electronic parts these days. Allied used to be a player but now concentrates on industrial automation devices with fewer individual parts.
I tried Jameco a few months ago when I was looking for real germanium diodes. What they claimed to be germanium diodes where just silicon diodes with a low voltage drop. I don’t do business with them!
You can find a lot on ebay if what you need is obsolete. Last year I ordered some TTL type chips from a dealer in Hong Kong. Three packages were shipped. Two made it to me with the third being promptly lost by the good old USPS. Those chips were classified as Unobtainium and are almost impossible to find. I was able to rig a substitute with a modern chip.
Whenever I buy something online I use one of the big freight carriers and avoid the USPS if possible and also use Paypal. It’s the safer way to do business!
I use all five, but typically only use Jameco for kits and for generic parts like knobs and hardware. James was a nifty guy to order from 40 years ago, but that kinda went away when the supply of surplus Korean and Vietnam War kit dried up. The only place I know to reliably get this genuine surplus stuff now is Fair Radio. I will hit (usually) Digi-Key to locate a part and its manufacturer part number or SKU, then use the p/n or SKU to find it at Mouser and Newark (and when appropriate, Allied.) I honestly purchase stuff more-frequently from Antique Radio Supply than I do, either Jameco or Allied. BTW, All Electronics and Consolidated Electronics are still around. I don’t know if CEI still sells oem drive belts for Thorens TD 160MkIIs, but they sell damn’ near every transistor and DTL / TTL IC ever made (no idea where they’re made now, or by whom, though…) Also, PartsExpress has a few components, and (surprisingly) B&H Photo sells some raw components.
URLs for places I named which you didn’t:
All Electronics – https://www.allelectronics.com/
Antique Radio Supply (ARS) – https://www.tubesandmore.com/
B&H Photo – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Consolidated Electronics (CEI) – http://www.ceitron.com/
Fair Radio – https://fairradio.com/
Parts Express – https://www.parts-express.com/
I realize you probably already have these, but just in-case…
Thanks!!
Didn’t know about CEI.
Hadn’t been there in a while. I notice they haven’t updated their website this millennium.
CEI was the Midwest Master Distributor for Utah speakers. I was the first kid on my block to design, build, and install kickass stereos in cars. That was one of the many side-jobs I worked in college. Round Utahs were flatter and had a much better distortion curve than any oval speaker, and typically cranked-out between 99 and 104 dbW so they were more-efficient than any available commercial brand-name (the Jensen bi-axial and tri-axial speakers also cranked out 99dbW, but didn’t hit the market until the late ’70s.)
Kiddies today have no idea that cars didn’t come with radios as standard equipment, and when they came with radios at all, they were expensive, low-power monaural, and usually AM only. (I loved the AM/FM/SW Beckers that came in Jags and Mercedes…) If you wanted “FM” or “Stereo” (or both) you installed it yourself, using wires you ran yourself, and if you wanted an external amp or reverb (remember those?), you ran those wires, too. The factory radio for my Jeepster was a $650 option in a ~$2000 car; the Becker in the only Mercedes SL I was ever under the hood on, was probably downright expensive…
“We keep hearing things about how a “red light bath” can improve athletic performance, too. No telling how long before pro sports puts light therapy use on their watch lists…”
One of the “light crown” manufacturers is located in Greater Cincinnati. The University of Cincinnati Bearcats are a lab testbed for this company. The UC football and basketball programs both use their products, as do a bunch of our Winter Olympians. So far, neither the NCAA nor the IOC has objected…
Hi, can you give more information on the manufacturer/how to contact?
Also, have you heard anecdotally from athletes who have used them?
thanks.
BrainHQ.com has a series of brain exercises and brain training to help your brain work better. It costs about $100 per year, but I think it is good training. thanks…
Similar to Lumosity.com, which does similar
14 or 24 Rays, G
Inter-Planetary Lighting Bolts of “the gods”, ancient memories, ancient legends told and passed down in aboriginal peoples culture. These are the “bolts that carved up the Earth we know today..ridges, mountains, canyons (grand canyon, AZ).
These interplanetary bolts were the “weapons of the gods” in ancient Greek and others.
Zeus v Cronos..when Saturn and/or Venus got too close their planetary neighbors. Anyway these “bolts” or blasts that created/generated electrical vortices the size of N Mex. All of these “bolts” were later depicted as 14 rayed or 24 rayed events.
14 or 24 light points could provide better resonance with your light crown..perhaps.
Correction 14 or 28, simple math..U would think! Duh-ooh!
Something that is not clear to me about light crowns and such, especially when looking at frequencies and power levels is, how is this better than taking your hat off, going outside and getting some sun? All the necessary wavelengths are there, and the power levels are much higher.
Any relationship between all the nut jobs popping up over the last 50+ years and people staying indoors more?
Are/were hats an early attempt at mind control?
Hmmm… maybe that is the reason for my bald spot…let more light in….
The theory of LLLT generally centers about having relatively high levels of a given frequency or band(660-680nm for example) relative to ambient light. That particular band tends to enhance healing and rejuvenation. High levels of ambient outdoor light tend to have a predominance of red during dawn and twilight, yet are totally overwhelmed by shorter wavelengths during most of the day. There’s a window between mid optical wavelengths and about 1200nm where most biological tissue(including bones) is somewhat transparent. These longer wavelengths can be used both for specific therapy and actual imaging of tissue, including a few centimeters of cerebral cortex. One limit is power levels. Deep penetration of the body by short wavelengths is minimal. The spectrum of solar insolation impinging on our heads at high noon is more conducive to activity and getting work done than actual healing. That’s reserved for the fireside late at night(or another suitable oligochromatic light source).
“Any relationship between all the nut jobs popping up over the last 50+ years and people staying indoors more?”
Well, natural sunlight is both a natural disinfectant and antifungal…
George, check out the book Let There Be Light by Darius Dinshah. He worked with light to heal various illnesses. The government took him to court three times before they could shut him down. He had doctors testify about its worth but of course they could not allow people using a simple method to feel better. The book might be interesting and possibly helpful.
Did a web search and found the Dinshah Health Organization. Book and DVD etc. runs $20. Thanks for the lead!
One of my favorite SciFi movie scenes is Jeff Goldblum in The Fly. “I don’t make the parts. I contract that out to smarter people. I just put the system together.”
Today we start with electromagnetic spectrum stimulation to enhance health. Eventually we’ll be beaming knowledge directly into the retina using the same light technology (ala training the mindless earthling on Battlefield Earth).
The Dinshah Health Society and Darius Dinshah were never in a court case – it was his father and other corporations which were involved. The Buffalo NY case (1931) was won with the testimony of MDs. Later cases were lost because by then there were no MDs willing to testify – it had become a more-or-less lay person’s organization. Considering the huge amount of money in the drug industry, it is no wonder that simple, inexpensive methods are repressed.
We (sadly) are not surprised since many MDs are owned by Big Pharma. Our central theme of UrbanSurvival is realizing that Everything is a Business Model. In an upcoming book “The 100-year Toaster” I go into how we are driven to make economic choices that will actually shorten high culture…
Thanks for much!
So, it appears as if my dream just may come true, a dream all the way back in the early 90’s about a room illuminated in red with an air device that inflated a red suit with a person in it who had a spinal injury. The whole room was illuminated in red. The air suit allowed the person to be supported as they stand while the light therapy healed the spine.
Also, I have written about that before and this. Stand in the sun, close your eyes, look up at the sun, the first color on the screen of the eyelids is red….someone else also posted about the sun and all of the colors are there for our skin and eyes.
It’s great, George, all of this, as it is and what you are experimenting with and sharing.