"Listen, I know you're excited, and it sounds impressive, but is this just a new gimmick? Are you sure it's not all working because you want it to work?" Understandably, I have to qualify information that comes to me. At this point in my career, I am getting accustomed to these calls. It seems that the medical field itself is going through a transition, and the doctors I associate with are increasingly more interested in non-traditional methods, as long as the treatments work. Many of my patients also often enlighten me on alternative perspectives on health. Over the years, I have witnessed the limits of my expertise in chemical and surgical procedures and medications for certain conditions. Therefore, although I am still a sound supporter of allopathic medicine in the treatment of contagious diseases, I am perpetually intrigued to find new ways to expand my abilities to help my patients.

Still, his claims did seem a little too incredible to be true, and I immediately shelved it in my mind under "U" for unbelievable. Yet, my investigative mind spurred me to embark on a search for more quantifiable research on far-infrared light and negative ions, both of which were key factors in the effectiveness of the wraps being used. The following is a limited report on my findings:

Light Medicine of the future?
Light medicine has been a topic well documented since the early 1900's. Even as far back as 1870, Dr. Pleasanton, a researcher in the United States, published research showing the relationship between light frequency and the rate of growth of cells and tissues, as well as their rate of cell division.1 Specific wavelengths affect our metabolism and our aging process, according to "enlightened" scientists. Dr. Harry Riley Spitler, M.D., O.D., proved in his book that light plays an important role in regulating the autonomous nervous system, as well, pointing out how certain spectrums of light are crucial to our daily wellbeing, emotionally and physically.2

Previously, I was only familiar with laser light treatments used to tone and rejuvenate skin, reducing lines and improving blemishes. I am more interested at present in the beneficial effects of the application of specific spectrums of natural light for overall health. One study presented by Dr. Zane Kime, M.D., stated that sunlight is a leading factor in strengthening the body's resistance to infectious diseases, increasing the oxygen capacity of the blood, and improving stress tolerance. Laboratory experiments supporting his study show that exposure to sunlight increases lymphocytes and neutrophils, and reduces the frequency of colds and respiratory infections.3

Dr. Richard Wurtman, Professor of Endocrinology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stated that wavelengths of light are almost as important as vitamins and minerals to the body's proper functioning.4 Without proper nutrients or oxygen, our body suffers. How much so also does our health suffer considering our modern life, with our severe lack of natural light?

What is the Healthiest Spectrum of Light?
Unfortunately, the wavelength of light that is the most beneficial to the body is often the one we are exposed to the least, due to pollution and everyday lifestyle. The spectrum of light that appears to be most resonant with cell tissues seems to lie within the far infrared spectrum. Studies suggest that far infrared light stimulates the production of cell tissue and rapidly promotes the regeneration of skin and blood tissue in areas exposed to it.5 This could also prove to be especially helpful in the recovery of wounds and following surgery in preventing the formation of scar tissue.

One of the first pioneers in the field was Dr. Neils Finsen, who was curing lesions and variola using red and infrared rays. More recent research performed by Tiina Karu, M.D., of the Laser Technology Center in Russia, holds that this spectrum of light speeds up cellular metabolic processes, like stimulating the activity of mitochondria, and triggering enzyme activity as well as the healing, regeneration, and normalization of damaged cell tissue. Obviously, although we can receive this light from spending time in the sun, excessive exposure to certain rays, such as Ultraviolet Rays (UV) in sunlight can be damaging to our system. I see it in my patients who have spent years baking on the beaches.

The first research on isolating, or mimicking far infrared light was done through NASA decades ago. Recently, several scientists in Japan extended this technology, and designed a way to create fibers to be worn on the body that emit wavelengths the same as natural far infrared light from the sun, yet much more concentrated. The material itself was formed primarily out of several minerals with piezoelectric qualities, such as tourmaline and serpentine. The raw materials were highly costly, so the technology was not popularly used.

A breakthrough in 1994 caused the production of the "BodySpark" wraps that my associate had been using with great results. A textile engineer discovered how to mix the piezoelectric substances with a mineral oxide without minimizing the beneficial effects that the substance had on the body. A separate discovery was made in which the fibers themselves could be minimized in size (quite possibly one of the smallest diameter fibers created to date, being several times thinner than human hair). This maximized the amount of surface area, thus amplifying the amount of energy within a limited area of material. Therefore, even a thin, wearable wrap could be easily worn undistinguished under clothes, and comfortably worn. These BodySpark wraps were created for use on the following areas: Waist wraps, for digestive region and backaches, knee wraps, elbow wraps and wrist wraps for use on areas prone to joint and muscle injuries, and ankle wraps, which have been reported to be beneficial for foot problems as well as swelling or poor circulation. The manufacturers even created a blanket and mattress to generate the far infrared benefits to the entire body while sleeping, or relaxing.

I have found several studies that suggest the benefits of using far infrared light on injuries: The American Journal of Geriatrics has published a study in which elderly patients experienced an improvement of pain and disability from degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee. A fully randomized, partially double-blind trial resulted in a pain reduction of more than 50% within the group using the therapy, whereas there was no significant improvement in the placebo group. Studies done with Magnetic Resonance Imaging suggest a more rapid recovery from muscle fatigue, as you can see in the images.