Red and near infrared lights – can they help degenerative neurological diseases?
A generic term. This blog likes to name the different designs. Thus far we have the Eliza, the Daffodil and the Cossack.
Here is a recently constructed Eliza, and a very fine job, too.
The standard design didn’t work for the head and neck of the new user. So the enterprising Eliza-maker did some creative tweaking to make it work.
If it is not comfortable, then don’t be afraid to tweak your Eliza.
Red light helps reduce painful joints.
The couple who made the first light hat from the blog instructions (more) reminded me that an Eliza (or in their case, a Daffodil) is more than just an item for use on the head.
Sore knees – put your feet up on the sofa, bring your heel towards your bottom and put your foot in a place that affords a comfortable bend to your knee. Then perch the Eliza on the top of your bended knee and let the light shine around the knee. Continue reading “Multi-purpose Eliza”
A few people have asked how long a light hat should be worn.
A previous post about the Goldilocks Effect is really important to read, as it describes the research on the odd effect of too much red light.
More red light is not better – it can make things worse. Neurones are finicky fellows and we must respect this.
So how long should you wear an Eliza light hat, or any kind of red/near infrared light on the head? As everyone’s light hat is different, it is impossible to give absolutely firm advice. But based on what I’ve observed over the time of making many and varied light hats, I’d suggest the following considerations.
I’ve had a number of people tell me that conversations with their GP or specialist about red and near infrared lights haven’t gone well. One chap took his newly-made Eliza to show his neurologist, who roared with laughter and said that it would be very handy at Christmas.
I remember my reaction when patients brought in newspaper clippings about the latest and greatest cure for something – I’d keep a smile on my face and inwardly groan.
If you are getting less than supportive noises from your doctors, don’t get cranky with them, because they are trying to protect you. There are lots of charlatans and snake oil merchants out there, and people with chronic diseases are easy targets. They are worried that you and your family are going to be taken in by costly rubbish. If you read about the beginnings of my learning about red lights, here, you’ll see that I was also very skeptical.
So what can you do?
Red lights on the brain 