Tag: Power

Pulsed vs continuous light

I’ve had a number of queries about pulsed light.

There is good evidence now that pulsed light is more effective than continuous light. Maybe the cell batteries, the mitochondria like to have a little pause in between receiving a pulse of light energy and directing it into the cell as metabolic energy. It makes sense.

The other reason is that by pulsing the light, the light dose is then the average of the pulse-ON and pulse-OFF. This means you can push the power in the pulse-ON, knowing that it will be offset by the no-pulse time.

I know of several people who have gone on to pulse their LED-based Elizas and Cossacks, and I have nothing but total admiration and envy for them, but there is no way I could do that.

The reasons that I have not previously mentioned the value of pulsed light is because;

1. I couldn’t give instructions to achieve it

2. I didn’t want anyone to devalue the effectiveness of continuous red/near infrared light.

Daily unpulsed red light better than no red light.

If you are using your Eliza or Cossack with continuous red/infrared light, do not be tempted to chuck it in the corner and refuse to use it because it won’t pulse. It is still doing its very best for you, and that is a lot better than nothing.

DIY light hat

It’s wonderful to hear from people making their own light hats. Keep them coming, and please send me photos to post on the blog. I love the creativity people bring to it.

Some important things to remember:

1. 12 volts only. No more than 12 volts, ever.

2. When you search for LED strips, and all the bibs and bobs needed, always choose the 12 volt versions.

3. My experience is that the visible red spectrum (especially 650-670nm) seems to be loved by cells anywhere in the body.

4. But the almost-visible near infrared 810-850nm wavelengths don’t work for every neurodegenerative condition.

5. When in doubt, stick to the visible red, preferably a gorgeous dark red.

12 Volts DC

Be safe. Make only 12 volt light devices.

Just in case you have an urge to build an Eliza using 240 volts, then DON’T.

Light hats made with 12 Volt Direct Current work well. They are safe to make and use at home.

12 Volts DC is a safe way for us all to make and use light devices at home.

Remember the Goldilocks Effect. More power is not going to help, and if you start playing with 240 volts you are entering dangerous territory.

DO

  • Make 12 volt DC light devices
  • Use it daily
  • Email me through the blog and tell me how you are going

DON’T

  • Try using higher voltages