Treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular, infectious, obstetric, autoimmune, and neurological, through the application of ultraviolet blood irradiation.
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UVBI) Makes a Comeback as an Alternative Treatment
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UVBI) is a medical treatment that has been making a comeback in recent years, particularly in the realm of integrative and alternative medicine. Originally developed in the 1930s as a means to combat infections, UVBI has a rich history but fell out of favour with the advent of antibiotics and vaccines in the mid-20th century [1][5].
The treatment involves exposing a small volume of a patient's blood to ultraviolet light outside the body and then reinfusing it. The idea behind UVBI is that ultraviolet light can kill bacteria and viruses in the blood, enhance oxygen utilization at the cellular level, and modulate the immune system [1][3]. Only a small portion (about 5-7%) of the blood is irradiated during each session.
UVBI has been applied to a wide range of conditions, including severe bacterial infections, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, psoriasis, and even cancer as part of holistic care [1][3][5]. However, it is important to note that UVBI is not a standard mainstream treatment and is primarily offered in integrative and alternative medicine clinics.
The decline of UVBI began with the advent of antibiotics and vaccines, which provided simpler and more effective ways to prevent and treat infections [1]. However, interest has resurged recently due to antibiotic resistance and the search for complementary or alternative therapies. Modern UVBI uses advanced technology and is sometimes combined with ozone therapy for enhanced antimicrobial effects [2][4][5].
One of the most promising areas of UVBI research is its potential to help those suffering from long COVID symptoms. A recent study found that 10 patients with long COVID experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms after receiving UVBI. These improvements correlated with declining D-dimer levels, a marker of blood clotting [6]. Remarkably, all patients fully recovered after one irradiation and no side effects were reported.
Despite its potential benefits, UVBI remains an alternative treatment with limited mainstream medical acceptance and variable evidence quality [2][5]. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers before undergoing UVBI treatment to understand the potential risks and benefits.
In summary, UVBI is a historic treatment with a resurgence in integrative medicine for immune support and infection control, but it remains outside conventional standard medical practice. As research continues, we may see UVBI becoming a more widely accepted treatment option in the future.
References:
- History of Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation
- Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: A Historical Review and Modern Perspective
- Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: A Review of the Literature and Case Reports
- Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: A Comprehensive Review
- Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: An Overview
- Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation for the Treatment of Long COVID: A Case Series
- In the field of medical-conditions, UVBI has been applied to numerous ailments, such as severe bacterial infections, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer as part of holistic care.
- Some research suggests Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UVBI) may offer benefits for patients with certain health-and-wellness issues like cardiovascular-health, neurological-disorders, and autoimmune-disorders, though evidence remains variable.
- Articles on UVBI show its potential for use in women's-health, particularly in relation to chronic fatigue syndrome and psoriasis.
- Tracing UVBI's history reveals it stemmed from the 1930s, when it was employed to combat infections. However, as science advanced with antibiotics and vaccines, UVBI fell out of favor until recently.
- In the realm of integrative and alternative medicine, UVBI, along with therapies-and-treatments like ozone therapy, has experienced a comeback due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and a growing interest in science-backed alternatives.
- One intriguing study revealed that 10 patients with health-and-wellness issues related to long COVID symptoms experienced significant improvements after receiving UVBI, which corresponded with a decline in D-dimer levels, a marker of blood clotting.
- Ultimately, while UVBI holds promise, it remains an alternative treatment that has not earned mainstream medical acceptance, and patients should consult healthcare providers to evaluate potential risks and benefits.
