"Blu Room"
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Blue light as a key to enhanced health

First "Blu Room" in Europe installed in Bad Mergentheim/DE .

Blue light as a natural medicine to counteract a number of widespread ailments: on the basis of studies carried out in Germany, the UK and the USA it can be proved that especially intensive, bluish ultraviolet light can help relieve back pain or the itching caused by dermatitis, and make people more able-bodied and efficient. An institute has been founded in a small town in the south of Germany where patients can undergo frequency therapy using ultraviolet light. "The concept has become highly popular in the United States," Dr. Kerstin Bortfeldt explained on the opening of the instatera institute in Bad Mergentheim. "Our goal is to convince patients in Germany to opt for this form of alternative medicine". Dr. Bortfeldt is the owner of the new practice.

Professor Dr. Christoph Suschek, expert on light-induced processes at the University of Düsseldorf, adds: "Blue light triggers processes within the body that subsequently combat pain". These are extremely complex processes that take place in the human body when a patient is subjected to high concentrations of blue light at a wavelength of around 450 nanometres. This light also activates thermal energy in the body, which in turn triggers the production of nitrogen monoxide (NO). This immediately affects the nerve endings, stems the transmission of pain and actively helps prevent inflammation. On the basis of current scientific knowledge, there is a lot to be said for nitrogen monoxide as an aid for treating injured or strained muscles. 

The future of alternative therapies

Professor Dr. med. Hubert Bardenheuer, Department of Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Medicine at the University of Heidelberg, predicts a grand future for blue light applications. He believes that this could be a promising form of alternative treatment for many patients suffering from acute or chronic pain. 

Researchers at the University of Surrey near London are also carrying out studies on the effects of blue light. In the course of a study carried out in office environments they discovered that blue light – unlike white light – promotes concentration, increases efficiency and reduces signs of exhaustion and fatigue.

UV light to combat vitamin D deficiency 

It has also been proven that ultraviolet light promotes the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D strengthens our bones and influences our muscular strength. Studies have also provided evidence of the fact that it strengthens the cardiovascular system and can simultaneously reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer. The body can only produce this essential vitamin when exposed to the UV radiation in sunlight. There are not many foods that contain vitamin D. "The majority of people living in Germany suffer from vitamin D deficiency," Dr. Kerstin Bortfeldt explains. Ultraviolet light that is tuned to emulate sunlight can also simulate the effect of sunlight. 

Blue light activates the powers of self-healing  

"Blue light reminds the body of its powers of self-healing," states Dr. Bortfeldt. It was this insight that inspired the German doctor to found the so-called "Blu Room", which now allows people living in Germany to experience the healing power of blue light based on a concept developed and applied successfully in the USA. Patients lie on a bed for around 20 minutes, fully clothed and equipped with UV protection glasses, and allow the light to take effect. The UV lamps only remain switched on for a few minutes, the effect developing slowly through the design of the space. One therapy session costs around 90 euros. 

First positive feedback 

In the first few weeks after opening, the manager and owner of the institute has only positive news to report: "Many people found the "Blu Room" to be extremely relaxing and mood-enhancing, and claimed that they felt less pain subsequent to the treatment and an improvement in their state of depression". In the long term Dr. Kerstin Bortfeldt and her team would like to see the therapy model developed by North American Dr. Matthew Martinez and other leaders in the field established in Europe.