I had my 4th session for 20 minutes yesterday. Felt a sllight uneasiness after one hour or so. Started SAM-e once again after I had stopped it for the past 15 days and the discomfort vanished quickly. I dont know why it happened. maybe the device is bringing out the hidden deficiency since it is restarting the mitochondrial functions. Just my guess.
LED red intranasal light therapy
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Chris
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@raghav; one thing I forgot to mention--both the 633 and the 810 help sleep problems--and so it seems does the 655--see p. 154 of Norman Doidge's wonderful "The Brain's Way of Healing," the book that introduced me to LLLT. He does not for some reason name Lew Lim or Vielight, but the 655 is clearly the unit responsible. Can you tell me a bit more about how the Alpha has improved both your ability to walk and to stand? That sounds just great to me!
By the way, my medicine cabinet has very few active prescriptions in it--baby aspirin OTC), low dose statin, very low dose beta blocker. That's about it! But a good many supplements of course.
By the way, my medicine cabinet has very few active prescriptions in it--baby aspirin OTC), low dose statin, very low dose beta blocker. That's about it! But a good many supplements of course.
@Chris After using alpha when I stand I dont have the wobbly feeling in my knees and the weakness in the center of my chest also has vanished. I also dont feel giddiness in my head. Now I am able to stand in front of my bathroom mirror and shave for 15 minutes. Previously it will make me very tired. I think alpha works on your ANS (Autonomic nervous system) and is minimizing orthostatic intolerance. Maybe it will cure my POTS. But it is still early days. Most treatments (medicines) I have tried till now used to work for a month or so and then stop working. Hope it is not the case with alpha. I also have abdomen epilepsy due to my left hippocampal sclerosis. This interacts a lot with my ME /CFS symptoms and makes it difficult to manage. Hoping this device will help me in minimizing my symptoms count. Well keeping my fingers crossed.
BTW I am also on beta blocker Atenolol 100 mg daily. Without it I wont be able to stand. If alpha continues the improvements it is giving then I may be able to reduce the dosage. It is quite a high dose.
BTW I am also on beta blocker Atenolol 100 mg daily. Without it I wont be able to stand. If alpha continues the improvements it is giving then I may be able to reduce the dosage. It is quite a high dose.
For the past couple of days feeling discomfort in the afternoons. I am reducing the frequency of usage from once in 48 hrs to once in 72 hrs. Also taking an additional dose 5 mg of methylcobalamin. I had stopped taking potassium chloride. Now starting it again.
I think the device is increasing mitochondrial respiration. Hence needing more methylcobalamin and methylfolate. Just my guess.
I think the device is increasing mitochondrial respiration. Hence needing more methylcobalamin and methylfolate. Just my guess.
Chris
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@raghav; interesting comment on fatigue; I think that every second day may be too often. The Alzheimer trial (with the original Neuro) started out with treatment twice a week, but after a couple of weeks they changed that to once a week, though they do not explain their reasons for that in the short published paper (check PubMed under Saltmarche A). I think twice a week should be fine, but a break now and then might help too. There are a couple of little papers on LLLT with MS (OK not ME, but many similarities) which showed that it was better to take a break after a while. Your comment on needing more of those B vitamins may well be right too.
I was put on a low dose of a beta blocker after my recent heart surgery (2.5 Bisoprolol) and have been taking that since March. But it slows my HR--goes only to about 84 at the end of my morning little walk. Once I forgot to take it and HR went to 105. Now I take half of that (tiny pills, hard to split!) at ca. 1.2mg, and my HR is around 95, and my energy seems to last longer. Will keep it at that till I see my cardio again.
As far as I know, there have been no clinical trials using the Alpha published yet, though I think a couple are in the offing. It is still pretty new! There is some evidence on the Vielight and Mediclights websites about the good effects of LLLT on blood flow and minimizing red cell clumping--they have photos resulting from use of a 655 laser unit.I am on the verge of ordering an Alpha, but was a bit shocked to find the new price on their site in US dollars; will pluck up my courage and find out what they want in Canadian dollars, and whether they still give a discount to those who already have an 810, as I do.
I was put on a low dose of a beta blocker after my recent heart surgery (2.5 Bisoprolol) and have been taking that since March. But it slows my HR--goes only to about 84 at the end of my morning little walk. Once I forgot to take it and HR went to 105. Now I take half of that (tiny pills, hard to split!) at ca. 1.2mg, and my HR is around 95, and my energy seems to last longer. Will keep it at that till I see my cardio again.
As far as I know, there have been no clinical trials using the Alpha published yet, though I think a couple are in the offing. It is still pretty new! There is some evidence on the Vielight and Mediclights websites about the good effects of LLLT on blood flow and minimizing red cell clumping--they have photos resulting from use of a 655 laser unit.I am on the verge of ordering an Alpha, but was a bit shocked to find the new price on their site in US dollars; will pluck up my courage and find out what they want in Canadian dollars, and whether they still give a discount to those who already have an 810, as I do.
Chris
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@raghav -forgot to say that beta blockers do interfere with mitochondrial function--they have their uses, but try to minimize my use of them. After heart surgery there is some point in protecting the heart from overactivity while it heals, but.....
@Chris Thanks for the info Chris. I am also planning on buying 633 or 655. I cant afford both. So if it comes to choosing one I am frankly confused. I want something which will give me energy, both physical and mental. I doubt whether alpha will be able to do that from my short experience with it.
Chris
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@raghav--a hard choice; I think the 633 will do most of what the 655 does, but probably not quite all. On the other hand, it is easier to lend to a friend, etc. And cheaper! Not sure why you think the Alpha will not increase energy though--you mentioned before that it had enabled you to walk for 20 minutes for the first time for quite a while, and that it enebled you to withstand standing too--I would regard both of those as significant steps forward in useful energy; was that walk a nonce event that has not been followed up? Are you still able to walk for 20 mins? Or are you distinguishing energy from strength?
perchance dreamer
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I just got back from vacation and am still getting into the swing of things. I really missed my Gamma while I was gone! Some people travel with the VL devices, but I didn't want to take the chance.
@raghav, the VL effects are supposed to be cumulative, so maybe you'll continue improving as time goes on.
One of my biofeedback therapists' husbands uses the Alpha every other day and the 810 every other day.
For him, using the 810 makes him feel like a light is turned on in his brain. We are all so different. It made me feel lousy although I used it only once before moving on to the Alpha and the Gamma.
I wanted to mention a $25 allergy relief device that employees at my integrative pharmacy say stimulates the brain with light in addition to relieving allergies and sinus congestion. The only person I've spoken to there who has used it says it helps her nasal congestion and sleep. However, I'm not sure if the insomnia relief is from reduction of nasal congestion (if you don't breathe well, you don't sleep well) or a direct effect from the light stimulation.
I've ordered one and will start a separate thread if it's of any use, especially for sleep. I showed my biofeedback therapist the specs in the literature I got from the pharmacy (they don't sell them), and she said it looks similar to the VL intranasal devices, similar enough to make it worthwhile to try.
There seem to be some disadvantages: The instructions are scanty, you have to recline or lie down so the probes stay in, and some people say the probes are uncomfortable for small noses. However, for $25, I'll give it a shot.
I don't know why, but the person I was talking to at the integrative pharmacy was told not to use the pulse mode, just the laser mode. Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/HailiCare-An...66&sr=8-1&keywords=allergy+relief+device&th=1
@raghav, the VL effects are supposed to be cumulative, so maybe you'll continue improving as time goes on.
One of my biofeedback therapists' husbands uses the Alpha every other day and the 810 every other day.
For him, using the 810 makes him feel like a light is turned on in his brain. We are all so different. It made me feel lousy although I used it only once before moving on to the Alpha and the Gamma.
I wanted to mention a $25 allergy relief device that employees at my integrative pharmacy say stimulates the brain with light in addition to relieving allergies and sinus congestion. The only person I've spoken to there who has used it says it helps her nasal congestion and sleep. However, I'm not sure if the insomnia relief is from reduction of nasal congestion (if you don't breathe well, you don't sleep well) or a direct effect from the light stimulation.
I've ordered one and will start a separate thread if it's of any use, especially for sleep. I showed my biofeedback therapist the specs in the literature I got from the pharmacy (they don't sell them), and she said it looks similar to the VL intranasal devices, similar enough to make it worthwhile to try.
There seem to be some disadvantages: The instructions are scanty, you have to recline or lie down so the probes stay in, and some people say the probes are uncomfortable for small noses. However, for $25, I'll give it a shot.
I don't know why, but the person I was talking to at the integrative pharmacy was told not to use the pulse mode, just the laser mode. Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/HailiCare-An...66&sr=8-1&keywords=allergy+relief+device&th=1
@Chris It has given me more energy for standing and walking. That is sure. But the device seems to be starting up my methylation cycle. I was following Fredd's active b12 protocol previously. I have restarted it. It is very costly importing all those supplements into India. Especially the customs duty. I am buying these supplements from Amazon India and ebay India. As you said I have reduced the frequency of the device to twice a week. I had my 5th session yesterday night. It did not cause any discomfort immediately. But it definitely is increasing the need for methylation. I dont know whether it is a good sign or not.
Anyway I am going to use the alpha. I want to heal my hippocampal sclerosis, which as I said is the cause of my abdomen epilepsy symptoms. I am not going to give up. I am also going to order the 633 and start using it. As I said I am able to stand in front of my bathroom mirror effortlessly and shave. It is peculiar in the sense when I am standing it is not causing uneasiness in my head but only while I sit for more than an hour or so. This is a reversal of my symptoms lol ! so I am going to increase my frequency of walks. Only problem is the summer heat. If I want to walk it has to be very early in the morning. I sleep like a log due to all my medicines and supplements. Lazy perhaps.
One more thing that came to my mind is if alpha is stimulating the mitochondria in the brain alone and not in the blood then that can cause imbalances. Because the brain will demand more nourishment and the body is not able to cope with it. I am guessing. So I will order the 633 and use the alpha and follow the methylation protocol and lets see how it goes. Anyway thanks for the encouragement @Chris Will definitely keep posting. Hope it helps in making a decision for you and the others in the forum whether to go for the alpha or gamma.
Anyway I am going to use the alpha. I want to heal my hippocampal sclerosis, which as I said is the cause of my abdomen epilepsy symptoms. I am not going to give up. I am also going to order the 633 and start using it. As I said I am able to stand in front of my bathroom mirror effortlessly and shave. It is peculiar in the sense when I am standing it is not causing uneasiness in my head but only while I sit for more than an hour or so. This is a reversal of my symptoms lol ! so I am going to increase my frequency of walks. Only problem is the summer heat. If I want to walk it has to be very early in the morning. I sleep like a log due to all my medicines and supplements. Lazy perhaps.
One more thing that came to my mind is if alpha is stimulating the mitochondria in the brain alone and not in the blood then that can cause imbalances. Because the brain will demand more nourishment and the body is not able to cope with it. I am guessing. So I will order the 633 and use the alpha and follow the methylation protocol and lets see how it goes. Anyway thanks for the encouragement @Chris Will definitely keep posting. Hope it helps in making a decision for you and the others in the forum whether to go for the alpha or gamma.
@perchance dreamer Glad you are back and eager to hear about your experiences with the gamma. The $25 dollar thing is laser, right ? So please be careful while using it. If required wear appropriate goggles. I checked just now and it is available on Amazon India also. I will wait for your feedback on this allergy device. If it gives you energy I will consider buying it. But at present my thoughts are on 633.
perchance dreamer
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Hi, @raghav, I'll post more about my Gamma experiences tomorrow. Since you have epilepsy, have you considered contacting the founder at Vielight and Dr. Berman again to ask about whether they recommend the 633 for you?
@perchance dreamer I will contact Vielight on this issue. But the alpha nose applicator also has flickering light at the tip. It is not causing any discomfort or trigger any seizure. So I think it is ok. Anyway I will ask for a clarification. Thx.
After restarting Fredd's Active B12 protocol all my uneasiness and discomforts have vanished just like that ! Yes alpha is kicking mitochondria in the butt and this in turn is restarting the methylation cycle. I dont know what other nutrients I might have to supplement. Let me wait and see.
perchance dreamer
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@raghav, I'm glad the methylation supplements are helping you. I haven't noticed mitochondrial symptoms with the Gamma. However, the first time I used the VL 810 I was extremely thirsty afterward, but I don't know if that's related.
The Gamma makes it easier for me to get through the day. It doesn't increase energy, but it improves my stamina. My sleep has been up and down for a long time. Even on days after a poor night's sleep, I can still exercise on days I use the Gamma.
The device makes me feel serene and lifts my mood. Sometimes the mood lift doesn't occur until hours after the session.
Those effects are wonderful, of course, but I'm really looking for improved cognitive function. It hasn't been consistent, but sometimes I feel my brain is working better.
For example, recently my sister and brother-in-law came to visit us over a weekend. I hadn't got much sleep the night before, but I easily got through the mountain of chores I needed to do before they got here.
That night I cooked a complex Indian curry, soup, and vegetables, and I was able to easily think ahead of what I needed to do next to get the meal together. For me, it's really something to get through the day smoothly when I'm sleep deprived.
I'm a crossword fiend, and they seem easier these days, closer to my ability before I had this past surgery that left me feeling pretty impaired cognitively from the strong antibiotics and general anesthesia. I trust as I use the device more that I'll see further improvements.
I have chronic pain from fibromyalgia and a number of back and neck problems, and I do seem to have a slight pain reduction on the days I use the Gamma. I wonder if that could be caused from normalizing the sympathetic nervous system?
My next biofeedback appt. is not for a couple of weeks, so I'll be interested to see any changes in my brainwave pattern.
Some notes about the Gamma: I find the sessions pretty uncomfortable, but they are only 20 minutes. The headpiece ends up tugging some of my hair, and the nasal device feels really tight although I removed its little blue sleeves. Their purpose is to prevent the device from slipping, but I don't need them.
VL sells a carrying case for the Alpha and Gamma, and I wish I had sprung for it when I got my Gamma. I could order it now, but would have to pay shipping.
Anyway, I'm very happy with the Gamma and wish I could use it every day. This past week I wanted to see what would happen if I used it separated by only one day, so I did a session Tues. and another one on Thurs.
I had good effects both days, but I had a really hard time sleeping Thurs. night, which I attribute to doing the two sessions that close together. So I'm going to separate the sessions more until I can find the right thing for me.
The Gamma makes it easier for me to get through the day. It doesn't increase energy, but it improves my stamina. My sleep has been up and down for a long time. Even on days after a poor night's sleep, I can still exercise on days I use the Gamma.
The device makes me feel serene and lifts my mood. Sometimes the mood lift doesn't occur until hours after the session.
Those effects are wonderful, of course, but I'm really looking for improved cognitive function. It hasn't been consistent, but sometimes I feel my brain is working better.
For example, recently my sister and brother-in-law came to visit us over a weekend. I hadn't got much sleep the night before, but I easily got through the mountain of chores I needed to do before they got here.
That night I cooked a complex Indian curry, soup, and vegetables, and I was able to easily think ahead of what I needed to do next to get the meal together. For me, it's really something to get through the day smoothly when I'm sleep deprived.
I'm a crossword fiend, and they seem easier these days, closer to my ability before I had this past surgery that left me feeling pretty impaired cognitively from the strong antibiotics and general anesthesia. I trust as I use the device more that I'll see further improvements.
I have chronic pain from fibromyalgia and a number of back and neck problems, and I do seem to have a slight pain reduction on the days I use the Gamma. I wonder if that could be caused from normalizing the sympathetic nervous system?
My next biofeedback appt. is not for a couple of weeks, so I'll be interested to see any changes in my brainwave pattern.
Some notes about the Gamma: I find the sessions pretty uncomfortable, but they are only 20 minutes. The headpiece ends up tugging some of my hair, and the nasal device feels really tight although I removed its little blue sleeves. Their purpose is to prevent the device from slipping, but I don't need them.
VL sells a carrying case for the Alpha and Gamma, and I wish I had sprung for it when I got my Gamma. I could order it now, but would have to pay shipping.
Anyway, I'm very happy with the Gamma and wish I could use it every day. This past week I wanted to see what would happen if I used it separated by only one day, so I did a session Tues. and another one on Thurs.
I had good effects both days, but I had a really hard time sleeping Thurs. night, which I attribute to doing the two sessions that close together. So I'm going to separate the sessions more until I can find the right thing for me.
@perchance dreamer my sister also has fibromyalgia for which she is taking prescription medicine duloxetine. I think the original brand is Cymbalta ? In India we get generics. I am also on Duloxetine 30 mg for my depression. It is supposed to give relief from body pain.I dont know your GP is eligible to prescribe it. A Neurologist or Psychiatrist can definitely prescribe it.
You said the sessions are uncomfortable. Can you describe what it feels like during the session. Any squeezing sensation inside your head ? Or racing thoughts ? what exactly ?
BTW I have ordered the Hailicare device you mentioned. It is available on Amazon India. Not very costly but around 60 USD. I will get it in 3 weeks time. I also ordered the bionase generic from Amazon. It is supposed to be 630 nm red laser which Sarah Myhill mentions on her website. This generic bionase is dirt cheap. Costs 20 USD.
You said some people are using the Hailicare device. Can you talk to them about their experience with it ? Does it increase their energy levels ? What is the wavelength of the laser ? I think it is red laser so must be 600 -700 nm.
I will be having my 6th session with alpha tonight. Will keep you updated. I would love to try the gamma. If only Vielight had given a switch for changing the frequency back and forth between 10 hz and 40 hz. But then they cant make more money.
You said the sessions are uncomfortable. Can you describe what it feels like during the session. Any squeezing sensation inside your head ? Or racing thoughts ? what exactly ?
BTW I have ordered the Hailicare device you mentioned. It is available on Amazon India. Not very costly but around 60 USD. I will get it in 3 weeks time. I also ordered the bionase generic from Amazon. It is supposed to be 630 nm red laser which Sarah Myhill mentions on her website. This generic bionase is dirt cheap. Costs 20 USD.
You said some people are using the Hailicare device. Can you talk to them about their experience with it ? Does it increase their energy levels ? What is the wavelength of the laser ? I think it is red laser so must be 600 -700 nm.
I will be having my 6th session with alpha tonight. Will keep you updated. I would love to try the gamma. If only Vielight had given a switch for changing the frequency back and forth between 10 hz and 40 hz. But then they cant make more money.
perchance dreamer
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@raghav, what I meant about the sessions being uncomfortable is that the head gear feels pretty tight on my head and seems to catch my hair, and the nasal device feels tight, too. So I mean it's kind of physically uncomfortable, but no racing thoughts or unpleasant mental effects during the session. The physical discomfort isn't bad, and the sessions are just 20 minutes, so I can put up with it that long, especially in light of the nice benefits I'm seeing.
I don't think the Hailicare will help with energy. The one person I spoke to who uses it finds it really helpful for nasal congestion and sleep. She uses the laser mode 15 minutes twice a day. She started off with 5 minute sessions and built up.
It is 660nm, according to the seller's information on AZ. I saw this in the Q & A section.
There's a company called Transparent Corp. that sells audio brainwave entrainment software. Their NeuroProgrammer 3 software has a gamma session, or at least the version I have does. I have not listened to it. I think it's 30 minutes. You would listen to it with headphones and your eyes closed, I assume.
However, I don't know if the gamma session is included in the free trial version. It may just be a subset of the sessions.
Here's a link if you are interested. The nice thing about this company is that you can try out their software for free for 2 weeks if you have one of the platforms listed in the requirements:
https://www.transparentcorp.com/products/np/download.php
I don't think the Hailicare will help with energy. The one person I spoke to who uses it finds it really helpful for nasal congestion and sleep. She uses the laser mode 15 minutes twice a day. She started off with 5 minute sessions and built up.
It is 660nm, according to the seller's information on AZ. I saw this in the Q & A section.
There's a company called Transparent Corp. that sells audio brainwave entrainment software. Their NeuroProgrammer 3 software has a gamma session, or at least the version I have does. I have not listened to it. I think it's 30 minutes. You would listen to it with headphones and your eyes closed, I assume.
However, I don't know if the gamma session is included in the free trial version. It may just be a subset of the sessions.
Here's a link if you are interested. The nice thing about this company is that you can try out their software for free for 2 weeks if you have one of the platforms listed in the requirements:
https://www.transparentcorp.com/products/np/download.php
Thx @perchance dreamer I will try it.
Chris
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I wonder if some of these cheap little devices are not LED rather than true laser? If they are really lasers, handle with care--and there should be warnings or goggles with them. I am still dithering about buying probably an Alpha--dismayed to find the price is now quoted in US dollars (I live in Canada)--will have to figure out the rate of exchange relevant.....keep forgetting to phone them....