A laser watch sounds like it might be something that Apple computers just introduced. Well this is one thing that Apple had nothing to do with. Also, this is not a watch that was developed by “Q” of James Bond fame. No, this is an honest to goodness laser watch which is designed to enhance your health. Actually this is not a watch in the sense that it tells time. Instead, it is a watch that may have the potential of turning back time as far as aging is concerned. At the Institute of Regenerative Medicine we are making this watch one of the building blocks of our anti-aging program. Beyond its anti-aging effect, it can also significantly contribute to general well- being.
I have written a number of articles concerning the use of lasers in the field of Regenerative Medicine. Laser light has some very beneficial effects on the body. Our relationship to plants is very compelling. Our mitochondria are similar to chloroplasts in the plant. They both have the ability to convert light energy into a form that the body or the plant can utilize. This is where the laser light comes into play.
The laser watch makes use of 18 red laser diodes. Unlike the laser in James Bond this laser will not cut through metal. Its use is barely perceptible. The red laser has a wavelength of 650nm. The laser watch may have a very intriguing effect on the blood circulation in the body.
The red laser can have a very interesting effect on the red blood cells. The above diagram illustrates some of these effects. If a red blood cell is struck by the laser, it can have a direct effect on the production of ATP which is the source of cellular energy. Other effects are equally intriguing. The red laser will result in the release of nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide is a very potent compound. It is known to be a growth, immune and neuro-modulator. It has a critical role in stem cell proliferation, analgesia (pain relief), vasodilation and angiogenesis. Vasodilation means the opening up of a blood vessel and angiogenesis refers to adding on to existing blood vessels. Nitric Oxide also has known anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Inflammation is the root of many problems. The other monumental aspect of Nitric Oxide is its importance in ATP production, which is the source of energy for all of our cells. There are two very important byproducts in the ATP production. These include NAD and NADH. These are two compounds that are very important in anti-aging circles. One aspect of our anti-aging program involves the use of intravenous NAD and NADH.
The laser works by delivering laser energy to the two arteries located at the wrist. These two arteries are called the radial and ulnar arteries. Because the arteries are superficial, the red laser light penetrates through the skin and vessel wall. It directly effects the circulating blood. This light wave blood therapy is called “extra corporeal photophoresis”. The laser watch also stimulates a number of acupuncture points that are found in the vicinity of the arteries.
These acupuncture points contribute to overall well-being. The watch does simultaneous laser acupuncture and blood irradiation at the same time. We can see these acupuncture points on the diagram above. Tongli Acupoint is found in traditional Chinese medicine. It is for heart meridian acupoint adjuvant therapy. Lingdao Acupoint which in traditional Chinese medicine mainly function for quiet calm heart, nerves, clean or dredge the meridians Adjuvant therapy. The Neiguan Acupoint deals with the heart and its circulation
The laser does not just stimulate the red blood cells but it can also have an affect on the white blood cells which directly affects our immune system. Many times the definition of aging is the failure of the immune system. The laser can affect the Immune System in two ways. First it can affect the Humoral Immunity System. This portion of our immune system is mediated by secreted antibodies. The second way it affects the immune system is by Cell Mediated Immunity. Cell Mediated Immunity involves various types of white blood cells. Another method by which the laser watch achieves its goals is by the use of a nasal piece as can be seen in the diagram showing the laser watch itself, the nasal piece and laser shower piece.
The nostril piece is a laser catheter that fits into the nostrils. In the nostril area the circulation is very superficial and very plentiful. Because the circulation in the nostril area is superficial the laser can easily do its job.
The laser use in the nostril and wrist arteries can also increase the formation of melatonin. We now know that conventional light therapy, especially that involved with regulating sleep rhythm involves the use of bright blue light in the morning. Bright blue light has the effect of suppressing melatonin, a hormone that encourages the body to go into sleep mode and regulate the sleep cycle (or circadian rhythm). It is well established that short-wavelength or “blue” light is the most melatonin-suppressive; this is the type of light typically emitted by devices such as televisions, computer screens, and cellphones. To produce white light, these electronic devices must emit light at short wavelengths, close to the peak sensitivity of melatonin suppression. This means that products such as tablets, smartphones, and other devices with self-luminous electronic displays are major sources for suppressing melatonin at night, thereby reducing sleep duration and disrupting sleep. However, red light as used in laser watch light therapy, appears to have the opposite effect to the blue light. It works with the melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle. Related studies demonstrate correlation between its use and the presence of increased levels of melatonin in patients with sleep disorders. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps ‘cool down’ excess inflammation. In fact, melatonin is so integral to the health of your immune system that a lack of it causes your thymus gland, a key component of your immune system, to shrink in size. Melatonin’s immediate precursor is the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is a major player in regulating and giving a lift to your mood. And, like serotonin, melatonin plays important roles in your physical and mental health. I can attest from my own personal experience with the laser watch that it dramatically helps me overcome jet lag and fatigue.
The last component that I wish to comment on is the laser pad. This is a pad plugs into the main unit and then can apply laser energy to areas of the body that are sore or achy. This is like having your own personal physical therapist. It is well known that laser energy can ameliorate pain.
The laser watch manufacturer also makes the following claims: “To improve hemodynamic, blood fat and blood sugar metabolism through photochemical effects. By changing these hemodynamics the laser will improve the oxygen carrying capacity and the deformability of red blood cells, decreasing the blood viscosity, reducing the blood fat, lowering blood pressure and improving the blood sugar, and finally achieving the purpose of treating hypertension, hyperlipemia and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Meanwhile, it also has good curative effect on acute rhinitis, chronic rhinitis and sinusitis.” I am not to go on record to officially endorse these claims but I suspect there is good validity to them based on what I read from various European studies. To me the cost of the laser watch (less than $400) is a small price to pay to enhance one’s well-being. I am sure we will hear more about this.
Thanks,
– Dr. P