WO2002070066A1

WO2002070066A1 - Method and lamp for colour therapy

Info

Publication number: WO2002070066A1
Application number: PCT/HU2002/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antal Tiszold
Original assignee: Antal Tiszold
Priority date: 2001-03-05
Filing date: 2002-03-04
Publication date: 2002-09-12
Also published as: HU0100055V0; HU2096U

Abstract

The invention concerns a crystal lamp (10), comprising a light source, beam forming optics and a natural therapeutic crystal (20) illuminated by a light beam. The crystal (20) is positioned at the exit aperture of the light. The crystal (20) is substantially prismatic, enclosed by lateral sufaces (40) having substantially parallel edges (39). The prism of the crystal (20) ends in a tapered part located at the exit direction of the light rays. The part (46) is enclosed by facets (42), the facets (42) enclosing an angle with the lateral surfaces (40) of the prism. The tapered part (46) ends in an apex (44). There is also disclosed a method for colour therapy, comprising he treatment of body parts. During the method, body parts are irradiating with light having various colours. The irradiating light beam is administered through a crystal (20) to surface of the treated body part. In the method, a special type of crystal (20) is used, as described above. The irradiating light is fed into the crystal (20) at the end opposite to the apex (44), and those light rays are aministered to the treated body part which light rays leave the crystal through the apex (44).

Description

METHOD AND LAMP FOR COLOUR THERAPY

Technical Field

The object of the invention is a crystal lamp used primarily for therapy, particularly for colour therapy. The lamp according to the invention comprises a light source, beam forming optics and a natural therapeutic crystal illuminated by a light beam and positioned at the exit aperture of the light,

Background Art There are known therapeutic lamps having a light source, beam forming optics, and colour filters illuminated by a light beam and positioned at the exit aperture of the light or positioned before the exit aperture. One known lamp, which may be used for various therapeutic purposes, is sold under the trade mark Bioptron®. The appropriate therapy effect is achieved by selecting the filter and the time of the treatment. No natural crystals are used in the path of the light beam in this known lamp.

Another therapy lamp is known from US Patent No. 5,807,390. This therapy lamp comprises a light source, beam forming optics and a natural therapeutic crystal illuminated by a light beam and positioned at the exit aperture of the light. A part of the beam forming optics is a light guide, which directs the light to the therapeutic crystal, more precisely, guides the light into the crystal. The crystal may be of various types, but sapphire and quartz is recommended. The crystals may be used in multiple shapes. One shape variant has a tapered end, but with a tip having a flat end. The tapered end concentrates the light fed into the crystal in the vicinity of the tip. Other suggested shapes have rounded exit surfaces. The crystals used for this lαiown lamp comprise a large number of microscopic inclusions. The microscopic inclusions cause a beneficial light diffusion, particularly at the exit end of the crystal. These known lamps are not suitable for efficiently combining the internal vibrational energy of the crystals with the colour therapeutic effect. The purpose of the invention is to present a therapeutic device which allows the users to combine the crystal therapy effect with colour therapy.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the object of the invention is a crystal lamp, which comprises a light source, beam forming optics and a natural therapeutic crystal illuminated by a light beam and positioned at the exit aperture of the light. It is a special feature of the crystal lamp of the invention that the crystal is substantially prismatic, where the prism of the crystal is enclosed by lateral surfaces having substantially parallel edges. The prism ends in a tapered part, which is located at the exit direction of the light rays. The part is enclosed by facets, which enclose an angle with the lateral surfaces of the prism, so that the tapered part ends in an apex.

Due to the shape of the crystal used in the crystal lamp according to the invention, the light radiated into the crystal is concentrated practically in the region of the exit apex, on a small surface, and therefore treatment with good efficiency may be achieved, even with a relatively low-power light source. The low-power light source may be operated even with an independent power source, so the crystal lamp of the invention may be manufactured in a portable version powered by battery. In this manner the lamp may be widely used.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably multiple colour filters may be placed in the way of the light beam in an exchangeable manner. The specific desired treatment may be performed by changing the colour filters. Optionally, the spectrum of the lamp my be changed by changing the light source. With other words, the crystal lamp of the invention may comprise an exchangeable light source.

The invention further relates to a method for colour therapy, comprising the treatment of body parts. During the treatment, body parts are irradiated with light having various colours, and the irradiating light beam is administered through a crystal to a surface of the treated body part. According to the invention, the applied crystal is substantially prismatic, enclosed by lateral surfaces having substantially parallel edges, so that the prism ends in a tapered part located at the exit direction of the light rays. The part is enclosed by facets, which enclose an angle with the lateral surfaces of the prism, the tapered part ending in an apex. The irradiating light is fed into the crystal at the end opposite to the apex, and those light rays are administered to the treated body part which light rays leave the crystal through the apex.

In the most preferred embodiment, natural rock crystal, i. e. quartz is applied as the therapeutic crystal. Quartz has a wide range of therapeutic effects, and it has a relatively low absorption in the visible spectrum, and therefore it is particularly suitable for colour therapy applications.

During the performed experiments, it has turned out to be most advantageous if the facets of the part constituting the limiting apex of the prism, are formed along the natural crystal planes. This advantageous effect may be explained by the fact that the internal energy of the crystal is utilised best for the purpose of the vibration therapy if the vibrations transported by the coloured light rays can propagate parallel or perpendicularly to the crystal planes. The causes of this effect are not known exactly, but it is assumed that the vibrational energy transported by light rays propagating parallel to the crystal planes is amplified along the crystal planes. On the other hand, during the exit of the light rays, it is desirable to direct the light perpendicular to the crystal planes. In this manner the path is shortest across the air- crystal interface, where the vibrational energy could be absorbed. This latter effect is undesirable, because it reduces the therapeutic effect of the light beam.

Brief Description of Drawings By way of example only, an embodiment of the crystal lamp of the invention will now be described more in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the crystal lamp of the invention, and the associated filters,

Fig. 2 is a top view of the crystal lamp of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a side view of the crystal lamp of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating the optical imaging system and the application of the crystal lamp of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view illustrating the crystal used in the crystal lamp of the invention, and illustrating the light rays propagating through the crystal.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

Referrring to the figures, the crystal lamp 10 according to the invention comprises a light source 12 and a beam forming optics 14, which concentrates the light emitted by the light source 12 into the crystal 20. Practically, the light source 12 is selected from those light sources which have a wide spectrum, particularly in the visible range. For this purpose, high-power halogen incandescent bulbs, such as a krypton bulb is preferred. The light source 12 and the beam forming optics 14 (not shown in Figs. 1-3) is located in the head part 16 of the crystal lamp 10. Attached to the head part 16 is a shaft 18, which latter houses the power source (not shown) operating the light source 12. The power source may be an accumulator or battery. These may be replaced after removing the fastener screws 22 at the bottom of the shaft 18. The lamp may be operated as desired with the switch 24. Due to the independent power source of the light source 12 in the crystal lamp 10, the crystal lamp 10 is of the portable type. However, it is also possible to operate the light source 12 from the mains. In this case it is preferable to use an AC-DC rectifier converter, and it is further suggested to supplement the rectifier with a noise reduction filter having good smoothing characteristics, in order to minimise the harmful background radiation of the AC mains voltage, or to eliminate it completely, as far as possible. The power supply of the light source 12 may be equipped with a power output control unit.

The crystal lamp 10 comprises a natural therapeutic crystal 20, which is illuminated by a light beam constituted of the light rays 26. The crystal 20 is positioned at the exit aperture 28 of the light rays 26. In the present case, the 28 exit aperture is also defined by the crystal 20, because the 20 crystal is held in place at the exit end 30 of the head part 16 by a non-translucent fixation. In a possible embodiment, the 20 crystal is cast into resin 32 in the head part 16, which provides a stress-free and yet stable fastening to the head part 16.

The crystal 20 itself is substantially prismatic, enclosed by lateral surfaces 40 having substantially parallel edges 39. (see especially Figs. 1 and 5). With other words, the lateral surfaces 40 themselves are parallel to the longitudinal axis T of the crystal 20. The prism ends in a tapered part 46, which is located at the exit direction of the light rays 26. The tapered part 46 is enclosed by facets 42, and it ends in an apex 44. The facets 42 of the part 46 are enclosing an angle with the lateral surfaces 40 of the prism. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the upper facet 42 of the part 46 includes an angle α with the upper lateral surfaces 40, which latter is parallel to the longitudinal axis T of the crystal 20. The value of α a depends of the crystal structure of the applied crystal 20, in the case of rock crystal the value of α is typically between 30-60°. As best seen in Figs. 1 and 4, at least one, preferably multiple colour filters 50,50' may be placed in the path of the light rays 26. The colour filters 50,50' may be inserted in to the slots 52 formed in the head part 16, and in this manner the filters 50,50' may be exchanged, depending on the applied therapy.

The spectrum of the suggested filters are as follows (values given in nm):

Red 760-647

Orange 647-585

Yellow 585-560

Green 560-492

Blue 492-455

Purple 455-424

Violet 424-397

However, it is also feasible to change the spectrum of the crystal lamp 10 by changing the spectrum of the light source 12, i. e. crystal lamp 10 may comprise an exchangeable light source 12.

The beam forming optics 14 advantageously comprises a light reflecting surface, preferably a parabolic mirror 62, which directs the light emitted to the rear from the light source 12 towards the crystal 20. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, the beam forming optics 14 also includes a collimating lens 64 (in the shown embodiment a double acromat lens pair) and a focusing lens 66. The collimating lens 64 makes the light rays 26 arriving from the light source 12 substantially parallel, and the focusing lens 66 focuses the beam into the crystal 20, optionally through the filters 50 and 50'. The beam forming optics 14 is designed to direct maximum light power through the exit aperture 28. With the adjustment of the focusing lens 66, the focal point is also adjustable within the volume of the crystal 20, and therewith the intensity distribution emerging from the apex 44 of the crystal 20 may be indirectly adjusted as well.

From the beam forming optics 14 the light rays 26 enter the crystal 20 located at the exit end 30 of the head part 16. The prism constituted by the crystal 20 is limited towards the entering side of the light rays 26 by an end surface 48. The end surface 48 is substantially perpendicular to the lateral surfaces 40. Therefore, the light rays 26 may enter the crystal 20 with a minimum loss. The lateral surfaces of the part 46 - i. e. the facets 42 of the part 46 limiting the prism at the exit side - are formed along the natural crystal planes. This is desirable because of the positive effect described in the introduction, and on the other hand, the polishing of the crystal is also more perfect along the natural crystal planes, it is easier to create a surface with good optical properties. Due to the optical quality, it is easier to achieve total reflection along the surfaces of the crystal. This is important because this ensures that the light coupled into the crystal 20 may exit only in the vicinity of the apex 44 of the crystal, where the included angle between the propagating light rays 26 and the facets 42 will necessarily increase. At those locations where the light rays 26 fall onto the lateral surfaces 40 under a small entering angle, total reflection will occur, and the light rays 26 will not exit the crystal 20. This effect is well known in light guides. This effect is further enhanced by polishing the surfaces surrounding the crystal, i. e. the external surface of the lateral surfaces 40 and the facets 42. It is particularly important to polish the those facets which are directly adjacent to the apex 44.

The light rays 26 emanating from the apex 44 may be directed on the appropriate external or internal body part of the treated person 70, e. g. to the face, skin etc., depending on the applied therapy. Typically the crystal 20 is a natural rock crystal, i. e. a crystal which is not artificially made. Optionally, other crystals may be used as well, depending on the purpose of the vibration therapy, e. g. zirconium, or sapphire, emerald or onyx. It is also possible to fasten the crystal 20 in the head part in an exchangeable manner, in order to be able to use various crystals.

The crystal lamp made according to the invention advantageously unites the crystal therapeutic effect with colour therapy, and utilises the light of the light source 12 with good efficiency. Due to the shape of the crystal as described above, the light radiated into the crystal is highly concentrated, and efficient treatment may be achieved even with a light source having a moderate energy output. In this manner the device is best used for such colour therapy, where body parts are treated, by irradiating the body parts with light having various colours. As explained above, this treatment is based on the administering of the irradiating light beam through a crystal to surface of the treated body part. Due to the structure of the crystal lamp described above, the irradiating light is fed into the crystal 20 at the end opposite to the apex 44. Those light rays are administered to the treated body part which light rays leave the crystal through the apex 44.

Experiments conducted with the crystal lamp showed that particularly good results may be achieved with a crystal as formed according to the invention, if the irradiation is performed in acupuncture points known from traditional Chinese acupuncture treatments. This is illustrated in Fig. 6, which shows the acupuncture points suitable for the treatment of the vegetative (autonomous) nervous system. The irradiation of these points may be performed advantageously with green or yellow light. Similarly, Fig. 7 illustrates the acupuncture points suitable for the treatment of leg ulcer. The irradiation of these points may be performed with blue light, for example. The role of the filters on the crystal lamp is to limit the spectrum of the applied light to appropriate wavelength ranges. It is a known experience in colour therapy, that the treatment of certain body surfaces and illnesses requires light with different spectra. Most experience is collected with therapy performed with light having its energy concentrated in a relatively narrow spectral range (quasi-monochrome light). Accordingly, during the treatments made with the crystal lamp of the invention, the colour (spectrum) of the applied light was selected so that the energy of the irradiating light was substantially concentrated into one of the wavelength ranges described above, and the light was administered in these colours. In these wavelength ranges the following therapeutic effects were observed:

(Red) 760-647nm: warming, improved tonicity, invigorating effect

(Orange) 647-585: significantly improves the ability of the patient to establish personal contacts. It was also observed that obsessions (monomania) diminished. (Yellow) 585-560: Strengthening of the nerves. Generally promotes psychic stabilisation.

(Green) 560-492: Amplifies the feeling of safeness of the patient, increases satisfaction. Further observed effects are the reduction of mental and physical fatigue. (Blue) 492-455: Sedative, relaxing effect, generally contributes to psychical relaxation. In certain cases patients reported a cooling effect. (Purple) 455-424: Sedative effect, combined with a sense of protection and warmth.

Light therapy works by influencing the effect on treated body part not only with the wavelength of the light (i. e. the own vibrational properties of the light), but also utilising other effects caused by the special photon energy quanta. Moreover, during application of the crystal lamp according to the invention, light energy and crystal energy positively interferes with each other. Irradiation treatments were conducted on patients with light having the spectrum given above. The patients were suffering from emotional disturbances. The irradiation treatments were conducted with double blind control method. In the treatments 20-20 patients were selected having similar mental hygienic problems. Main complaints were anguish, insomnia, chronic nervousness, reduced intellectual capabilities.

The treatments were administered twice daily, for 5-5 minutes at a time. The treatments were made with following parameters: 10 patients received treatment with various colours, and 10 patients were treated with neutral (white) light. The same treatments were made with a known colour lamp, but without the crystal having a pointed apex according to the invention. The evaluation of the behaviour of the patients was made by a mental hygienic professional, different from the person administering the treatments. The evaluation of the results were based on this background, also taking into account the semi-subjective evaluation of the visual- analogue scale (VAS scale), and the reports of the patients themselves. Experience showed that the therapy conducted with the pointed crystals caused approximately 20% more significant therapeutic effect, as compared with the treatments conducted with the previously applied blunt-pointed radiators. In the treatment of certain psycho-somatic symptoms, the effects of the colour stimulation performed with the colour therapy lamp of the invention came close to the treatment effect of a traditional acupuncture treatment, made with needles.

Claims

1. Crystal lamp, comprising a light source (12), beam forming optics (14) and a natural therapeutic crystal illuminated by a light beam and positioned at the exit aperture of the light, characterised in that the crystal is substantially prismatic enclosed by lateral surfaces having substantially parallel edges, the prism ending in a tapered part (46) located at the exit direction of the light rays (26), and the part (46) being enclosed by facets (42), the facets (42) enclosing an angle (α) with the lateral surfaces (40) of the prism, the tapered part (46) ending in an apex (44).

2. The crystal lamp of claim 1, characterised in that at least one, preferably multiple colour filters (50,50') may be placed in the way of the light beam (26) in an exchangeable manner.

3. The crystal lamp of claim 2, characterised in comprising an exchangeable light source (12).

4. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the beam forming optics (14) comprises a light reflecting surface, preferably a parabolic mirror (62) and/or collimating lens (64) and/or focusing lens (66).

5. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that towards the entering side of the light beam (26) the prism is limited by an end surface (48), the end surface (48) being substantially perpendicular to the lateral surfaces (40).

6. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the crystal (20) is a rock crystal.

7. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the facets (42) of the part (46) limiting the prism are formed along the natural crystal planes.

8. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in comprising a light source (12) radiating in a wide spectrum, particularly in the visible range.

9. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the light source (12) is a halogen incandescent lamp.

10. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the surfaces enclosing the crystal, particularly the facets (42) surrounding the apex (44) are polished.

11. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the light source (12) comprises an independent power source.

12. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the light source (12) comprises a power source having an AC-DC converter and a mains noise filter.

13. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the beam forming optics (14) has an adjustable focal length.

14. The crystal lamp of any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in comprising a crystal which is fastened in an exchangeable manner.

15. A method for colour therapy, comprising the treatment of body parts, irradiating body parts with light having various colours, and administering the irradiating light beam through a crystal to surface of the treated body part, characterised in

- applying a crystal (20) that is substantially prismatic enclosed by lateral surfaces having substantially parallel edges, the prism ending in a tapered part (46) located at the exit direction of the light rays (26), and the part (46) being enclosed by facets (42), the facets (42) enclosing an angle (α) with the lateral surfaces (40) of the prism, the tapered part (46) ending in an apex (44), and further

- feeding the irradiating light into the crystal (20) at the end opposite to the apex (44), and

- administering those light rays to the treated body part which light rays leave the crystal through the apex (44).

16. The method of claim 15, characterised in that the spectrum of the applied light is selected so that the energy of the irradiating light is radiated substantially concentrated in any of the following wavelength ranges: colour wavelength [nm]

(Red) 760-647

(Orange) 647-585

(Yellow) 585-560 (Green) 560-492

(Blue) 492-455

(Purple) 455-424

(Violet) 424-397

17. The method of claim 16, characterised in that the wavelength ranges are established using white light and filters placed in the way of the light beam.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, characterised in performing the irradiation in acupuncture points.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, characterised in applying a crystal where the facets (42) of the part (46) limiting the prism are formed along the natural crystal planes.

20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 19, characterised in applying natural rock crystal as the therapeutic crystal.