HOLISTIC HEALTH Company uses light as healer
Several clients say the therapy has helped them stop smoking.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
John Massie, president of a brand new company called Laser-Lite Therapeutics, Inc. in Boardman, is thrilled to be bringing a drug-free, non-invasive and painless technology to the area.
The company's mission statement says: "We at Laser-Lite are committed to the worldwide exploration of finding innovative light therapies that provide a safe alternative for improved healthcare ... believe that the body is perfectly designed and can naturally take care of itself when provided what it needs."
And the company believes that light is often the answer to a body's needs.
Laser-Lite opened in early January, 2005. Cassandra McBride is the laser practitioner. Currently, the therapies are helping clients to stop smoking and lose weight, but the company is in the process of expanding its services.
There are two types of lasers (the letters stand for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). The high power, or hot lasers are used in surgery, while the low power, or cold/soft lasers are used in therapies. Their power is similar to a 60-watt bulb. Soft laser therapy works by stimulating energy on the meridian points (as in acupuncture).
How it works
"When I come in every morning, I calibrate, or program the laser, which must be done every day," McBride said. "It can be set to either the smoking cessation or weight-loss protocol. Energy points on the hands, face, and ears are stimulated during the session, which clears the pathways for the release of endorphins, the body's natural chemicals, that give one the feeling of well-being. This eliminates the craving for nicotine." (The weight management program works in a similar way to help eliminate food cravings.)
McBride said she also also works with clients on behavior modification. "Laser therapy produces a release of endorphins for 3-5 days following treatment," she said. "The first 72 hours are crucial for detoxification. In addition, we recommend vitamins and antioxidants. After that, we work with the psychological aspects of addictions."
She said she gives clients her cell phone number, and is available 24/7. "I tell my clients to give me the opportunity to help. Call if you feel the need to light a cigarette." She also recommends clients receive a booster treatment, even if they don't feel they need it.
Success stories
McBride's clients bear testimony to the effectiveness of laser therapy. Paul Nehlen of Brookfield says, "I smoked two-plus packs a day for 46 years. I tried to quit on two different occasions in the past with no success. It has been 56 days since I had the last Laser-Lite treatment, and I have not picked up a cigarette."
Ruth Bluedorn of Girard says, "I now have no desire at all to smoke."
Massotherapist Julie Beaumier, of Boardman, says she smoked for 30 years, one and a half to two packs a day, and was able to quit after one treatment but recommends once-a-week treatments for two months. "The first two months are the worst," she says.
Massie says that light therapies date all the way back to Hippocrates, about 400 B.C.
Laser lights were discovered around 1960. "Two and a half years ago, I began doing research on therapies all over the world using light, both laser and other forms of light," he said. "Our goal here is to bring to Youngstown the best light therapies available."
Massie tells of a practitioner, George Lucio of Alpha Laser Therapy in Windsor, Canada, who has been extremely successful for 18 years, and has proven the process to the rest of the world. "Our protocol is based on the 30 meridian points used by Lucio. We want to bring our clients this process that is healthful and complimentary. We want to work along with physicians so they have somewhere they can refer clients who need our services."
Massie says there are only about 20-25 other practitioners in the United States engaged in this practice, and he believes it is because of all the restrictions and regulations laser practitioners must get through to have approval through the Food and Drug Administration, and the Industrial Review Board.
But he says laser therapy is cutting edge. "Light therapy is going to be an important part of health care in the future," Massie said. "And I want our clients to know we have their best interest in mind, that we treat people with compassion and caring, the personal touch. We always follow up with our clients and keep in communication. We want them to feel good."
In addition to its stop-smoking and weight-management programs, Laser-Lite Therapeutics is working to become approved for drug and alcohol addiction clients.
It also sells a product called "The Litebook," which it believes can help people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a common ailment for many during the winter months when days are short. SAD is often referred to as "winter blues." For many, the product can even be useful year-round, because our lifestyles often keep us indoors, deprived of natural sunlight.
Another product available through Laser-Lite is called "softlaser," a cosmetic product that clients can purchase, for skin cell rejuvenation, or "anti-aging." It is believed to stimulate cells to produce collagen and ATP.
Laser therapies have been used to alleviate numerous other conditions, such as stress, sports or chronic injuries, pain and even heal wounds. Each different condition requires a different protocol, and additional approval by the FDA. Laser-Lite Therapeutics is working toward the requirements needed to expand its practice.
The company is also looking at the bigger holistic picture, and sees a future of networking with other healers to bring together the best in alternative health care for the area. It wants to create a reciprocal relationship with others, to give out and receive referrals to provide clients with the best selection of healers for their needs.
XLaughing Crow is a practitioner of holistic healing. She may be reached at laughingcrow@neo.rr.com.