WO2006028461A2

WO2006028461A2 - Light processing of selected body components

Info

Publication number: WO2006028461A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/029251
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mellen-Thomas Benedict
Original assignee: Tru-Light Corporation
Priority date: 2004-09-08
Filing date: 2004-09-08
Publication date: 2006-03-16
Also published as: EP1841377A2; CA2589505A1; WO2006028461A3

Abstract

Method and system for illuminating a selected body component with light to encourage selected beneficial reactions of the body component as a result of such exposure and to provide phototherapy. Light is provided using a light delivery module (41) having one or more components (45) that fit around a body component (43), or are located at a particular site on or adjacent the body, where each light delivery component can be independently controlled. The body component is exposed to light in a first wavelength range and to light within a second wavelength range, in a first time interval and in a second time interval, respectively, that are separated by a selected dark field time interval where substantially no light exposure occurs, except for ambient lighting. The first and second wavelength ranges may be the same, may partly overlap, or may be mutually exclusive and preferably lie within the combined visible and infrared ranges.

Description

LIGHT PROCESSING OF SELECTED BODY COMPONENTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to illumination of a selected body component, or a few adjacent components, using light with selected wavelength ranges and selected illumination time intervals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Phototherapy involves generation of light by suitable light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) in the visible and infrared ranges to provide various benefits for a patient's body. The photons produced are absorbed by the body through the skin, the eyes and acupuncture points or meridians. Connective tissues in the body conduct the light to ^• deeper tissues and organs . By taking advantage of optical properties of biological tissues, suitable wavelengths of light can be delivered to, absorbed by and used by the body to activate metabolic functions.

Treatment of a body using light irradiation requires' a choice of several important parameters, including wavelength range, relative distribution of the wavelengths within the range (spectrum) , time interval for continuous exposure, time interval between two continuous exposures, time rate of energy delivered, accumulated energy density for exposures, body component (s) irradiated, and many others.

What is needed is a method and corresponding system that provides appropriate illumination for a body component and appropriate choice of the relevant parameters and that distinguishes between treatments for different medical or cosmetic purposes or other purposes. Preferably, the method and system should provide for, and distinguish between, initial treatments and maintenance treatments for a given medical condition and should cover a large number of, if not all of, conditions that are believed to be treatable using illumination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs are met by the invention, which provides application of radiation in selected wavelength ranges to a whole body, to a selected body component, or to a few adjacent body components, using a controlled sequence of exposures that illuminate the targeted body components. Any two consecutive time intervals of continuous radiation exposure are spaced apart by a "dark field" time interval whose length is at least equal to a threshold value, in order to re-establish a randomization of electron transport and distribution resulting from application of photons during a continuous exposure interval. Radiation is delivered to one or more selected

(adjacent) body components, using an enhanced focusing system that increases the efficiency of delivery of the radiation. The radiation delivery system can be fitted or molded to preferentially illuminate only the desired body components. Several different modules are provided, including light delivery components that can be combined or used in stand-alone mode for delivery of light to part or all of the head, the interior of the mouth, one or more selected body parts and/or one or more selected acupuncture sites. Light therapy in or near the visible range can be combined with static or time-varying magnetic fields to provide additional effects and benefits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1-12 schematically illustrate apparatus for delivery of radiation to selected (adjacent) body components according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 13 schematically illustrates a suitable pattern of light sources for different wavelengths.

Figures 14A and 14B graphically illustrate time intervals for irradiation using different wavelength ranges according to two embodiments of the invention. Figures 15, 16 and 17 illustrate suitable light intensity patterns versus time for delivery of radiation according to the invention.

Figure 18 is a representative graphical view of an average number of free electrons produced by an incident photon with a specified energy E.

Figure 19 is a schematic view illustrating apparatus that can be used to practice the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a light delivery system 11 suitable for generating and delivering radiation to one or more selected body components according to the invention. The system 11 includes an electrical power source 13 that delivers controllable power to an assembly 15 of one or more generators of electromagnetic radiation in the form of light in the visible and near infrared ranges (e.g., with wavelengths X in a range 400 nm < λ < 1500 nm) . Alternatively, a portable power supply such as a battery may be used. Optionally, the light generated by the radiation generator assembly 15 also may have wavelengths in a near-ultraviolet range (e.g., 350 nm ≤ λ ≤ 400 nm) and may have longer wavelengths in a mid- infrared range (λ > 1500 nm) , or in selected portions of one or more of these wavelength ranges . Each radiation generator in the assembly 15 may be a laser, a light emitting diode, an intense incandescent light source, an intense fluorescent light source or any other suitable intense light source, or a combination of two or more such light sources. Preferably, the radiation generator assembly 15 is positioned on light delivery mechanism described by the present application. For example, the radiation generator assembly is positioned on a wrap mechanism that is configured to contact and wrap around a selected body component 19, a group of two or more adjacent body components or the whole body, so that each radiation generator is spaced apart from the body component 19 by at least a selected threshold distance d(thr) , to provide some control over the rate at which light is delivered to this body component. A suitable threshold distance is d(thr) = 1-10 cm. A stand, described in more detail below with regard to some of the light delivery mechanisms, may be used to support any light delivery mechanism, including the wraps and masks described herein, so that the user does not have to support or contact the light delivery mechanism, unless desired. Direct contact with the body is appropriate in some instances . The stand may be of any desired height and may be adjustable. If the assembly 15 provides light in one or more unwanted wavelength ranges, one or more filters 17 (optional) may be positioned between the radiation generator assembly 15 and the selected body component (s) 19 to be treated. The radiation generator assembly 15 may produce a single or a few beams of light that are directed toward the body component 19, considered as a target . Preferably, the radiation generator 15 assembly 15 produces many light beams that are directed toward the body component 19. The system optionally includes a light focusing mechanism 21 that preferentially directs light produced by the radiation generator assembly 15 toward one or more target sites 19- j (j = 1, 2, ...) . In some situations, the light beams are produced in a pattern surrounding a selected body part, such as an arm, a leg, or a face, so that the selected body part and adjacent body parts are irradiated together in a (diffuse) field effect.

The radiation generator assembly 15 includes a timer 23 that activates and deactivates (turns on and turns off) the radiation generator during selected exposure time intervals, with any two consecutive continuous exposure (light) time intervals having a first selected length Δt (exp) , separated by a dark field time interval that has a second selected length Δt (dark) . This (light/dark/light) activity and its inverse (dark/light/dark) are sometimes referred to as a "reciprocating chase." The first selected length lies in a preferred range 0.1 sec < Δt (exp) < 1 sec, and the second selected length Δt (dark) is preferably between 0.1 sec and 1 sec.

A light reflecting mechanism 25 (optional) is positioned adjacent to the radiation generator assembly 15 to capture and direct light toward the selected body component 19 to couple some or all of the generated light that would otherwise have been lost into that body component. A light concentrator, condenser or other light focusing mechanism 21 (optional) is positioned between the radiation generator assembly 15 and the body component 19, to selectably concentrate (or to scatter within the body) the generated light on and around the body component 19, the whole body or selected sites on the selected body component .

In Figure 1, the selected body component 19 is a portion of, or all of, the head. The radiation generator assembly 15 optionally includes a first assembly component 15A that wraps around the chin, mouth and jaws of a patient, and optionally provides radiation within the patient's mouth, and a second assembly component 15B that wraps around the upper jaws, nose, eyes, ears, forehead, upper neck and uppermost portion of the head of the patient. Optionally, the first and second assembly components, 15A and 15B, can be hooked together to form a unitary assembly 15 and can be disassembled into two or more components, such as 15A and 15B, to illuminate separate groups of body components.

In one mode of operation, a flexible light delivery wrap 31, illustrated in Figure 2, is connected to the radiation generator 15 in Figure 1 and is wrapped around (a portion of) an arm, an elbow, a hand, a leg, a knee, a foot, a torso, a shoulder, a neck, a head or other body appendage of the patient . In one embodiment, the light delivery wrap can be rolled up into a tube-like shape and put into a container for easy transport. The light delivery wrap 31 includes a rectangular, triangular, polygonal, ovular or other array 33 of light delivery elements 35.(1, j) (i = 1, 2, ..., Jl; j = 1, 2, ..., J2; J1>1; J2>1) that are individually activated in a timed sequence that may be the same, or different, for each light delivery element. In a first version, where the array 33 is rectangular or triangular, each row of light delivery elements 35(i,j) (I = 1, 2, ..., Jl; j fixed) is activated and is deactivated as a unit. In a second version, where the array is rectangular or triangular, the light delivery elements 35(i,j) (i = 1, 3, 5, ... ; j fixed) and 35(i,j) (i = 2, 4, 6, ...; j fixed) are activated and are deactivated as separate units. Other patterns for light delivery activation and deactivation can also be used, depending upon the effect desired. Alternatively, the light delivery wrap 31 may be configured to enclose the entire body, or a substantial portion thereof. Preferably, this entire body wrap does not enclose the patient ' s head, for which an independently controlled light delivery wrap, 41 and/or 51 (shown in Figures 3 and 4) is provided. In one embodiment, the light delivery wrap 31 is attached or connected to a stand 250 which supports the wrap. The user need only insert his hands within the wrap and may or may not contact the wrap.

Figure 3 illustrates a modular light delivery wrap 41 for a lower portion of a patient's head 43. The wrap 41 includes J light delivery elements 45-j (j = 1, 2, ..., J; J ≥ 2) whose positions can be adjusted to a location closer to, or further from, the patient's head 43. The light delivery wrap 41 also includes a light delivery control module 47 and a suitable power supply 49. The light delivery elements 45-j can be made individually activatable (on/off) and can be individually activated within one or more time intervals. Thus, for example, a light delivery element 45-jl may be moved to a position within 1-10 cm of a portion of a patient's face that has a discoloration (e.g., based on a medical condition) , the light delivery element can be rendered activatable, and the light delivery element can be activated (pulsed or continuous mode) for a sequence of selected time intervals, for example, 40 sec per minute with a 10-90 percent duty cycle. The wrap 41 has also been used successfully for acne reduction, for scar reduction and for stress relief for one or mare body components. Figure 4A illustrates a modular light delivery wrap 5OA that combines the lower portion light delivery wrap 41 shown in Figure 3 with a second light delivery wrap 5IA that covers part or all of the upper portion of a patient's head 53. Optionally, each of the light delivery wraps, 41 and 51A, includes one or more light delivery elements 55-j (j = 1, 2, ...) . Optionally, the second light delivery wrap 51 includes one or more apertures 52A in the wrap for the patient ' s eyes so that an eye is not subjected to direct illumination by a light delivery element 55-j . The light delivery wrap 50 also includes a light delivery control module 57 and a suitable power supply 59. The wrap 50: (1) provides a combination of two or more light delivery wrap components, here 41 and 51; (2) optionally provides an intra-aural mechanism for the interior of a patient's mouth or other cavity; (3) allows adjustment of a distance between at least one light delivery element 55-j (j = 1, 2, ... ; J > 2) and an adjacent portion of the skin of a patient; (4) provides individual activation of light delivery elements so that one or more elements can be activated (turned on intermittently) and one or more other elements can be deactivated; and (5) provides adjustable light activation interval and dark field interval lengths (e.g., 0.1 - 1 sec) and adjustable duty cycles (e.g., 10-90 percent) .

Figure 4B illustrates a one-piece light delivery system 5OB that covers most or all of the patient's face with a light delivery wrap 51B. Optionally, the light delivery wrap 51B includes one or more of an eye aperture 52B, a nose aperture 56B, a mouth aperture and an ear aperture (not shown) so that an eye and/or nose and/or mouth and/or ear is not subjected to direct illumination by a light delivery element 55-j . The light delivery system 5OB also includes a light delivery control module 57 and a suitable power supply 59. A light delivery wrap that covers a portion, most, or all of the patient's face may be called a mask. Figure 4C illustrates a light delivery system 200 that covers most or all of a patient's face with a substantially rigid light delivery mask 202. The mask contacts the person's face. For example, the mask comprises plastic. Optionally, the light delivery mask includes one or more of an eye aperture 204, a nose aperture 206, a mouth aperture (not shown) , and an ear aperture (not shown) so that the eye and/or nose and/or mouth and/or ear is not subjected to direct illumination by a light delivery element 210-j . The light delivery system includes j light delivery elements 21Oj (j=1, 2,...;) . The light delivery system 200 also includes a light delivery control module 212 and a suitable power supply 214. The mask has sides 216A and 216B which each extend to the temporal mandibular joint to treat disorders of the joint. In one embodiment, the mask 202 is attached or connected to a stand 252 which supports the mask. The user need only position his face near the mask and may or may not contact the mask.

Figure 4D illustrates a light delivery system 218 that covers, in a first position, most or all of a patient's face with a substantially rigid light delivery mask 220 which is comprised of, for example plastic.

Optionally, the mask includes one or more light delivery elements 222-j (j=l,2,...) . In one example, the mask does not contact the patient's face, though in other examples it may. The system includes a frame 224 disposed about a top portion of a person's head 223. The mask 220 is pivotably moveable at the frame from the first position (Fig. 4D) , in which the mask is disposed substantially in front of the person's face, to a second position where the mask is moved to a position disposed substantially away from or substantially not in front of the person's face. The light delivery system also includes a light delivery control module 224 and a suitable power supply 226.

Figures 4E and 4F illustrate a light delivery system 228 that covers, in a first position, most or all of a patient's face 230 with a substantially rigid light delivery mask 232 which is comprised of, for example plastic. The mask may be any desired shape including, for example, oval. Optionally, the mask includes one or more light delivery elements 234-j (j=l,2,...) . In one example, the mask 232 does not contact the patient's face, though in other examples it may. The system includes a frame 234 disposed about a top portion of a person's head 232. The frame includes a bar 236 to which the mask 232 is attached. The mask is pivotably moveable at the frame from the first position, in which the mask is disposed substantially in front of the person's face, to a second position where the mask is moved to a position disposed substantially away from the person's face and above a top portion of the person's head 238.

The light delivery system also includes a light delivery control module 240 and a suitable power supply 242. The light delivery mask, in the second position, is useful for treating disorders of the scalp, the hair follicles, and in performing photo-acupuncture at one or more head meridians.

Figure 5 illustrates a modular light delivery module 61 for the interior of a patient's mouth 63. The wrap 61 includes J light delivery elements 65-j (j = 1, 2, ... ; J > 2) whose positions can be adjusted to a location closer to, or further from, the patient's mouth 63. The light delivery module 61 also includes a light delivery control module 67 and a suitable power supply 69. The light delivery elements 65-j can be made individually activatable (on/off) and can be individually activated within one or more time intervals, as in the light delivery wrap 41 or 51 shown in Figure 3 or Figures 4A/4B. The light delivery module 61 can be placed adjacent to the patient's teeth and/or gums within the mouth 63 and activated one or more times within a time interval to suppress or eliminate the growth or presence of dental caries, root regeneration, loose teeth or other dental diseases, or the presence of diabetes. One or more light delivery elements 65-j can also be positioned near, and directed at, the roof of the patient's mouth 63 to irradiate and suppress growth of a bacterial or viral disease associated with the mouth interior, to support or boost the immune system, or to regenerate or maintain desirable reactions within the body. Optionally, the light delivery module 61 can be inserted into the mouth in a deflated condition, inflated for use on the mouth, then deflated for removal from the mouth.

Figure 6 illustrates an egg-shaped or spheroidal light delivery module 71, having J individually activatable light delivery elements 75-j (j = 1, 2, ...; J ≥ 2) , connected to a light delivery control module 77 and to a suitable power supply 79. The light delivery module 71 may have any of a range of sizes. The light delivery module 71 may be a prolate spheroid with a ~ 2 cm minimum diameter and b ~ 4 cm maximum diameter, which is slipped into and out of a patient's mouth. The light delivery module 71 is optionally inserted into the mouth in a deflated condition, inflated for use in the mouth, then deflated for removal from the mouth.

Figure 7 illustrates a tube-shaped or prolate spheroid light delivery module 81 having J individually activatable light delivery modules 85-j (j = 1, 2, ..., J; J > 2) , connected to a light delivery control module 87 and to a suitable power supply 89. The light delivery module 81 has a transverse diameter D (small or large) that is suitable for insertion of the module into the vaginal or urethral or other reproduction cavity of a female or male and is preferably arranged so that the module can be inserted in a deflated state and subsequently inflated by a suitable amount, then deflated for removal. Alternatively, the light delivery module 81 is elastic and easily compressible to allow insertion and removal of the module in a partly compressed state. The light delivery module 81 is suitable for treatment or reduction of female or male genital disorders, such as genital herpes, yeast infections, prostate problems, post-surgical stimulations, hemorrhoids and the like. Preferably, most or all light delivery modules 85-j are located at one end.

Figure 8 illustrates a light delivery wrap 91 in the form of a hair net, upper head covering or similar configuration having a grid-like construction upon which J light delivery elements 95-j (j = 1, 2, ... , J; J > 2) are mounted. The light delivery elements 95-j are connected to a light delivery control module 97 and a suitable power supply 99. The light delivery wrap 91 is useful for treating disorders of the scalp, the hair follicles and/or the ears of a patient's head, and in performing photo-acupuncture at one or more head meridians.

Figure 9 illustrates a light delivery wrap 101 in the form of a hat or head covering, preferably made of soft, pliable fabric, having a grid-like construction upon which light delivery elements 105-j (j = 1, 2, ..., J; J ≥ 2) are mounted. Optionally, the head covering 101 is made of an elastic material so that a portion 103 of the covering can be stretched and positioned contiguous to the wearer's head, thereby irradiating adjacent regions of the wearer's head. The light delivery elements 105-j are connected to a light delivery control module 107 and a suitable power supply 109. The light delivery wrap 101 can be worn for general living activities without interfering with those activities. Optionally, in use of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 8 or 9, back support and/or torso support for the user is provided for treatment and/or post-treatment recovery.

Figure 10 illustrates a light delivery module 111 for placement on a portion of a patient's skin. The light delivery module may be used as a substitute for, or supplement to, acupuncture treatment. The light delivery module 111 includes one, two, three or more peripheral light delivery elements 115-j (j = 1, 2, 3, ...) surrounding and spaced apart (preferably by 0.5 - 2 cm) from a central light delivery element 115C that is used to position the module 111 and/or to deliver additional light to a selected site. The central light delivery element 115C may deliver light in the same wavelength range (s) as is delivered by the peripheral light delivery modules 115-j or may deliver light in one or more wavelength ranges that are different from the wavelength range (s) delivered by the peripheral light delivery elements 115-j . Preferably, the wavelength range for the central light delivery module 115C includes at least a portion of the visible spectrum. The light delivery wrap 111 also includes a light delivery control module 117 and a suitable power supply 119.

The central light delivery module 115C in Figure 10 is preferably positioned at or adjacent to a known or suspected acupuncture point or meridian AP. The peripheral and/or central light delivery elements, 115-j and/or 115C, are activated and deliver light in one or more selected wavelength ranges to the acupuncture meridian and surrounding tissues, to supplement or replace a conventional acupuncture treatment that uses needles. One advantage of replacement of conventional acupuncture treatment by light therapy, delivered to the same site(s) , is that the patient's skin need not be mechanically punctured. Use of light therapy (1) avoids possible introduction of bacteria or other organisms at an acupuncture site, (2) avoids allergic and other similar reactions to the material (metals, etc.) used in acupuncture tools and (3) allows simultaneous delivery to multiple sites.

The light delivery elements 115-j in the light delivery module 111 can be supplemented by one or more static or time-varying magnetic field sources 116-j and/or one or more static or time-varying acoustic sources 117-j , such as an ultrasound source, as indicated in Figure 10. The (peak) magnetic field strength ranges from 100-5000 Gauss, or higher if desired. A static and/or time-varying magnetic field having an associated frequency f = 1 - 10⁴ Hz, or higher if desired, is optionally provided as part of the light-plus-magnetic field therapy. The frequencies of the acoustic waves have, for example, a preferred range of 1-10⁴ Hz and an accumulated intensity range of 0.1-20 Joules/cm². An acupuncture channel may preferentially transport a magnetic field and/or acoustic energy in somewhat the same manner that a light beam is believed to be preferentially transported by an acupuncture channel .

Light therapy may also be applied in the form of a modular electronic or electromagnetic or photonic band-aid 121, illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, and including one, two or more modular band-aid components, 122-1, 122-2, etc. that are optionally disposable. Each band-aid component, 122-1 and 122-2, includes an adhesion mechanism 123 (adhesive, velcro, mechanical wrap around, hooks, etc.) that adheres to a selected portion of a patient's skin or clothes, and includes J light delivery elements 125-j (j = 1, 2, ...; J > 2) that are selectively activated by a light delivery control module 127 and a suitable power supply 129. Optionally, the control module 127 and/or power supply 129 are miniaturized and self-contained and are worn or carried on the patient's body 126. The band-aid 121 may be applied to provide a "fast start" for a surface or sub- surface healing or other treatment process (e.g., for emergency use) or may be applied longer term as an integral part of a total healing process or for body component maintenance.

Figure 13 illustrates a suitable light delivery pattern, in which selected light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes) deliver light in one, two, three or more selected wavelength ranges .

The preferred frequencies of application of the light and/or magnetic field are the following: (i) 1.7 Hz and/or 8 Hz (primarily for general stress reduction or relief) ; (ii) 4 Hz and/or 80 Hz (primarily for relief of sports-related stress) ; (iii) around 266 Hz (primarily for regeneration or cosmetic purposes) ; and/or (iv) other low frequencies suitable for stress relief, component regeneration and/or maintenance of beneficial chemical or physical reactions. For dental applications, the preferred frequencies of application are similar but further include a frequency of application around 666 Hz for regeneration. These treatments are normally applied for time intervals of 15-45 minutes but can be applied for shorter or longer time intervals as well .

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light sources for the different wavelengths ranges provide light in different time intervals, with or without a dark field time interval imposed between two consecutive irradiation time intervals. Figure 14A is a graphical view of time intervals during which the first, second and third light sources (1) , (2) and (3) are activated in a non-overlapping manner. Figure 14B is a graphical view of a second version, in which the light sources (1) , (2) and (3) are activated in selected overlapping time intervals. More generally, N sets of independently activatable light sources (N = 1, 2 or 3 in Figure 13) are provided, and N wavelength ranges are chosen within the visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths.

Each light delivery element (e.g., 35(i,j) in Figure 2) may deliver light in one or more selected wavelength ranges, when this element is activated, and adjacent light delivery elements may deliver the same, or different, wavelength ranges. In a preferred embodiment, each light delivery element delivers one or more selected ranges of light wavelengths. More generally, light in any of N color ranges can be delivered (e.g., N = 7) , and the color ranges are chosen according to the treatment or therapy to be provided and the chosen color ranges can be changed as a treatment or therapy session proceeds .

Figures 15, 16 and 17 illustrate representative light intensity patterns of light activation (exposure interval) and deactivation (dark field interval) that can be used for the individual light elements 35(i,j) in Figure 2. In Figure 15, the light intensity I(t;i;j) is (substantially) 0, then rises quickly to a maximum value I (max) , then decreases monotonically to a lower value I (min) over an exposure time interval of length

Δt (exp) , then goes to a (substantially) zero value for a dark field time interval of length Δt (dark) , then repeats this pattern at least once.

In Figure 16, the light intensity I(t;i;j) rises monotonically from a (substantially) zero value to a maximum value I (max) , then falls quickly to a minimum or zero value I (min) , over an exposure time interval of length Δt (exp) , then goes to a (substantially) zero value for a dark field time interval of length Δt (dark) , then repeats this pattern at least once. In Figure 17, the light intensity I(t;i;j) rises to a first maximum value I(max;l) , optionally continues at or near that level for a first selected illumination time interval of length Δtl, falls to a first lower value I(min;l) , goes to 0 for a dark field time interval of length Δt (dark) , rises to a second maximum value I (max;2) , optionally continues at that level for a second selected illumination time interval of length Δtl, falls to a second lower value I(min;2), then goes to 0. The maximum intensities I(max,-1) and I (max;2) may be the same or may differ, the minimum intensities I(min;l) and I(min;2) may be the same or may differ, and one or both of the minimum intensities I(min;l) and I(min;2) may be 0. Light intensity patterns other than those shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16 can be used.

Each photon delivered to the vicinity of the body component 19 (Figure 1) is intended to produce one or more (preferably many) free electrons through photoelectric absorption and/or Compton scattering of the photon in its peregrinations through the body component and surrounding material. Applicant has found, by analogy with the Einstein photoelectric effect in a metallic or crystalline material, that the photon energy , E must be at least a threshold value E (thr) , which lies in a range of about 0.8 - 3.1 eV, depending upon the atomic and/or molecular constituents of the selected body component and surrounding material, in order to produce at least one free electron as the photon undergoes scattering within the body. A photon with a wavelength λ = 500 nm has an associated energy of 2.48 eV, for example. Not all photons with energies E just above the threshold value E (thr) will produce a free electron. A graph of average number N_avg(E) of free electrons produced for a given incident photon energy E might resemble the graph in Figure 18. This graph is similar to a graph of average number of free electrons produced by a photon incident on a metallic or crystalline material according to the Einstein model .

Another important parameter is the rate r at which energy (or photons) is delivered to a unit area (e.g., over 1 cm²) of body surface per unit time (e.g., in 1 sec) , during an exposure time interval. Applicant's experiments indicate that energy density rates r in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm²/sec < r < 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec, averaged over a time interval of 5-45 min, is an appropriate range for many body components. Delivery of energy at a rate lower than about 0.0013 Joules/cm²/sec will have some effect but will require much longer radiation application times than a typical application time of 5-45 min. Delivery of energy at a rate greater than about 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec may saturate the body's ability to distribute the photon energy and may produce burns, ionization or other undesired local sensitization of the body. The peak light intensity l(t;i;j), shown in the examples of Figures 13, 14 and 15, will determine, or will be determined by, the energy rate r.

Another important parameter is accumulated energy E(accum) delivered per unit area for the session in which radiation is applied. Applicant's experiments indicate that an accumulated energy density range of 2.5 Joules/cm² < E(accum) < 20 Joules/cm² is an appropriate range for many body components .

Figure 19 schematically illustrates apparatus

150 that can be used to practice the invention for a patient's whole body, or parts thereof. A control panel

151 controls the exposure time intervals, the dark field time intervals, the maximum intensity(ies) , the particular intensity pattern(s) to be applied, the wavelength or frequency range (s) to be applied, target body component (s) and/or other relevant parameters, through control panel output signals delivered to a driver module 153. The driver module receives timing signals from a timer module 154 and receives electrical power (preferably regulated power) from one or more voltage sources, 155A and/or 155B, that deliver voltage (s) , Vl and/or V2, or electrical current. At least one of the control panel 151 and the driver module 153 includes a computer to process information and/or commands needed to provide appropriate light wavelengths in the appropriate time intervals according to the invention. The driver module 153 delivers power to one or more of a left hand/arm exposure pad 157-1, a left foot/leg exposure pad 159-1, a right hand/arm exposure pad 157-2, a right foot/leg exposure pad 159-2, a neck/shoulder(s) /back exposure pad 161, and/or a light exposure canopy 163 covering part or all of a patient's body, each of which has an optional associated cumulative exposure monitor and/or exposure rate monitor connected to the corresponding exposure pad or exposure canopy. Optionally, one or more of these exposure pads may have its own electrical power supply, received directly from the driver module 153.

The exposure pads are individually controlled and can deliver different (or the same) exposure patterns and different (or the same) wavelength ranges to target body components associated with the different exposure pads, in the same time intervals or in different time intervals. In some situations, it is appropriate to provide at least two voltages sources, such as Vl = 5 volts and V2 = 12 volts.

Applicant has found that insertion of a dark field time interval between two consecutive continuous exposure time intervals is useful in allowing the irradiated portion of the body to re-establish local equilibrium before the next pulse of photons arrives. The time interval required for re-establishing local equilibrium appears to vary from 0.1 sec to about 1 sec, depending upon variables such as the energy rate r, the accumulated energy E (accum) and the selected body component (s) irradiated. If the dark field time interval has a length less than a threshold value Δt (dark) (including a situation where no dark field interval is present) , the additional photons delivered may encounter a body environment that is not at or near equilibrium and that "channels" these photons in particular directions or into particular reaction channels, which is generally undesirable. Where two consecutive exposure time intervals are separated by a dark field time interval of length at least Δt (dark) , the irradiated portion of the body is able to re-establish local equilibrium, or near-equilibrium, so that most or all photons within a given exposure time interval encounter substantially the same local environment, and a random or Monte Carlo type of photon scattering occurs within the next exposure time interval .

The free electrons thus produced ultimately come to equilibrium with the body component and adjacent material within the body, by attachment to a atom or molecule that can support attachment by another electron or by association with a assembly of substantially-free electrons that are weakly bound by the general electronic background of the local atomic and molecular constituents of the body. These equilibrated electrons have transferred substantially all their initial kinetic energy to one or more molecules in or adjacent to the body component, thus providing energy to promote certain healing processes in the body. Phototherapy is the application of light from an artificial light source to stimulate or promote one or more therapeutic effects in the body of an animal, such as a human being. Photons from the light source are absorbed by the body through the skin, through the eyes and through acupuncture points or meridians. Light absorbed through one or more acupuncture points is believed to be transported especially efficiently along channels, referred to as biologically closed electrical paths or "meridians", in the body, through a process similar to internal reflection of light in an optical fiber (whose refractive index is greater than the refractive index of the surrounding body material through which such a channel passes. These channels are believed to be connective tissue protein fibers having specialized optical properties, including refractive indices η that are greater than the refractive indices η ' of surrounding tissues, organs and other body material (wherein η ' (avg) « 1.4) . Only light in certain wavelength ranges will be transported efficiently through these channels. Absorption of light transported in one or more of these channels has the potential to increase cell metabolism from a depressed state to a normal level . Light in the 600-800 nm wavelength range appears to be transported with little absorption or scattering within these channels. Sergei Pankratov, of the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Novosibirsk, Russia, has reported that marked light transporting properties of some of these channels, which easily transport light into tissues deeper within the body, "Meridians Conduct Light", Raum und Zeit, vol. 35(88) (1991) pp. 16-18. A terminal on the skin of such a channel often coincides with an acupuncture point or meridian identified by Chinese physicians several 15 millennia ago. In addition to its optical properties, a light transport channel has associated thermal properties, such as heat conductivity and heat capacity, that differ from those of surrounding tissues . Phototherapy activates cell membranes within the body by increasing a membrane ' s natural electrical charge, sometimes referred to as "membrane capacitance." A body's natural electromagnetic field ("biofield") aids in organizing molecular structures in repair, regeneration and reproduction of cells and cell components and serves as a signal communication system in regulation of metabolic processes. The biofield may also serve as a power grid to provide electrical and/or chemical energy to drive and control biochemical and biophysical enzyme reactions that are part of a metabolic process. One such process is: (1) receipt and conversion of light in a channel; (2) activation of cell enzymes; and (3) enhanced production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the activated enzymes, as the primary energy source for a body. Use of phototherapy to stimulate production and/or assimilation of human growth hormone (HGH) within the body is another attractive application. One researcher, Tiina Karu has determined that light absorption by cellular structures enhances a number of cell-related activities: cell replication, cell metabolism, protein synthesis, ATP production, mitochondria replication, phagocytosis, and photodissociation of oxygenated hemoglobin (The Science 10 of Low-Power Laser Therapy, Gordon and Breach, 1998, "Photobiology of Low Power Laser Effects", Health

Physics, vol. 56, May 1989) . Karu has also found that absorption of light affects tissue-related activities, including: capillary formation, parasympathetic nervous system stimulation, increased endorphin release, increased production and release of adrenal steroids, 15 reduction in pain and in inflammation, reduction of tissue edema, immune system stimulation, enhanced fibroblastic production and collagen synthesis, and accelerated healing of wounds. Several tests have been performed on a small group (27) of adult subjects that appeared to be representative of the adult population. Biological terrain assessment was performed to obtain a general understanding of certain internal elements of a body's control system, including analyses of blood, urine and saliva for the factors of pH (acid/alkali balance) , rH2 (oxidative stress) and r (mineral content) . About 81 percent of the test subjects showed a reduction in selected biological aging markers after a four week therapy session of twice-weekly treatments, with no plateau in such reduction during the therapy session; and 100 percent of the test subjects experienced a drop in rH2, indicating increased cellular absorption of electrons and higher ATP energy production. An Endocrine Panel was performed on each test subject, measuring adrenal, gonadal and thyroid functions, as well as melatonin end human growth hormone (HGH) levels. All test subjects had significant improvements in HGH levels after the four-week therapy session. Thyroid function improvement, as manifested by higher levels of active triodothyronine and melatonin secretion, was found in most test subjects.

A GENOX oxidative stress test, including 82 related assays that have some correlation with life expectancy, was performed initially (to provide a reference) and after the four-week therapy session. All test subjects showed increased ATP production.

An Immune Panel 2 was performed, measuring response of several immune functions to immune system stimulation. Interleukins and lymphokines, which regulate humeral and cell-mediated immune response, were improved, and numbers of T cell subsets increased, indicating improved T cell function. Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) tests were performed to measure hyper- and hypo-adrenocortisol states, deregulation of the hypothalmic pituitary gland, adrenal axis and intestinal secretory IgA, and a gliadin antibody test was performed. The ASI tests provide a measure of effects of chronic stress on organ reserve. Chronic stress often leads to a more catabolic state, with increased metabolic destruction. A significant reduction in Cortisol, ranging 25 from 23 to 81 percent, was found in the test subjects, indicating a reduction presence of the catabolic state.

DHEA/cortisol ratios were measured to evaluate the anabolic/catabolic state. Each test subject improved during the therapy session. Intestinal secretory IgA, which is a measure of mucosal immunity and has a low value where food allergies, chronic fungi and parasitic infections are present, was improved by 25 to 300 percent in the test subjects.

A urinary free radical test was performed to measure metabolites of lipid peroxidation in urine. Decreases of 33 to 66 percent in free radical generation were found in the test subjects, indicating a decreased likelihood of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

A heart rate variability (HRV) test, measuring beat-to-beat variability, was performed on each test subject in a sitting position and in a standing position.

A strong correlation exists between high variability and cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and prolonged recovery from such an attack. The test subjects consistently showed improvement in HRV, with no change in lifestyle or diet. Blood pressure tests performed on the test subjects showed a 5-10 mm Hg drop in systolic pressure and 3-7 mm Hg drop in diastolic pressure, relative to blood pressure levels measured before the therapy session began. However, some of this improvement often disappeared after the therapy session ended and light therapy treatment had been discontinued.

Aqueous hydrogen peroxide production was measured before the therapy session began and after the four-week session ended. Aqueous hydrogen peroxides are free radical generators and oxidants used to fight 25 infection and to support the immune system. A balance of oxidants and anti-oxidants is needed in the body. The test subjects consistently showed a significant reduction from pre-treatment levels, indicating the light therapy is not generating net gains in free radical populations.

Glutathione, red blood cell count and plasma were measured to evaluate anti-oxidant activity. Glutathione provides some of the most potent antioxidant reserves in the body. Levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, beta-carotene, uric acid, albumin, ferritin, ceruloplasmin and transferin, which scavenge oxygen species of free radicals, were measured. Depletion of antioxidants is important in the ageing process and in associated diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, cancer, asthma, diabetes and immune deficiency diseases. The glutathione reserves continued to be regulated and were not depleted or interfered with during the therapy session.

Claims

1. A method of illuminating a human's body, the method comprising: positioning a light delivery module adjacent to a selected component of a human's body, the module having at least two light delivery elements that can each be activated to intermittently illuminate the body component with light having at least one wavelength; exposing the body component to light from at least a first light delivery element of the light delivery module, the first element having a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval, and allowing light received in this first time interval to produce at least one free electron within or adjacent to the body component; exposing the body component to light from at least a second light delivery element of the light delivery module, the second element having a second selected range of wavelengths for a second selected exposure time interval, and allowing light received in this second time interval to produce at least one free electron within or adjacent to the body component, where the first and second exposure time intervals are spaced apart by a dark time interval having a selected length Δt (dark) that is at least about 0.1 sec; and allowing the at least one free electron produced during each of the first and second exposure time intervals to come to equilibrium with the body adjacent to or within the body component.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of a laser, a light emitting diode, an intense incandescent light source, and an intense fluorescent light source.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery wrap, including at least one of said first and second light delivery elements, that is positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of said human.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery wrap, including at least one of said first and second light delivery elements, that is positioned adjacent to an upper portion of a head of said human.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery wrap, including at least one of said first and second light delivery elements, that comprises a first modular component positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of the human and a second modular component positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the human's head, wherein the first and second modular components together cover substantially all of the upper and lower portions of said human's head.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery wrap covering substantially all of the upper and lower portions of said human's head and containing, on the light delivery wrap, at least one aperture for at least one of a group consisting of an eye, a nose, an ear and a mouth.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery module that fits within said human's mouth and illuminates a selected portion of an interior of said human's mouth.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising illuminating, with said light delivery module, at least one of a tooth, a gum region adjacent to the tooth, and a portion of a roof in said human's mouth.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising deflating or compressing said light delivery module before insertion into said human's mouth and inflating or de-compressing said light delivery module after insertion of said light delivery module into said human's mouth.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery module that fits within a cavity of said human used for reproduction and illuminates a selected portion of an interior of the cavity of said human.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising deflating or compressing said light delivery module before insertion into said cavity and inflating or de¬ compressing said light delivery module after insertion into said cavity.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, as said light delivery module, a light delivery module that attaches to a selected portion of skin of said human and provides illumination that induces a medical healing process in a vicinity of the selected portion of the skin.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a portable power supply, carried by or attached to said human, for said light delivery module.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising choosing said selected portion of said skin adjacent to, or coincident with, an acupuncture meridian for said human.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising exposing said selected body component to substantially no light within said first selected wavelength range and to substantially no light within said second selected wavelength range, during said dark time interval.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising choosing said first and second wavelength ranges to have substantially no wavelengths in common.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising choosing said first and second wavelength ranges to be substantially the same.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising choosing at least one of said first wavelength range and said second wavelength range to be contained in an overall wavelength range 400 nm ≤ λ ≤ 1500 nm.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising exposing said body component to said light having an energy delivery rate r lying in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm² < r ≤ 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec, during at least one of said first time interval and said second time interval .

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising exposing said body component to said light having an accumulated energy density E (accum) lying in a range 2.5 Joules/cm² < E(accum)< 20 Joules/cm².

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising choosing a length Δt (exp) for at least one of said first time interval and said second time interval to lie in a range 0.1 sec < Δt (exp) ≤ 1 sec.

22. A system for illuminating a human' s body, the system comprising: a light source, having at least first and second light delivery elements for generating and focusing light to intermittently illuminate a selected component of a human's body with light having at least one wavelength; the first light delivery element being arranged to expose the body component to light in a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval to produce at least one free electron within or adjacent to the body component; the second light delivery element being arranged to expose the body component to light in a second selected range of wavelengths for a second selected exposure time interval to produce at least one free electron within or adjacent to the body component, where the first and second exposure time intervals are spaced apart by a dark time interval having a selected length Δt (dark) that is at least 0.1 sec, where the at least one free electron produced during each of the first and second exposure time intervals is allowed to come to equilibrium within or adjacent to the body component.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of a laser, a light emitting diode, an intense incandescent light source, and an intense fluorescent light source.

24. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light delivery wrap, including at least one of said first and second light delivery elements, that can be positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of said human.

25. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light delivery wrap, including at least one of said first and second light delivery elements, that can be positioned adjacent to an upper portion of a head of said human.

26. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light delivery wrap, including at least one of said first and second light delivery elements, that comprises a first modular component positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of the human and a second modular component positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the human's head, wherein the first and second modular components together cover substantially all of the upper and lower portions of said human's head.

27. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light delivery wrap covering substantially all of the upper and lower portions of said human's head and containing, on the light delivery wrap, at least one aperture for at least one of a group consisting of an eye, a nose, an ear and a mouth.

28. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light delivery module that fits within said human's mouth and illuminates a selected portion of an interior of said human' s mouth.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein at least one of a tooth, a gum region adjacent to the tooth and a portion of a roof in said human's mouth is illuminated with said light delivery module.

30. The system of claim 27, wherein said light delivery module can be deflated or compressed before insertion into said human's mouth and said light delivery module can be inflated or de-compressed after insertion of said light delivery module into said human's mouth.

31. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light delivery module that fits within a cavity of said human used for reproduction and illuminates a selected portion of an interior of the cavity of said human.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein said light delivery module can be deflated or compressed before insertion into said cavity and said light delivery module can be inflated or de-compressed after insertion into said cavity.

33. The system of claim 22, wherein said light delivery module comprises at least one light delivery module that attaches to a selected portion of skin of said human and provides illumination that induces a medical healing process in a vicinity of the selected portion of the skin.

34. The system of claim 32, further comprising a portable power supply, carried by or attached to said human, for said light delivery module.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein said selected portion of said skin is adjacent to, or coincident with, an acupuncture meridian for said human.

36. The system of claim 22, wherein said selected body component is exposed to substantially no light within said first selected wavelength range and to substantially no light within said second selected wavelength range, during said dark time interval .

37. The system of claim 22, wherein said first and second wavelength ranges, have substantially no wavelengths in common.

38. The system of claim 22, wherein said first and second wavelength ranges are substantially the same.

39. The system of claim 22, wherein at least one of said first wavelength range and said second wavelength range is contained in an overall wavelength range 400 nm < λ < 1500 nm.

40. The system of claim 22, wherein said body component is exposed to said light having an energy delivery rate r lying in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm²/sec < r < 0.02 ^' Joules/cm²/sec, during at least one of said first time interval and said second time interval .

41. The system of claim 22, said body component is exposed to said light having an accumulated energy density E(accum) lying in a range 2.5 Joules/cm² ≤ E (accum) ≤ 20 Joules/cm².

42. The system of claim 22, wherein a length Δt (exp) of exposure for at least one of said first time interval and said second time interval lies in a range 0.1 sec <

Δt (exp) < 1 sec.

43. A method of illuminating a human's body, the method comprising: positioning a light delivery module in contact with a selected component of a human' s body, the module having a light source including at least one light delivery element disposed on the module that can be activated to illuminate the body component with light having at least one wavelength; and exposing the body component to light from a first light delivery element of the light delivery module for a first selected exposure time interval, the first light delivery element having a first selected range of wavelengths.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein said light delivery module is a light delivery wrap.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising positioning said light delivery wrap adjacent to a lower portion of a head of said human.

46. The method of claim 44, further comprising positioning said light delivery wrap adjacent to an upper portion of a head of said human.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein said light delivery- wrap includes a first modular component positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of the human and a second modular component positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the human's head.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising covering substantially all of the upper and lower portion of said human's head with the first and second modular components.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein said light delivery wrap includes at least one aperture for at least one of a group consisting of an eye, a nose, an ear, and a mouth.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising covering substantially all of the upper and lower portion of a head of an human with the light delivery wrap.

51. The method of claim 44, wherein said light delivery wrap is a mask.

52. The method of claim 44, wherein said light delivery wrap is configured to be rolled up.

53. The method of claim 44, further comprising attaching said light delivery wrap to a selected portion of skin of said human and providing illumination that induces a medical healing process in a vicinity of the selected portion of the skin.

54. The method of claim 44, further comprising providing a portable power supply, carried by or attached to said human, for said light delivery wrap.

55. The method of claim 53, further comprising choosing said selected portion of said skin adjacent to, or coincident with, an acupuncture meridian for said human.

56. The method of claim 44, further comprising providing a second light delivery element of said light source, said second light delivery element having a second selected range of wavelengths, and exposing the body component to light from said second light delivery element for a second selected exposure time interval.

57. The method of claim 44, further comprising choosing said first wavelength range to be contained in an overall wavelength range 400 nm < λ < 1500 nm.

58. The method of claim 43, further comprising exposing said body component to said light having an energy delivery rate r lying in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm² < r ≤ 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec, during said first time interval.

59. The method of claim 43, wherein said light delivery module is a substantially rigid mask.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein said mask includes a side extending to a temporal mandibular joint.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein said mask includes at least one aperture for at least one of a group consisting of an eye, a nose, an ear, and a mouth.

62. A system for illuminating a human's body, the system comprising: a light delivery module configured to contact a selected component of a human' s body, the module having a light source including at least one light delivery element disposed on the module and activatable to illuminate the body component, wherein a first light delivery element with light having at least one wavelength is arranged to expose the body component to light in a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval .

63. The system of claim 62, wherein said light delivery module is a light delivery wrap.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein said light delivery wrap is positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of said human.

65. The system of claim 63, wherein said light delivery wrap is positioned adjacent to an upper portion of a head of said human.

66. The system of claim 63, wherein said light delivery wrap includes a first modular component positioned adjacent to a lower portion of a head of the human and a second modular component positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the human's head.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein said light delivery wrap substantially covers all of the upper and lower portion of said human's head with the first and second modular components.

68. The system of claim 63, wherein said light delivery wrap includes at least one aperture for at least one of a group consisting of an eye, a nose, an ear, and a mouth.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein said light delivery wrap substantially covers all of the upper and lower portion of said human's head with the light delivery wrap.

70. The system of claim 63, wherein the light delivery wrap is a head covering.

71. The system of claim 63, wherein the light delivery wrap is a mask.

72. The system of claim 63, wherein the light delivery wrap is configured to be rolled--up.

73. The system of claim 63, wherein said light delivery wrap is configured to attach to a selected portion of skin of said human and provides illumination that induces a medical healing process in a vicinity of the selected portion of the skin.

74. The system of claim 63, further comprising a portable power supply, carried by or attached to said human, for said light delivery wrap.

75. The system of claim 73, wherein said selected portion of said skin is adjacent to, or coincident with, an acupuncture meridian for said human.

76. The system of claim 63, wherein said light source includes a second light delivery element having at least one wavelength, the second light delivery element being arranged to expose the body component to light in a second selected range of wavelengths for a second selected exposure time interval .

77. The system of claim 63, wherein said first wavelength range is contained in an overall wavelength range 400 nm < λ ≤ 1500 nm.

78. The system of claim 63, wherein said body component is exposed to said light having an energy delivery rate r lying in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm² ≤ r < 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec, during said first time interval.

79. The system of claim 62, wherein said light delivery module is a substantially rigid mask.

80. The system of claim 79, wherein said mask includes a side extending to a temporal mandibular joint.

81. The system of claim 79, wherein said mask includes at least one aperture for at least one, of a group consisting of an eye, a nose, an ear, and a mouth.

82. A method of illuminating a human' s body, the method comprising: positioning a delivery module adjacent to a selected component of a human's body, the delivery module having at least one light delivery element that can be activated to illuminate the body component with light having at least one wavelength, and at least one magnetic field source that can be activated to provide a magnetic field; exposing the body component to light from a first light delivery element having a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval; and exposing the body component to said magnetic field from a first magnetic field source for a first selected exposure time interval.

83. The method of claim 82, further comprising providing a portable power supply, carried by or attached to said human, for said light delivery module.

84. The method of claim 82, further comprising choosing said first wavelength range to be contained in an overall wavelength range 400 nm ≤ λ < 1500 nm.

85. The method of claim 82, further comprising exposing said body component to said light having an energy delivery rate r lying in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm² < r < 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec, during said first time interval.

86. The method of claim 82, wherein said magnetic field has at least one frequency f in a range 1 Hz = f = 10⁴ Hz.

87. The method of claim 86, further comprising including at least one of the following frequencies f in said frequency range: 1.7 Hz, 4Hz, 8 Hz, 80 Hz, 266 Hz, and 666 Hz.

88. The method of claim 82, further comprising orienting said first magnetic field source in a selected direction, wherein said magnetic field has an intensity B in a range of about 100 Gauss = B = 5000 Gauss.

89. The method of claim 82, wherein said magnetic field is static.

90. The method of claim 82, wherein said magnetic field is time-varying.

91. The method of claim 82, wherein said magnetic field source is an electromagnetic field source.

92. The method of claim 82 further comprising providing a second light delivery element and a second magnetic field source.

93. The method of claim 82, wherein the delivery module further includes an acoustic energy source and further comprising exposing the body component to acoustic energy.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein said acoustic energy is ultrasound.

95. A system for illuminating a human's body, the system comprising: a delivery module adjacent to a selected component of a human's body, the delivery module having at least one light delivery element that can be activated to illuminate the body component with light having at least one wavelength, and at least one magnetic field source that can be activated to provide a magnetic field, wherein a first light delivery element having a first selected range of wavelengths is arranged to expose the body component to light for a first selected exposure time interval and a first magnetic field source is arranged to expose the body component to a first magnetic field for a first selected exposure time interval.

96. The system of claim 95, further comprising a portable power supply, carried by or attached to said human, for said light delivery module.

97. The system of claim 95, wherein said first wavelength range is contained in an overall wavelength range 400 nm < λ < 1500 nm.

98. The system of claim 95, wherein said body component is exposed to light having an energy delivery rate r lying in a range 0.0013 Joules/cm² < r < 0.02 Joules/cm²/sec, during said first time interval.

99. The system of claim 95, wherein said magnetic field has at least one frequency f in a range 1 Hz = f = 10⁴ Hz.

100. The system of claim 99, wherein at least one of the following frequencies f is included in said frequency range: 1.7 Hz, 4Hz, 8 Hz, 80 Hz, 266 Hz, and 666 Hz.

101. The system of claim 95, wherein said magnetic field source is oriented in a selected direction and wherein said magnetic field has an intensity B in a range of about 100 Gauss = B = 5000 Gauss.

102. The system of claim 95, wherein said magnetic field is static.

103. The system of claim 95, wherein said magnetic field is time-varying.

104. The system of claim 95, wherein said magnetic field source is an electromagnetic field source.

105. The system of claim 95, further comprising a second light delivery element and a second magnetic field source.

106. The system of claim 95, wherein said delivery module includes an acoustic energy source that can be activated to provide acoustic energy, wherein the acoustic energy source is arranged to expose the body component to acoustic energy for a first selected exposure time interval.

107. The system of claim 106, wherein said acoustic energy is ultrasound.

108. A method of illuminating a human's body, the method comprising: providing a frame configured to be positioned about a human head and providing a substantially rigid light delivery mask having a light source including at least one light delivery element activatable to illuminate a body component, said mask pivotably moveable at said frame from a first position to a second position; positioning said frame about said human head; moving said mask to said first position; exposing the body component to light from said at least one light delivery element in a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval; and moving said mask to said second position.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein in said first position said mask is disposed substantially in front of a human face and in said second position said mask fails to be disposed substantially in front of said face.

110. The method of claim 109 further comprising positioning said light delivery mask above a top portion of said head in said second position and exposing said top portion of said head to light from said at least one light delivery element in a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval .

111. The method of claim 109 further comprising failing to expose said face to light from said at least one light delivery element in said second position.

112. A system for illuminating a human's body a substantially rigid light delivery mask having a light source including at least one light delivery element activatable to illuminate a body component, said mask moveable from a first position to a second position; and a frame configured to be positioned about a human head, said mask pivotably moveable at said frame from said first position to said second position, wherein said light delivery element is arranged to expose the body component to light from said light delivery element in a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval in said first position.

113. The system of claim 112, wherein in said first position said mask is disposed substantially in front of a human face and in said second position said mask fails to be disposed substantially in front of said face.

114. The system of claim 113 wherein in said second position said mask is disposed above a top portion of said head and said light delivery element is arranged to expose said top portion of said head to light from said light delivery element in a first selected range of wavelengths for a first selected exposure time interval .

115. The system of claim 113 wherein said light delivery element is arranged to avoid light exposure of said face in said second position from said light delivery element.

116. A method of illuminating a human's body, the method comprising: providing a light delivery module having a plurality of light delivery elements disposed on the module that can be activated to illuminate a body component with light having at least one wavelength and a stand supporting said light delivery module; and positioning a desired body component relative to said supported light delivery module.

117. The method of claim 116, further comprising positioning said desired body component in contact with said light delivery module.

118. The method of claim 116, further comprising positioning said desired body component adjacent to said light delivery module.

119. The method of claim 116, wherein said light delivery module is a face mask.

120. The method of claim 116, wherein said light delivery module is cylindrical in shape and further comprising positioning said desired body component within said module.

121. The method of claim 116, wherein said light delivery module is a light delivery wrap.

122. The method of claim 116, wherein said light delivery module is substantially rigid.

123. The method of claim 116, wherein said light delivery module is configured to be rolled up.

124. A system for illuminating a human' s body, the system comprising: a light delivery module having a plurality of light delivery elements disposed on the module and being activatable to illuminate a body component with light having at least one wavelength and a stand configured to support said light delivery module, wherein a desired body component is positionable relative to said supported light delivery module.

125. The system of claim 124, wherein said desired body component is in contact with said light delivery module.

126. The system of claim 124, wherein said desired body component is adjacent to said light delivery module.

127. The system of claim 124, wherein said light delivery module is a face mask.

128. The system of claim 124, wherein said light delivery module is cylindrical in shape and said desired body component is positioned within said module.

129. The system of claim 124, wherein said light delivery module is a light delivery wrap.

130. The system of claim 124, wherein said light delivery module is substantially rigid.

131. The system of claim 124, wherein said light delivery module is configured to be rolled up.