(Foreword: This is our continuation to our reply to Greta, the Great’s query on crystals and other alternative healing methods today.)
Dear Greta, the Great,
Alright, moving on to more of these crystals and all. Regarding these salt lamps, some people believe that they have these certain feel-good chemicals in the brain. Himalayan salt lamp sellers are touting about the negative ions that these salt lamps are giving off. But, they can not cite any studies which can back up that claim. Actually, I have tried one back then, about five years ago. But, unfortunately, there’s nothing I have really felt something special about them. Maybe, I am one of those odd out, or it is just that reality bites... Hehe.
But, don’t hate me if I say so. Maybe, they don’t give off those feel-good chemicals, but, it doesn’t mean that they don’t help some people. There are a lot of studies which showed that short-wavelength blue light can suppress sleep-inducing melatonin, while longer-wavelength reddish-orange lights can stimulate calming brain chemicals. And mind you, these Himalayan salt lamps put out a really nice, pinkish light, and it’s certainly possible that those are the ones that could induce that feeling of emotional well-being in some people. Well, there is always something good in a story and something good inside in every people.
Then, there’s the magnetic bracelets. I have a niece in the US who kept this magnetic bracelet all the time with her. She told me that the bracelet can ease her pain. Well, I didn’t say any word. There was a study in 2013 about these magnetic bracelets which are often used as remedies for pain. The researchers assigned 70 people with rheumatoid arthritis to consecutively wear one of four different devices (two kinds of magnetic wrist straps, a copper bracelet, and an ordinary bracelet) for 5 weeks each. But, unfortunately, they found no difference between the bracelets in easing pain or inflammation.
The truth is, I have tried one of these magnetic thing about a decade ago. There’s a company which asked me to endorse their magnetic health products. But, before I agreed, I asked them that I should try the products first and we’ll see where it will bring me. I don’t really see anything special about their products. But, they have one product which stole my attention. They have this magnetic headband. I have tried them when I had one of those despicable migraine attacks. I actually slept on it before I realized it. But, when I woke up, my nose had decongested a lot, and I had a great relief. I was just amazed because I didn’t take any medications way back then. I submit that maybe, there are still things that scientists don’t know how things really work and it is still a big world out there waiting to be discovered.
But, oh, here we go again, we are out of space again, so, let me then again, continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)