Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI)

Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) is a procedure in which a small amount of a person’s blood is withdrawn, exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, and then returned to the bloodstream.

  • Sometimes called “bio-photonic therapy” or “photoluminescence therapy.”
  • First used in the 1920s–1940s, especially before the antibiotic era.

🔬 Explanation (How It Works)

  1. Blood extraction → A small volume of blood (usually 50–250 mL) is drawn.
  2. UV exposure → The blood is passed through a device where it is exposed to ultraviolet light (usually UVA or UVB wavelengths).
  3. Re-infusion → The treated blood is returned to the patient’s bloodstream.

Proposed Mechanisms

  • Kills pathogens directly: UV light can inactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi by damaging their DNA/RNA.
  • Immune modulation: May stimulate the immune system to better recognize and fight infections.
  • Blood chemistry effects: Can alter oxidation-reduction balance and improve oxygen delivery.

📋 Claimed Uses

Historically, UBI has been used or studied for:

  • Infections (sepsis, pneumonia, hepatitis, viral illnesses).
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
  • Chronic fatigue & fibromyalgia.
  • Cardiovascular & circulatory issues.

However, scientific evidence is limited compared to standard treatments. After antibiotics became widespread in the 1940s, UBI largely fell out of mainstream medicine.

⚠️ Controversy & Safety

  • Safety: Generally considered safe when done properly, since only a small portion of blood is treated.
  • Effectiveness: Still debated; modern clinical trials are scarce.
  • Status: In most countries, UBI is considered experimental or alternative therapy, not a standard medical treatment.

🌍 Current Interest

  • Some integrative and alternative medicine clinics still use UBI.
  • Research continues on UV and light-based therapies, including photodynamic therapy, which is more accepted in oncology and dermatology.

👉 In short:
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) is an alternative therapy where blood is exposed to UV light outside the body and then reinfused. It was historically used to fight infections and boost immunity but is now largely experimental, with limited scientific support compared to modern treatments.