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A Forgotten Wellness Approach: Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI)*
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) was originally explored in the 1940s and 1950s by U.S. physicians who noted its potential to support immune function during times of physical stress. Published in medical journals of the time, including the American Journal of Surgery, early case studies documented its experimental use in a variety of infectious and inflammatory conditions.
As pharmaceutical antibiotics became widespread, interest in UBI declined. Like many holistic therapies, it was largely overshadowed by conventional drug-based medicine. However, in recent years, integrative healthcare providers have revisited UBI as a gentle, non-pharmaceutical way to support the body’s natural defenses.
Unlike antibiotics, which may contribute to drug-resistant strains, ultraviolet light has not been shown to lead to microbial resistance. According to early data, only a small percentage (about 5–7%) of the blood volume needs to be exposed to UV light to stimulate a systemic immune response.
Please note: UBI is not approved by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of any disease. This service is offered as part of a wellness-based program to support immune function.
The Historical Roots of UBI Therapy
The use of ultraviolet light in healthcare has been studied for more than a century. In 1801, Polish physicist Johann Wilhelm Ritter discovered ultraviolet light—what he called “chemical rays.” In 1904, Niels Finsen of Denmark was awarded the Nobel Prize for his use of UV light to support healing in patients with skin-based tuberculosis (lupus vulgaris).
In the 1930s, Emmett Knott, a researcher in Seattle, developed a device that allowed small amounts of blood to be withdrawn, exposed to UV light, and then reinfused. The goal was to observe how this exposure might affect immune function. Animal studies and preliminary case reports suggested that only a fraction of blood needed to be irradiated to initiate a systemic response.
Later, clinicians such as Dr. Henry Barrett documented a variety of patient responses. While these early observations are compelling, they were not conducted under today’s rigorous clinical trial standards.
This historical overview is provided for educational purposes only and does not imply that UBI is approved or recognized by the FDA for medical treatment.
How UBI Works – A Closer Look
Though modern research on UBI is still evolving, several proposed mechanisms have been explored through clinical observation and early studies. Ultraviolet light is believed to interact with many components of the blood, including red and white blood cells, helping to promote a balanced immune response.
Some of the reported biological effects include:
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Stimulation of white blood cells (including enhanced phagocytosis, or “clean-up” of pathogens)
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Temporary oxidative stress that may upregulate antioxidant defenses
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Improved circulation and oxygen utilization
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Modulation of inflammatory markers, including cytokines
At Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, we often pair UBI with a small, carefully administered amount of ozone. Therapeutic ozone is a form of energized oxygen that some practitioners believe may help neutralize environmental stressors and support detoxification pathways.
While high concentrations of ozone can be harmful, medical-grade ozone used under controlled conditions has been explored in holistic settings for its potential to:
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Support immune balance
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Improve microcirculation
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Assist the body’s detoxification process
The combination of UBI and ozone is offered as an advanced wellness therapy for those seeking to support immune health, especially when conventional options have not provided satisfactory results.
We recommend a series of 10 treatments for individuals seeking optimal wellness support through this therapy. Our team is happy to answer any questions and determine if this approach may align with your wellness goals.
*Disclaimer:
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) and ozone therapy offered at Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center have not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new therapy or making changes to their health regimen.