Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling and no relationship is created between the show host or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective counties crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
[00:00:41] Speaker B: It's six o' clock and time again for Brain Matters, the official radio show of the UA Counseling Center. We are broadcasting from the campus of the University of Alabama. Good evening. My name is Dr. B.J. guenther. I'm the host of the show along with my colleague and producer Kathryn Howell. And in case you don't know, this show is about mental and physical health issues that affect college students and in particular UA students. So you can listen to us each Tuesday night at 6pm on 90.7 FM or you can listen online at WVUAFM UA. Edu. You can also download some of your favorite apps. I like the MyTuner radio app and just type in WVUAFM 90.7 and listen to us live that way. We are on the eighth show for this semester. We only do shows in the spring and the fall. We don't do shows in the summer, so we've only got a few more shows left. We've only got a few more weeks left of school actually, so probably two or three more shows left. We're just gonna play it by ear and see how it goes. But if you are listening and you have any show topic ideas, email those to me@brain mattersradiovuafmua.edu and of course I'll consider using your show topics. We'll need show topics for the fall and usually I like to do show topics on like adjustment, homesickness, going away to college, missing your pets, things that pertain to new students. Because it'll be a whole new, you know, class of students when we come back in August. So if you can think of some topics, maybe we've already covered some of the topics in the past and years past, but we probably need to always talk about mood issues, anxiety issues, test anxiety, stress management, dealing with roommates, the trends that are usually common to college students. Keep those in mind because this is a show about college mental health and we are on the University of Alabama campus, so keep those in mind. But once again, if you have ideas, send those to me@brain mattersradiobuafn.ua.edu I'll try to remember to give this address out during the show, but sometimes I forget Kathryn tries to help me and I just ignore her sometimes. Sorry about that. Today we're talking about something you've probably heard about but may not fully understand. It's red light therapy. And to help us break it all down, I'm joined by Danita Elder, an aesthetician. It's so hard for me to say that Danita right here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. And Danita has been in the skincare field for years and has built her own practice helping people not just look better, but feel better in their skin. And she's going to help us separate fact from fiction and give us a real insider perspective on this trending treatment. And it is a trending treatment. Danita, welcome. Thank you for being on the show.
[00:03:29] Speaker C: Thank you for having me.
[00:03:30] Speaker B: Yeah. Tell us more about, tell the listeners more about yourself, your credentials, how long you've been doing what you do, how to pronounce esthetician, and why you got interested in, in this topic in red light therapy.
[00:03:47] Speaker C: So before I became a licensed esthetician, I did nursing and then the last nursing that I did was plastic. So plastic surgical nursing, of course, goes along with skin care. We did a lot of skin care.
And that's when I decided I wanted to get my esthetician license and just decided that that was my passion.
You get to form a one on one relationship with your clients and you're truly doing individualized care for that one person and helping them achieve their goals.
And it's a process. It's not come in one time and you've achieved every goal you want to reach. It's something that you have to stay consistent with. But I've been doing it for a little over 20 years now, so it's, it's something that's very dear to my heart and I really enjoy it.
[00:04:49] Speaker B: What, what kind of training did you have to have to become an esthetician? How long does it take?
[00:04:55] Speaker C: So depending on what route you do, you know, there's the coursework and then you have to put in about 1500 clinical hours.
[00:05:07] Speaker B: Wow.
[00:05:09] Speaker C: And then you have to sit for a state board.
[00:05:12] Speaker B: And I bet your nursing degree helped you, you know, because a lot of the esthetician stuff, I mean, it could turn in, it could turn into a medical issue, you know.
[00:05:23] Speaker C: Well, it does help. It help because there are things and, but, but really and truly, and studying an esthetician school, you know, you Cover the skin, you cover it in great detail. So you learn that there's more to it than just making people feel good and helping them relax. And you know, you have to teach people every cream and every product that's on TikTok or on the market, it's not for you.
[00:05:59] Speaker B: That's funny you say TikTok because that, that's our first email question and I'm going to ask it in just a minute. But I want you to explain, you know, what exactly is red light therapy? How does it work in simple terms?
[00:06:12] Speaker C: So in simple terms, you're exposing your skin to infrared light and that is going to.
It stimulates your cells and especially the cells that contain our energy.
And that once that happens, then it's just like a chain effect.
You know, you get improvement in your skin health, you get improvement in blood circulation in your body.
It's very relaxing, detoxifying.
So you start with one little simple thing and then it's a ripple effect.
[00:06:55] Speaker B: I mentioned TikTok. The first question I have from a listener is they title themselves the skeptical student.
I keep that's in the subject. I keep seeing red light therapy all over TikTok and Instagram. Is this actually backed by science or is it just another wellness trend?
[00:07:17] Speaker C: So it is a very huge wellness trend at the moment.
But there are there the longer that it's been out there, you can see that improvements have been shown in some health conditions where it is very beneficial to the body.
So all of it is not just some wellness trend hype.
But once again, you, it's not a one and done treatment. You have to be consistent with your treatments and you also have to listen to your body and not overdo your treatments.
You have to do what you need to do at home as far as hydration and things like that along with the red light therapy, you know, and
[00:08:19] Speaker B: we're talking about red light therapy for skin basically. But what have you personally noticed in your clients moods or emotional state after sessions?
[00:08:31] Speaker C: So with what I have, I have the.
It's infrared sauna with light therapy.
So I think the most feedback that we've heard from our clients is that it's so relaxing.
It's. They're so much calmer after a treatment because it does help with anxiety.
It even helps. They say they sleep better after their treatments and that's been huge for a lot of people. And it's very good for seasonal depression also because of the light therapy.
[00:09:11] Speaker B: Really? Yeah. I've had a few. I've had several students with seasonal affective disorder. We actually did a show.
It's been a while. We probably need to do another one. It's been that long. But you know, the light boxes is one thing that is mentioned for treatment for seasonal affective disorders. You can get them anywhere, just about on Amazon.
But I never thought about, I never, I haven't heard about the red light therapy being good for mood. Like a light box. Does that make sense?
[00:09:39] Speaker C: Yes, yes. The colored.
Right.
And the good thing about the one that I have is I have all the colors. I don't have just the red.
It has multiple colors that you can work with.
[00:09:53] Speaker B: Like what? Give us examples. What else?
[00:09:56] Speaker C: So we have blue light, we have green light, yellow. And once you get deeper into those, they say it can help with digestion, it can help with
[00:10:13] Speaker B: blood pressure.
[00:10:14] Speaker C: Helps with your blood pressure. Yes, yes, things like that.
[00:10:20] Speaker B: What about, you know, when clients come in for mostly, I'm assuming cosmetic reasons, it's probably correct. One thing. But end up reporting changes in stress and sleep, like you mentioned and overall well being. Do they report that to you like at the next session? Do they comment? Oh, this I have noticed. It's like an aha moment. I've noticed I'm sleeping better, you know?
[00:10:45] Speaker C: Yes. Huh. They do, they do.
I've had several clients and they kind of, some of them will come in and they just kind of joke about it and they're like, girl, I slept so good after I left here the other night. Can I come back every day? I'm like, yeah, you can come back as much as you want to.
[00:11:03] Speaker B: Oh my gosh. Do you have.
What's the percentage, if you can guesstimate, of college students, do you see who are using this red light therapy?
[00:11:16] Speaker C: It's really all age groups.
Everybody loves it because. And I think a lot of that is we go back to tick tock. We go back to the trends.
So it's a wide range of age groups that use it because I have a lot of, you know, mature age people that use it too.
[00:11:38] Speaker B: Yeah.
How is it explain how, how do I ask this? Explain how it is utilized? You said, I think before we started the show, you said it's, it's mainly in.
Do people go and stand in a box kind of like a tanning salon or. I. What I have seen, I don't do tick tock, but I do Instagram if you know, I have seen like shields that you can order and.
[00:12:06] Speaker C: Right.
[00:12:07] Speaker B: So what is it like to do it? Take us through it and how long is. Does somebody. Is somebody exposed to the red light therapy.
[00:12:15] Speaker C: So when you come into my.
My spa, I have a. It's a booth. You actually sit down in there.
We turn the lights down, so it's very relaxing.
You can even Bluetooth your phone to the sauna itself so you can listen to a book, listen to your music, whatever you need to be comfortable. And you stay in there typically anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. We typically like to start out at 30 minutes just to kind of get yourself used to it.
And you just sit in there and relax? Yeah, we kind of do a little consultation beforehand. Just kind of go over, you know, any health conditions you may have, any medications that you're on, just so that we can make sure that it's not a contraindication. You know, there are some things that we just kind of want to keep an eye on to. To make sure that it's safe for you.
[00:13:19] Speaker B: Is it an actual sauna? You know, like the heat, or can you use.
[00:13:23] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:13:24] Speaker B: Can you use it without the heat if you're sensitive to heat?
[00:13:28] Speaker C: Well, you could come in and just do the light, but it is a sauna. But it uses dry heat. It's not a wet heat because it works off of infrared wavelengths, and that's what produces the heat.
[00:13:43] Speaker B: Wow, that's fascinating. Okay, I've got tons more questions. I never get to all my questions, so I don't know if I will this time either. So we're gonna take our first break, and then when we come back, I've got lots more email questions, and I haven't even read myself, so.
You're listening to brain matters on 19.7. We'll be right back.
Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:14:18] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling, and no relationship is created between the show hosts and or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective counties crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
[00:14:56] Speaker B: You're back listening to brain matters on 90.7. The capstone. I'm BJ Guenther, and before I forget, if you're listening and you have any ideas for upcoming shows, we're almost finished for the spring semester, but we'll need new show topics for fall.
Email those to me@brain mattersradiovuafm ua edu and of course, I'll consider using your topic. We're talking tonight about a fascinating. I guess treatment is what I would call it, a fascinating. It's a trend also, but it's red light therapy. I know if you are on social media, you have seen this trend because it's fascinating. And we're talking with Danita Elder, who is an esthetician here in Tuscaloosa. And Danita was formerly a nurse before she did this. So she knows what she's talking about medically and in this specialty, which I call it a specialty because I don't know how many people really are doing this in the Tuscaloosa area. I think it's pretty limited. Danita, what do you think?
[00:15:55] Speaker C: There are several different places that are offering it now.
One thing that kind of makes us unique is that it's so private.
You come in, you know, I have my facial room there, we have a sauna room, and then there's one other girl there in the building. So it's very private. It's not like you're coming into a place where there's people running in and out constantly.
[00:16:22] Speaker B: Yeah, that's not fun. It's more like a factory, you know?
[00:16:27] Speaker C: Exactly, exactly.
[00:16:29] Speaker B: Let's take another email question.
This one asks, I'm a college student on a tight budget. Are those at home red light mask and devices worth it or do you really need professional treatments to see results?
That's a good question.
[00:16:46] Speaker C: So the, the red light therapy that most people are doing at home are going to be the ones that they're doing just for their face.
They can get a little pricey. But do your homework and do your research on those. Before you make a purchase.
You have to look at the wavelengths that they offer because certain wavelengths work better.
So just kind of do your research and do your homework before you make a purchase so that you're not just wasting your money on one that's not that great.
[00:17:28] Speaker B: What is the average cost and how many sessions are usually recommended?
[00:17:34] Speaker C: So for, for mine, we do
[00:17:39] Speaker B: 30
[00:17:39] Speaker C: minute sessions for $35 or we've been running a special where buy five sessions for 150 and get one free.
[00:17:50] Speaker B: Okay.
And is that the recommendation? Usually six sessions?
[00:17:55] Speaker C: Yes. I mean, to say your optimal results, you.
And if you want to see really good results, it recommends to do at least three times a week and stay consistent with that for a while. Then if you wanted to back off for a little while, you could.
You're going to start to see improvement in.
Reduced inflammation I mean, I'm sorry, you're going to see, you're going to start to see improvement in like so circulation after a few sessions. But if you're looking for improvements such as reduced inflammation in the body and enhanced skin health, that's going to take more several weeks to months to see a really good effect from that.
[00:18:48] Speaker B: Well, and when you mention, when you say inflammation, what would that be like a result from like, give us an example. Are we talking about like accidents or illnesses?
[00:19:01] Speaker C: Both, both.
So you know, some people get inflammation in their joints, then you have illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, things from injuries, post surgical, things like that, that it truly does help with the inflammation in your body. But that's something that you're going to have to do more frequent visits and be on a more consistent basis with before you start to see your results. You're not going to be able to come in once a week and come maybe three times and expect to see full results.
[00:19:43] Speaker B: Yeah, well, and that kind of goes in, that kind of transitions into another question I have, have you seen red light therapy become part of a client's, you know, self care or their emotional wellness routine?
[00:19:58] Speaker C: We have, We've had several people who have had injuries to their knees and things like that and they swear by it, they'll come in limping and after two or three sessions they can already tell a difference.
[00:20:18] Speaker B: What about safety? You mentioned, you know, contraindication is, am I saying that right? Contraindic. You are with medicine, you know, but what about somebody sent in an email question about safety and they ask is red light therapy safe to use regularly? Are there any risk or people who
[00:20:39] Speaker C: should avoid it is typically safe for everybody.
You have to listen to your body also when you're doing any kind of sauna therapy.
[00:20:51] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:20:54] Speaker C: Because you have to really hydrate before, hydrate after and you just kind of listen to your body and your body lets you know, okay, I've had enough today, it's time for me to get out. You know, you may not be able to stay in there every time, 30 to 45 minutes. Wow.
Just based on, you may be a little dehydrated that day when you come in and you're just like, okay, I can't stay in here any longer today.
You know, it's not really good to come in and sit in a sauna if you've been out all night long with your friends hanging out and are a little hungover. That is not a good idea. So that's, that's not a great idea to do. So that's why we really, you know, we have water waiting on you when you're done that we send you out with. And then you need to keep that up the rest of the day because
[00:21:50] Speaker B: it can dehydrate you even.
[00:21:52] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:21:52] Speaker B: Even if you're not hungover. It can, yeah.
[00:21:55] Speaker C: Because it's really good for detoxifying your body.
[00:21:58] Speaker B: Yes.
That's cool. What about, you know, when someone's skin improves, I think it can really impact confidence. And do you see mental health boost tied to those physical results?
Very much common sense question.
[00:22:15] Speaker C: I know, but very much so, because when they start to see improvements, it's automatically going to make them feel better about themselves and make them feel better in general.
[00:22:30] Speaker B: What about. Are there certain times of the day to support, you know, that you recommend sessions to support relaxation or better sleep?
[00:22:41] Speaker C: I would say for better sleep, I would probably do an afternoon session, but really any time of the day, if
[00:22:52] Speaker B: somebody's having sleep problems or do you recommend that they come more often or is it still kind of the standard two to three times a week? You know, I'm really fascinated by the sleep issue because I have so many students who come in complaining about sleep, and it is impacting everything. Sometimes they'll be very depressed, but they'll come in more often when they're having those severe sleep problems than they will even when they're feeling depressed, like really depressed. And so fascinated at sleep, at new techniques. And sometimes they don't want to take medication. You know, they don't want to go that route. And so they're looking for different avenues. And a lot of times we'll talk about just your basic sleep hygiene. I've had a couple of neurologists on the show in the past talking about, you know, college students and sleep problems because it's pretty common.
And we always end up talking about sleep hygiene. And so sometimes when I even say that to students, they just look at me like, oh, here we go again. So it's. It's kind of nice to be able to speak, possibly suggest a new trend that really does work. I mean, what I'll research, and I don't want to put you on the spot here, but have you read any research on how much it does improve sleep? And especially with this age group, even
[00:24:12] Speaker C: I don't have statistics, but with the sauna, it does kind of help to relax your nervous system.
[00:24:21] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:24:22] Speaker C: So I think it's very key, you know, when it does relax your nervous system, then that just kind of helps to relax Your whole body. So it's going to not only help with, you know, you being able to relax and go to sleep, but it also helps with the anxiety that you're carrying around.
[00:24:41] Speaker B: Does it. Do you know, being a nurse, do you know if it releases endorphins? Is that what it does? Is that physically what's happening or.
[00:24:50] Speaker C: Cortisol.
[00:24:51] Speaker B: I read a lot about cortisol.
[00:24:54] Speaker C: It does help with that.
[00:24:57] Speaker B: What about myths or misconceptions? Do you hear any, you know, do you hear any myths or things that are just not true about red light therapy and you can counter that?
[00:25:14] Speaker C: I haven't really heard any myths.
You know, in a lot of the research I've done, though, it will tell you that myths are.
There's more scientific studies coming out daily to kind of back up any myth that may be out there regarding sauna therapy and light therapy. Because it. It's. You're ha. You're starting to show the medical benefits of the treatments as far as, like, your blood pressure, inflammation markers decreasing, and things like that.
[00:25:57] Speaker B: When you meet people out in the community and they find out what you
[00:26:00] Speaker C: do,
[00:26:02] Speaker B: they ask you about red light therapy in particular, or do you tell them, you know, that's what you do sometimes? And what questions do people in the community, what have they had curiosity, you know, who don't know anything about it.
[00:26:21] Speaker C: A lot of the people that I come in contact with are just not familiar with it. Because it is newer.
[00:26:27] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:26:28] Speaker C: So it's usually a full conversation of me explaining it, what it does, what the benefits are, and then them just making an appointment to come in and try it out.
[00:26:40] Speaker B: Yeah. Just the curiosity of it.
[00:26:42] Speaker C: Exactly.
[00:26:43] Speaker B: We're gonna take another break and then when we come back, I've still got lots of questions. Some more email questions about this one says they're overwhelmed. So it's kind of. I'm looking at the question right now. We've answered a little bit, but we'll go a little bit further. So we'll be right back. You're listening to Brain matters on night 90.7, the capstone.
Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:27:17] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling and no relationship is created between the show hosts or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective county's crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
[00:27:55] Speaker B: Hey, you're back listening to brain matters on 90.7 the Capstone. I'm Dr. BJ Gunther. We're talking tonight with Danita Elder, who's an esthetician here in Tuscaloosa, and that is a skin specialist. I would. I would imagine that's what you could call yourself too, but that's the good people don't know what an esthetician is. And we're talking in particular about red light therapy. It's a trend. It's a wellness trend.
If you've got Tick Tock or any social media, you might have seen it on those platforms. But it's. There is a scientific basis. There's research, lots of research on how red light therapy and other light. Other colored lights. Danita's already talked a little bit about blue and green. And what are those specifically for the blue and the green lights and the yellow.
[00:28:44] Speaker C: So one is for digestion, one is for the nervous system.
I'm trying to think.
[00:28:57] Speaker B: We had. I actually had.
[00:29:01] Speaker C: Blue is for mood.
Huh.
[00:29:05] Speaker B: I actually had a color therapist on the show.
Was she on in the fall or earlier part of this semester?
And she's. That's what she does, color therapy. And that was fascinating. Using colors like in rooms or just actually she mentioned getting. Buying glasses that have.
[00:29:27] Speaker C: Right.
[00:29:28] Speaker B: Specialized colors, you know, green glasses, blue glasses, specifically for certain mental health issues. And that was a fascinating show, too.
[00:29:39] Speaker C: Oh, yes, very.
[00:29:42] Speaker B: This overwhelmed emailer.
[00:29:45] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:29:46] Speaker B: Says there. You mentioned this. You touched on this. There are so many devices and wavelengths. How does someone even know where to start with red light therapy?
[00:29:58] Speaker C: It depends on what area of the body they're trying to treat.
Just take the face, for example. You can treat your whole face, but then if you're trying to target a specific area, like the area around the lips that needs a different wavelength.
So it's very detailed and in depth.
[00:30:18] Speaker B: Huh.
And yet, as you've mentioned before, you've had specialized training in this. So it's not just something you can just pick up, you know?
[00:30:29] Speaker C: Yes. So you have to really do your homework on that.
[00:30:32] Speaker B: Yeah.
Does it help somebody? Another email question. Does it. Does red light therapy really help with acne?
[00:30:41] Speaker C: It does.
[00:30:43] Speaker B: It.
[00:30:43] Speaker C: It helps with the, the inflammation that you have after an acne breakout.
It can also help with the breakouts. So it's very beneficial with that blue light.
[00:31:00] Speaker B: Go ahead.
[00:31:01] Speaker C: Blue light's also really good for acne, too.
[00:31:04] Speaker B: Really? Okay. Because, you know, this, this age range is usually 18 to 24.
[00:31:11] Speaker C: Right.
[00:31:12] Speaker B: Actually, I was just talking with a student last week about and I told her that you were going to be on the show and that she needs to listen to this show because I thought it helped with acne because she struggles with acne. And she was talking to me about all the treatments she's had and the medication and we were talking about medication because, you know, there are certain medications that can cause more psychological.
[00:31:42] Speaker C: Correct.
[00:31:43] Speaker B: Side effects that can be very dangerous and she and I were discussing that. So it's. This is an alternative treatment to that
[00:31:52] Speaker C: for that with very much so.
[00:31:54] Speaker B: I mean, what are the side effects, Danita? Are there?
[00:31:56] Speaker C: Hardly. Hardly any. Hardly any at all. And she'll get more, she'll get benefits from other things too.
Mood and for, you know, college kids, they love to work out. It also helps in muscle soreness.
[00:32:13] Speaker B: Wow.
Do you, do you see any athletes?
You don't have to tell us who, but do you see the athletes?
[00:32:20] Speaker C: We don't have that many athletes, no.
[00:32:22] Speaker B: They probably have their own. If they're using red light therapy, they probably have their own within the, you know, sports facilities. Yeah, facilities. But I bet they're using it.
[00:32:33] Speaker C: Oh, for sure they'd have to.
[00:32:35] Speaker B: They'd have to. Muscle soreness and everything else. Does it help with like bruising and stuff like that?
[00:32:44] Speaker C: I have not read anything about it helping with bruising.
[00:32:48] Speaker B: No, I haven't either. I wonder if, does it like, for somebody like my client who is struggling with acne, would they need to come more often than what you mentioned with someone else or is it, is the standard usually maybe like two to three times a week?
[00:33:06] Speaker C: Yeah, the standards, about two to three times a week.
[00:33:11] Speaker B: Let me see if we've got some more email questions where somebody asked, where does red light therapy fit into overall wellness?
Is this something that replaces other treatments or is it more of a supplement?
[00:33:26] Speaker C: It's a supplement to other treatments.
Like.
[00:33:30] Speaker B: What do you mean?
[00:33:32] Speaker C: Like you still need to, you still need to work out, get your physical activity.
But this is just kind of a supplement to, to help everything else work,
[00:33:45] Speaker B: I think. I mean, how many people come to see you for red light therapy because of curiosity? Like I mentioned before, they never done it or maybe they've tried everything and this is like their last ditch effort if they're suffering with arthritis or I'm assuming it's something like fibromyalgia even, even maybe something like chronic fatigue syndrome or. I mean, what are some of, what are some of the physical issues that you See, you mentioned arthritis, but what else can people utilize it for?
[00:34:19] Speaker C: I have a lot of people who have had back surgeries who suffer from chronic pain from that. Yes, it's really popular with those patients.
And then I have a lot of patients that like to come and do it after they get their massages.
Because I have one client in particular, she said it just makes her feel amazing after she's had a massage and then comes and sits in the sauna.
Kind of helps with the soreness from the massage.
[00:34:54] Speaker B: Yeah, because.
Oh, sometimes. I mean, I've had some massage therapists that. Yes, it was very painful.
I remember one time having. I had like a crick in my neck and I remember one time coming back to work and I was like, have you ever felt like crying and throwing up at the same time?
[00:35:13] Speaker C: It's a great feeling.
[00:35:17] Speaker B: So, yeah, it's. It's tough sometimes. So I could, I can understand that. What about, what about, you know, if, if you're, if you're. What about the cost? I think people, especially students. Are there any.
I know this is kind of off the beating path a little bit, but students are always asking about discounts. Are there any dis. Do you get. Offer any discounts for students or would you ever offer discounts for students?
[00:35:47] Speaker C: There is a possibility if you're just doing though the single visits, it's just $35 for 30 minutes and if you could just at least get two in per week, I think you would still see good results. Yeah, but. But the package is a really beneficial way to.
Economically way to go. Yes.
[00:36:14] Speaker B: Has anybody talked to you about having more mental clarity?
Have they actually said that? Like, I feel like I'm thinking clearer. What have they said?
[00:36:23] Speaker C: Yes, they just feel like that they can.
I think it. I think that boils down to them just being more relaxed and their stress being so low because once they've been in there and they can relax, their anxiety levels lower and they can actually just stop and think the stress level is just gone.
[00:36:57] Speaker B: Is.
Is.
I was looking at another email question, trying to decipher how I'm going to ask this.
Is it. Somebody says, is it something you have to do every day? And we've talked about, you know, how often. But can you do it if you wanted to, could you do it every day or would it kind of be, you know, too dehydrating, I guess is the word.
[00:37:19] Speaker C: It would be something that you would have to work yourself up to, really.
Yes. It would be a gradual thing. You couldn't start out doing it. That way,
[00:37:30] Speaker B: what's. What's actually happening with the skin?
You know, for it to happen. I'm just curious for it to happen that fast, even if you're doing two times a week, what's actually happening when you're in there for 30 minutes? Am I putting you on the spot?
[00:37:47] Speaker C: No.
So basically, the way it helps the skin is it increases the production of the cells that contain our energy, the mitochondria.
[00:37:57] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:37:58] Speaker C: So when it does that, it improves the way that our cells function and the way that they repair themselves.
So that process leads to stimulating your elastin and collagen production.
So it's going to reduce inflammation in your skin, it's going to reduce redness, it can enhance wound healing, reduce the appearance of scars, even out your skin tone and texture. And then, like we discussed earlier, support acne.
[00:38:40] Speaker B: Do people have to have a referral from doctors or do you get referrals from doctors?
[00:38:47] Speaker C: The only time that I make them talk to their doctor and consult their doctor before getting in there is after I've talked to them. And they may have multiple conditions going on. I'll be like, I want you to touch base with your doctor and just make sure that he feels like it's okay for you to do this. Before we start doing these. Before you start doing these treatments. And I have had a couple of people who have not been able to do it, but they've had more severe things like multiple sclerosis and things like that.
[00:39:25] Speaker B: And I was going to ask you about that. Maybe some of the. I was thinking more like muscular dystrophy. Multiple sclerosis?
[00:39:33] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:39:35] Speaker B: And I mentioned fibromyalgia. I don't know how many. Is that appropriate, too? I mean, I know some.
Some.
Some medical issues are sensitive to heat.
[00:39:48] Speaker C: Right.
[00:39:48] Speaker B: Mitral valve prolapse.
[00:39:51] Speaker C: Right. And the heart stuff. I usually make them check with their doctors before we start that.
[00:40:00] Speaker B: Does it. Does it work better with certain skincare products?
I know that's a question. It doesn't matter.
[00:40:07] Speaker C: It doesn't.
[00:40:09] Speaker B: Can you overdo it?
I can't believe I asked that. Can you overdo it?
[00:40:14] Speaker C: No, because you're really not going to be getting in there more than three times a week. Probably.
[00:40:22] Speaker B: So what's a typical office appointment? So let's say I want. I make an appointment. Can you schedule appointments online?
[00:40:30] Speaker C: No, I do all my appointments through phone or text.
[00:40:33] Speaker B: So I call you, I make an appointment, and I come in. What happens next? What's going to happen?
[00:40:39] Speaker C: So if it's your first one, we're just going to kind of talk and go over everything, make sure you don't have anything that we need to check into. And sometimes I do that over the phone when you make your appointment and then you just come in, we give you a wrap to put on. Turn the lights down and you just get in there and chill.
Go to Neverland and relax.
[00:41:05] Speaker B: And it shuts off at a certain time. Or can I turn it? Could I turn it off if I got too hot or needed to get out?
[00:41:12] Speaker C: So if you get too hot, you can open the doors or you can just get out.
[00:41:16] Speaker B: Okay, we're gonna, we're gonna take another break. I've got a few more questions and then we'll wrap it up. It's gone by fast, Anita. So it has. Hang on, we've got a few more minutes. You're listening to brain matters on 90.7, the capstone.
Hey, you're back listening to brain matters on 90.7, the capstone. I'm BJ Gunther. We're talking tonight about red light therapy. In case you don't know what that is, just look on social media and you will be bombarded with emails about red. I mean, with, you know, people who have experienced or who are using red light therapy for all kinds of things. What we're talking about tonight is how to use it not only with mental health issues, but with physical issues.
Danita Elder is an esthetician here in Tuscaloosa and she has been. How long have you actually had the red light sauna?
[00:42:12] Speaker C: So we just purchased our sauna back in October. So it's kind of new to us.
But it was something that my husband was passionate about and he was like, I think we need to add this to our menu. So.
[00:42:25] Speaker B: Yes, yes, I think so because there's, there's a lot of buzz about it and it must, I mean, you know, it must be working for people to give compliments and you hear so many positive compliments and positive. Just comments, I guess, about it on a daily basis. Probably. I mean, is it pretty hard to book?
[00:42:50] Speaker C: No, no, not at all.
[00:42:52] Speaker B: I mean, you know, does it get, you know, I guess any. As long as you're open, people can go hour. I'm assuming that's how it works. What about.
Are there certain skin types that respond better or worse even?
[00:43:10] Speaker C: No, it's good for all skin types.
[00:43:12] Speaker B: Okay, so the fair your skin, it's not like a tanning salon or anything like that. Does it reverse tanning damage? Does it reverse sun damage?
[00:43:21] Speaker C: No, it does not.
[00:43:22] Speaker B: Doesn't no, go ahead.
[00:43:25] Speaker C: It would. It's just going to help your skin kind of repair itself. But as far as dark spots and things like that, it's not going to make those go away.
[00:43:34] Speaker B: No, no. You gotta have those zapped or just not sit out in the sun.
[00:43:38] Speaker C: Right?
[00:43:39] Speaker B: You do.
[00:43:40] Speaker C: You do.
[00:43:41] Speaker B: If listeners can take away one thing, what should it be?
[00:43:47] Speaker C: If they could take away one thing, I would say it's very relaxing.
It helps with inflammation, it helps with stress.
[00:44:03] Speaker B: It's affordable.
[00:44:05] Speaker C: It's very affordable.
And consistency is the key.
[00:44:10] Speaker B: Okay, what about how can people learn more about you? How could they make an appointment? Give us the resources that listeners are waiting for.
[00:44:21] Speaker C: Okay, so you can make an appointment or reach out to me by phone or text at 205-242-4603 or you can go online at danitaelderskinstudio.com that's easy.
[00:44:40] Speaker B: Any more resources, any more websites or information for people who are really curious about red light therapy?
[00:44:49] Speaker C: We want to really look at red light therapy. We use a clear light infrared sauna with light therapy, and that's what we have. And they could look that up.
[00:45:05] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:45:06] Speaker C: Get more information on the actual sauna that we use.
[00:45:10] Speaker B: That sounds great. Thank you so much, Danita, for being on the show. I told you it would go by fast and it has.
[00:45:17] Speaker C: Well, thank you for having me.
[00:45:19] Speaker B: Don't forget, our shows are recorded and podcasted on the Apple podcast, so Spotify, AudioBoom and Voices UA Edu. Just type in Brain Matters and you'll find some of our past shows. There's also a link to Voices UA Edu on the counseling center's website and that's www.couning.ua.edu. and as always, I'd like to thank a few people who made the show possible. Our executive director here at the counseling center, Dr. Greg Vanderwaal, my producer and my colleague Katherine Howell, as well as my colleagues here at the counseling center and Gareth Garner, who edits our shows every week for wvua. WVUA staff and my guest tonight, Danita Elder. Join us next week. Hopefully we're gonna have a show. I think this will help a lot of people who are starting to stress out about finals, dead week and finals and even graduation. That's coming up on May 1st. The show topic is gonna be mindful breath work.
So tune in next week week, same time, same place. Thanks again for listening and good night.
[00:46:29] Speaker A: This show was not intended as a substitute for professional counseling. Further, the views, opinions and conclusions expressed by the show hosts or their guests are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Alabama, its officers or trustees. Any views, opinions or conclusions shared on the show do not create a relationship between the host or any guest and any listener, and such a relationship should never be inferred. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, please contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective county's Crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
