Deb and Don Daniels, along with partners Arlene and Warner Carmichael, are owners of Avalon Light Keepers and part of a new breed of light healers. They are passionate about using light emitting diode (LED) therapy to promote wellness. This non-invasive treatment produces specific wavelengths of light and sound, pulsed at research-proven frequencies and applied to the skin for multiple therapeutic benefits. The couples are excited about offering light therapy here on the Emerald Coast.

After a demonstration Don could see the connection between infrared, blue and red lights and how the body produces nitric oxide to increase energy and circulation, which often reduces pain. The fact that people felt relaxed after their session didn’t go unnoticed by Don, who has degrees in both psychology and educational technology. The Avalon system met both those interests and he knew right away he wanted to pursue the LED technology.

“I have always had an interest in new ways to heal the body. I think we need to move to 21st-century healing,” says Don. As a longtime practitioner of meditation, Don is also interested in stress reduction. “It comes down to the mind and body connection and how we help the body get into a position to heal itself,” says Don. “Light and sound therapy just clicked for me.”

Arlene, a previous owner of the Golden Almond Heath Food Store, in Fort Walton Beach, sees modalities like the LED system as the future of medicine. “The basis of many common ailments is inflammation, impaired circulation and stress. The LED program addressed all three,” says Arlene. “People are interested in different ways to take care of their own body.”

The Daniels and Carmichaels found a mutual interest in the LED technology and made a commitment to bring the system to the Gulf Coast. Forming the Avalon Light Keepers company in January 2012, they are now helping people understand and experience the LED technology through group and individual light therapy presentations.

“I enjoy answering questions on how light and sound therapy work,” says Don. Arlene likes to focus more on the tender side. “People are in pain, and are frustrated with their efforts to get well. They deserve to be listened to and to be encouraged to find ways to decrease their pain and just feel better,” states Carmichael.

Deb Daniels agrees. “The lights give you relief, relaxation and rejuvenation. People are often surprised at how they feel after the sessions and even the next day.”

Bringing the benefits of the Avalon light and sound therapy to others, which include increased circulation, pain control, stress reduction and an increase in overall wellness, is the driving force behind the efforts of the Avalon team. Don explains how it works. “Because we're surrounded by light, it's easy to take it for granted. Light streams photons—tiny packets of energy—to our bodies with a number of beneficial effects, such as restoring balance to the system. Light therapy causes biological effects because different wavelengths are absorbed by specific proteins in the cells and muscle walls.”

The list of institutions that have conducted clinical studies on the effectiveness of LED light therapy is impressive, and includes the National Cancer Institute and the Mayo Clinic. “This is not a new concept,” says Warner Carmichael. “Light therapy has been in use by the medical profession for more than 20 years to reduce pain and increase circulation, and there are volumes of scientific studies available on light therapy. This is a well-researched modality.”

LED light therapy is being used by many practitioners, including acupuncturists, dentists, estheticians, pet owners, massage therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths and medical doctors. The Avalon Light Keepers are now taking this cutting-edge therapy straight to the public. Consumers can use the equipment safely at home or at the Golden Almond health food store (339 Racetrack Road NW, FWB), where the team conduct sessions. In addition, to allow the public to try the Avalon LED therapy, the couples offers a complimentary introduction session twice a month in the evening at another Fort Walton Beach location.

Says Deb, “Once they experience the effects, they often want to repeat them. Aside from the pleasant feeling, the healing effects are what bring people back to rent the equipment or purchase a system for themselves. They want to light up their own lives.”

For more information or a complimentary session, call 850-424-8261 or visit AvalonLightKeepers.com.