Valkee is a pocket-sized light therapy device that channels bright light via the ear canals into the brain. A daily 12-minute dose is studied to have beneficial effects on mood and wellbeing as reported by University of Oulu, Finland, according to its research program since 2008. Valkee is a pocket-sized light therapy device that channels bright light via the ear canals into the brain. A daily 12-minute dose is studied to have beneficial effects on mood and wellbeing as reported by University of Oulu, Finland, according to its research program since 2008. The product was launched.
Key facts
Price: €199 (around £156)
Colours available: Black or silver.
Ease of use: Easy but not for total beginners to computers
Useful for: SAD sufferers, easing mood swings, helping regulate sleep and improving tiredness.
Valkee is difficult to describe because, while it’s really very simple, it sounds like science fiction. In the words of the manufacturer, the clinically-tested device: “substitutes the mood-elevating effects of the sun, by channeling safe bright light directly to photosensitive regions of the brain through the ear canal.”
So every morning for the last month or so I have sat in bed with a cup of tea, as rays of sunlight are blasted into my ears for eight minutes a pop. I’m sure that sounds quite nutty, but the truth is, I have felt genuine benefits. And I’ve still been able to listen to Radio 4 as I’m blasted...
The benefits have been two-fold: My sleep patterns have regulated themselves and I’m happier and more alert. Clearly, this is a virtuous circle. I fall asleep easier at night, and stay asleep, and then I wake up more refreshed and have more energy for the day. But alongside general well-being, I also notice that I feel more perky by the end of the eight-minute ‘blast’ too, to the point that that I’m barely touching my tea, let alone needing several to get going.
Valkee is said to work wonders on seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) which is something I do not knowingly have, but with more regulated moods, better sleep and brighter mornings, I can easily see how someone who really suffers with mood swings or winter doldrums could see even bigger benefits.
The machine itself is around the size of two matchboxes, is very lightweight, and has just one button – to start the ‘session’. (If you need to stop mid-way you can push and hold this same button, otherwise it stops automatically).
It then has two wires with what look like glass earbuds on the ends, a little like very precious earphones.
To charge the battery, which then lasts for around 14 sessions, you need to connect the Valkee to your computer via a USB cable. It may be tricky for those very unfamiliar with computers, but is no more tricky than charging an MP3 player. To change settings, such as the length of each session (to a maximum of 12 minutes) or intensity (low, medium or high – I used the default, high) you also connect to the computer via USB. You must then visit http://myvalkee.com/ to register and personalise your treatment. The site is easy-to-use but those very new to using the internet may need some gentle guidance at first.
In short, did it work? Yes, I felt it did. And clinical trials carried out suggest that nine out of 10 users tested agree.
For more information or to buy the Valkee visit www.valkee.com.
Der Valkee-Schwindel ist ein Betrug aus Finnland. Die Firma Valkee Oy verkauft ein Set aus zwei dimmbaren LED in Ohrhörer-Form und einem kleinen Steuergerät für rund 200 Euro. Diese “Ohrenscheinwerfer” sollen angeblich eine Reihe von Krankheiten und Beschwerden zuverlässig beseitigen, darunter Migräne, Jet-lag und Winterdepression. Neuerdings wird selbst eine Wirkung gegen Krebs und andere schwere Krankheiten angedeutet.
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Andere Quacksalbereien dieser Art, wie z.B. Magnettherapie, “Zapper”, Ohrkerzen, usw. behaupten ganz einfach, Wunder zu vollbringen. Valkee dagegen hat eine Reihe von pseudowissenschaftlichen Präsentationen und gefälschten Studien erzeugt. Damit gelang es der Firma eine Zeitlang, die Medien in Finnland und anderen Ländern zu täuschen. Die vorgeblichen wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse wurden in vielen Werbeartikeln der Laienpresse verbreitet. Mit falschen Angaben hat Valkee sogar einen Ehrenpreis der finnischen Präsidentin Tarja Halonen erhalten.
Der Valkee-Schwindel ist eine der wenigen Scharlatanerien, deren Unwirksamkeit wissenschaftlich belegt ist. Eine von der Firma selbst angestrengte placebo-kontrollierte Studie zeigte die Unwirksamkeit für Winterdepression – Scheinbehandlung war sogar numerisch besser als echtes Ohrlicht. Die einzige bekannte unabhängige Studie bezog sich auf den behaupteten Effekt bei Jet-lag – dieser konnte ausgeschlossen werden. Das Gehirn reagiert in keiner Weise auf die Ohrleuchten.
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Es dauerte in Finnland anderthalb Jahre, bis dieser Schwindel aufflog. Der Autor dieses Blogs hatte entscheidenden Anteil an der Aufdeckung. In Deutschland findet sich derweil keinerlei firmenunabhängige Information. An dieser Stelle werden zentrale Punkte des Betrugs kurz abgehandelt, sofern es zeitlich möglich ist.
Fortsetzung: Die Valkee-Story, Teil 1
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