TEAM UZUNOV medical exclusive
by Sasha Uzunov
Cancer Council Australia has cautioned against the use of a “sun gazing” therapy advocated by a Balkan health guru, which has gained popularity amongst some of this country’s ethnic communities.
Dr Slagjana Velkova (Sladjana Velkov) is a Macedonian born but Serbian raised doctor of medicine who is advocating a radical sun gazing therapy for improved health.
She has appeared on Australia’s government funded Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Radio, namely the Macedonian and Serbian language programs.
Her therapy is as follows:
Sungaze 1 times a day within an hour after sunrise or in last hour before sunset.
Stand erect with bare feet on bare ground. Remove glasses. You can blink. Begin with 10 seconds. Increase 10 seconds a day. If cloudy, sungaze but don’t increase time. When cold, do it indoors through an open window. If ill, affirm and visualize sunlight going to problem area. Express gratitude. After sungazing, rub hands together and cover eyes. Gaze at afte rimage till gone. After or before sungazing, walk barefoot for 45 minutes (preferably). When you reach 44 minutes of sungazing, reduce time 1 min/day to 15 min and stay there for one year. If desired, continue the rest of your life.
*Take a sunbath at least 1 h daily (expose skin).
*Put water in transparent bottle on the sun for a few hours and drink it.
*Take a sunbath at least 1 h daily (expose skin).
*Put water in transparent bottle on the sun for a few hours and drink it.
The response from the Cancer Council of Australia’s Media Manager Hollie Jenkins:
“… we are not aware of any scientific evidence that ‘sunlight treatment’ as advocated…offers any health benefits. Furthermore, many of the recommendations, for instance exposing yourself to excessive sunlight and staring at the sun, may actually be harmful.
“Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70 and more than 2000 Australians died from skin cancer in 2011. Cancer Council Australia recommends Australians manage their sun exposure, when UV levels are 3 or above, to minimise their cancer risk.”
The CCA also recommends:
“Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible;
Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ or higher sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
Seek shade
Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.”