Red light therapy is all the rage. What are the benefits and does it work? There are promising health and wellness benefits that seem to be working.
Red therapy is known as photobiomodulation (PBM), low level light therapy (LLLT), light box therapy, bio-stimulation, or "photonic" stimulation. The most effective wavelengths of LLLT range between 630-670 or 810-880 nm.
Treatment session duration vary. Therapy is typically conducted every other day for weeks to months.
Red light therapy is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The low-energy light of red light therapy emits diodes (LEDs) or lasers that serve as alternative therapy for wellness and treating diseases. It’s best to find out which wavelength is best suited to treat your condition. Contrast to high power lasers—which damage tissues—red light therapy promotes good cell function and relief to chronic pain.
LLLT can differ. LEDs or low-energy lasers are often used. Light produced different between LLLT equipment and wavelengths. Infrared light can affect symptoms differently too. Find out which wavelength is best suited to treat your condition.
“Using light as treatment goes back a long way. In 1903, Niels Ryberg Finsen won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his successful work on using ultraviolet (UV) to treat people suffering from lupus vulgaris, a type of tuberculosis. After the invention of low-level lasers (ruby and helium-neon lasers) in the early 1960s, a Hungarian physician called Endre Mester discovered that low-level ruby light could enhance hair growth. He went on to discover how lasers could accelerate wound healing.
With the introduction of LEDs by those studying the techniques, the term was changed to “low-level light therapy” or photobiomodulation. The methods have been promoted for the alternative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and even smoking cessation among many others.” —wellnessmama.com
Special red light therapy is similar to the way plants photosynthesize. Certain light wavelengths assist mitochondria function. This mitochondria take in nutrients and break them down to create cell energy molecules—”energy exchange.” This cellular respiration improves functioning of tissues and cells.
Much like the body’s reaction to heat, LLLT wavelengths can penetrate beyond the skin’s surface.
Treat yourself to red light therapy. Many salons offer a bed-style therapy. The equipment looks like a tanning or sunbed machine, but they don’t release dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Utilizing both near near and far Infrared spectrum, infrared sauna pods have been known to provide significant benefits too.
Yes! Some convenient home kits are designed in the form of a facial mask or hand-held device used for large areas of your body. Home devices are made safe. These kits are typically used by the uncertified population.
LLLT increases the rate at which your body’s mitochondria produce energy and increase circulation. Amplified circulation can increase the speed at which waste products are removed from your body and has been known for weight loss.
‘Red’ therapy can improve cardiac output and increase heart rate. Your metabolic rate rises, as your diastolic blood pressure drops. You can burn up to 600 calories in just one 30-40 minute session. Please note, LLLT should be combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
“The energy currency in the body which all cells require to be able to function is called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Organelles in the cells, called mitochondria, convert glucose by a complicated process into ATP which can be used to fuel cells. If the mitochondrial function is enhanced by the red light, more glucose will be converted, which could aid weight loss.” —oglf.org
This effective therapy won’t cause you to lose a great amount of weight alone. You must eat right and exercise. Follow a solid fitness and wellness regime to amplify results.
At certain wavelengths, LLLT is known to stimulate elasticity of collagen fibres and positive creation of capillaries. Higher volume of capillaries improve blood flow to your skin tissue.
Oxidized cell nutrients provide extra collagen and elastin to plump and smooth your skin. This improvement process reduces aging effects on your skin. And, everyone likes a youthful appearance!
Several studies have shown red light therapy as an effective therapy to treat skin wounds. Reduction of inflammatory cells increase formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Collagen production increases are some of the biological effects that are thought to enable enhanced wound healing. Lasers or LED didn’t reveal result differences.
The heat transfer of red light therapy can soothe acne. It improves circulation and reduces inflammation. Swollen blemishes are reduced in size, allowing your lymphatic system to clear away waste products which prevent toxin build-up within the skin.
LLLT shrink oil glands, reducing oil production in skin tissue.
Red and blue light can be used in conjunction. Red light reduces visual acne effects by decreasing swelling and pain and blue light kills bacteria. These two types of light therapy prevent future breakouts.
Red light therapy has been known to treat rosacea and eczema as well.
The biofeedback technology of holistic ‘red’ Eastern medicine provides healing benefits.
Joint stiffness is a common problem for athletics. Heat can reduce stiffness up to 20%. Red light therapy encourages you to use your joints more. Increased movement reduces progressive stiffness.
Muscle spasms restrict blood flow to your body and can cause cells to be oxygen starved by restricted blood flow. Your muscles relax and allow better circulation in the spasm area. LLLT alleviates arthritis, sprains, and strokes.
“A study by Mitchel et al. in 2011 found that red light therapy using near-infrared light for the treatment of restless leg syndrome (RLS) saw significant improvements in symptoms. The study group had great improvement over the control group. Results improved 4 weeks after the treatment period ended. This was a valuable breakthrough which could see patients with RSL being treated with red light therapy instead of dopamine-affecting drugs in the future.” —oglf
Restless leg syndrome and frozen shoulder are examples of promising benefits to red light therapy.
The world is moving at an accelerated rate. LLLT allows you an opportunity to rejuvenate and relax. A ‘red’ perspective gives you a moment to breathe and stay present with your body’s rhythm.
Exposed to red light, the body’s natural response dilates blood vessels. Blood vessels widen and reduce resistance to blood flow. That widening improves the rate at which blood moves around the body. Blood flow with lack of oxygen is called ischemia and these damaged tissues can’t be replaced.
Lymphatic circulation and increased blood flow aids in removal of waste products, preventing fluid build-up which can cause edema and reduce pain associated with swelling.
LLLT uses a non-invasive approach to eradicating leftover toxins from organs and tissues. This deep cleanse approach promotes mercury and other heavy metals detoxification. Infrared therapy is known to revitalize your body and release stress-inducing toxins.
Red light therapy works to fight harmful irritants from your body. Exclusive wellness spas use a similar process with “red beds” called SaunaPods.
These ‘pods’ provide natural defenses that utilize near and far infrared light therapy. Fast and slow wavelength light heat your skin without heating the surrounding air. They allow you to breathe fresh air providing unique healing and detoxing properties.
SaunaPods are thought to prevent cancer, reduce prostate swelling, and control excessive leukorrhea in women.
Yes. Red light therapy is tolerated well. Its visible light is in the form of LED and low wavelength lasers. LLLT results will vary by case and condition.
LLLT can’t cause cancer, mutate cells, or affect DNA. Red light therapy has almost no side effects. Mild effects include eye strain or headaches caused intense light. To prevent any side effects, don’t stare directly into the light and wear eye protection.
Lower LLLT doses can be more effective. You can experience mild nausea, dizziness, or muscle weakness if overexposed.
Some light therapy devices pulse or flash. That flashing can cause problems for those who have a history of seizures. I see no benefit to the pulsing and would avoid these devices. There are red therapy light devices that don’t pulsate.
Red light therapy is safe for pregnant women. Check with your physician or midwife first.
LLLT is safe for the eyes, yet bright. Tanning goggles make it more comfortable.
Overuse of infrared sources can cause overexposure to your skin. If you suffer a burn, treat it like a sunburn. Keep the overexposed area clean and moisturized to prevent infection.
Wear adequate sun protection after frequent treatment. Your skin is more sensitive to sunlight after red light therapy. Overdoing LLLT won’t be effective.
Follow recommended treatment plans from qualified wellness professionals to achieve the best results.
LLLT dosages vary depending on general health or medical condition. There are extensive studies that suggest other medical benefits. Consult a physician for advice on how often you use red light therapy and other like wellness programs. Anti-aging regimens differ from pain relief treatment dosages.
Use red light therapy for pain relief and general wellness. Infrared therapy just may be what you’re looking for!
Ready for Infrared Therapy? Contact SaunaBar at (310) 652-5522 for an appointment today.
