By Coach Patrick Marques
Part 1: What is RLT / Part 2: How to use RLT / Part 3: Far Infrared and Buying Guide
As we continuously seek innovative and effective ways to enhance our health and well-being, interest in Red Light Therapy (RLT) is gaining momentum as a biohacking tool for better health. Supported by nearly three decades of research, this therapy offers a promising approach to improving health, recovery, and performance simply by harnessing the power of light.
What is Red Light Therapy?
RTL is known in medical literature by various names, including phototherapy, photobiomodulation, and low-level laser therapy. This method uses specific wavelengths of light to trigger biological changes at the cellular level, enhancing the cells' ability to function and rejuvenate.
Red Light and Near-Infrared Light can be beneficial, and we’ll discuss their similarities and differences. Unless specifically noted, we’ll use the term “Red Light Therapy” to encompass both types of light therapy.
The Science Behind the Magic
The essence of RLT lies in its use of specific light wavelengths within the visible range of 400 to 700 nanometers, extending into the non-visible near-infrared at 700 to 1000 nanometers. The most beneficial therapeutic ranges are identified at approximately 620-700nm for Infrared Light and 700-1000nm for Near-Infrared Light. Within these ranges, specific wavelengths such as 620nm, 670nm, 760nm, and 830nm are particularly effective due to their deep penetration and absorption properties.
Infrared and Near-Infrared light acts on an enzyme critical for energy production used by our cells called cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of cells). If this enzyme gets inhibited, our cells can’t utilize oxygen optimally. Red and Near-Infrared Light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase and energizes its activity, resulting in increased metabolic activity, resulting
in effects such as:
Increased energy (ATP) production
Increased cellular oxygenation
Increased blood flow in the body
Increase CO2 production
Reduced stress hormone production
Reduced lactic acid
Reduced inflammation
Reduced free radicals
Everyday Benefits of RLT
The array of benefits of Red and Near-Infrared Light therapy is vast and scientifically backed. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in several areas:
Wound Repair: Enhancing the body's natural healing processes, facilitating faster recovery from superficial wounds.
Pain Relief: Significantly reduces discomfort in arthritis and back pain.
Improved Vision: Offering potential improvements in eye health and vision quality.
Increased Bone Density: Aiding in treating and managing conditions like osteoporosis.
Increased Testosterone Levels: Contributing to better overall hormonal health.
Enhanced Brain Function: Benefiting cognitive functions, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Skin Health: Addressing issues ranging from acne to signs of aging.
Hair Regrowth: Promoting hair regrowth, offering hope for those experiencing hair loss.
And More!
Insights and Tips
Incorporating Red Light Therapy into your daily routine can be an easy yet profound way to enhance your overall health. Based on research, experience and observations with clients, starting with as little as 10 minutes per day can yield noticeable benefits. The key is consistency and direct exposure to the skin of the affected/desired areas.
Conclusion
RLT is a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective method for improving physical health and well-being. Whether you're looking to speed up recovery, boost your mental health, or enhance your physical performance, RLT could be the supplementary treatment you've been looking for.
I encourage everyone to explore how this promising therapy could fit into your health regimen. As always, we're here to answer any questions and guide you on your journey to better health.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or reach out directly to discuss how red light therapy might benefit you. Let us treat you to a free red light session here in our clinic.
Redlight Products to consider:
JOOVV: https://lddy.no/54gn
DNA Vibe (combo RLT, vibration, and magnetic therapy): http://dnavibe.com/neuroathlete
Far Infrared: https://amzn.to/4aRfden
Resources:
Wound repair: Hopkins, J., McLoda, T., Seegmiller, J., & Baxter, G. (2004). Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study. Journal of Athletic Training 39(3); 223-229.
Pain Relief: Bjordal, J. Johnson, M., Iversen, V., Aimbire, F., & Lopes-Martins, R. (2006). Low-Level Laser Therapy in Acute Pain: A Systematic Review of Possible Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Effects in Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery; 24 (2).
Improved Vision: Geneva, I. (2016). Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review. International Journal of Opthalmology, Vol. 9 (1), 145-152.
Increased Bone Density: Blaya, D., Guimaraes, M., Pozza, D., Weber, J., & De Oliveira, M. (2008). Histologic study of the effect of laser therapy on bone repair. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 9(6): 41-8.
Increased Testosterone: Jin-Chul, A., Young-Hoon, K., & Chung-Ku, R. (2013). The effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the testis in elevating serum testosterone level in rats. Biomedical Research, 24(1); 28-32.
Enhanced Brain Function: Barrett, D. & Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2013). Transcranial Infrared Laser Stimulation Produces Beneficial Cognitive And Emotional Effects In Humans. Neuroscience, Vol. 230, 13-23.
Eliminate Anxiety & Depression: Schiffer, F., Johnston, A., Raivhandran, C., Polcari, A., Teicher, M., Webb, R., & Hamblin, M. (2009). Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near infrared light to the forehead: a pilot study of 10 patients with major depression and anxiety. Behavior and Brain Functions, 5:46.
Fat Loss: Sene-Fiorese, M., Duarte, F., de Aquino, A., Campos, R., Masquio, D., Tock, L., Duarte, A., D’amaso, A., Parizotto, N., & Bagnato, V. (2015). The Potential of Phototherapy to Reduce Body Fat, Insulin Resistance and “Metabolic Inflexibility” Related to Obesity in Women Undergoing Weight Loss Treatment. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 47:634–642.
Eliminate Acne: Elman, M., & Lebzelter, J. (2004). Light Therapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Dermatologic Surgery;30:139–146.
Hair Regrowth: Avci, P., Gupta, G., Clark, J., Wikonkal, N., & Hamblin, M. (2014). Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 46:144–15.
Arthritis: Bridges, M., Hilliard, J., & Chui, K. (2020). Effects of Light Therapy on Osteoarthritis and Its Sequelae in Aging and Older Adults. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation Volume 36, Number 1,11-37.
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