By Coach Patrick Marques
Part 1: What is RLT / Part 2: How to use RLT / Part 3: Far Infrared and Buying Guide
Setting Up for Success
Choosing a suitable Red Light Therapy (RLT) device is crucial for results when biohacking for better health. Opting for devices that emit light within the therapeutic ranges we discussed previously is essential—approximately 620-700nm for Red Light and 700-1000nm for Near-Infrared Light. Reputable manufacturers such as Joovv and Red Light Man are recommended due to their commitment to quality and efficacy. Depending on your goals and budget, light sources can be local “spotlights” or whole-body panels.
Creating Your Therapy Routine
Consistency and proper application are key to reap the maximum benefits from Red Light Therapy. Here are some detailed guidelines:
Session Frequency: For general health maintenance, sessions can be as infrequent as twice a week. However, daily sessions may be beneficial if you need to address specific health issues or use RLT (to recover from training. The most optimal results in the research come from doing two sessions daily, one upon waking and another right before bed.
Session Duration: Each session should last 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the source). If you’re using a full-body light panel, you may need a slightly longer duration as your body will be farther from the light source. Remember, the cells can absorb only so much light at a time, so extending the session beyond 20 minutes typically offers no additional benefits.
Distance: If targeting a specific area (e.g., a sore knee), you want to get the light close to the skin to concentrate the dose, so about 1 to 3 inches. For whole-body benefits like skin health or general recovery, maintain a distance of about 1 to 3 feet for as much coverage as possible.
Clothing: Direct exposure to the skin is necessary as clothing can block the light wavelengths, which is crucial for therapy.
Eye Safety: Devices that emit within the safe wavelength ranges do not require special eye protection. Additionally, certain wavelengths can even benefit eye health.
Safety and Maximizing Benefits
While RLT is considered safe for most individuals, it’s important to use the technology as directed to avoid potential issues. There’s no need to be concerned about harmful UV exposure, as RLT devices do not produce ultraviolet light. Always ensure your device complies with safety standards and is FDA-approved for therapeutic use. Check out our buying guide in our next article.
A Walk In The Sun
If you were wondering if there is a “natural alternative” to redlight therapy, the answer is “YES!” Sun exposure gives you all the benefits of Red Light. Of course, you must expose all the body parts you want to benefit from the light. It also has the side effects of UV exposure, leading to potential skin damage if you burn. However, if you want many beneficial effects for sleep, improved hormones, stress reduction, and better brain function, take a daily walk in the morning just after sunrise and before sundown. You need to get outside anyway!
Conclusion
Red Light Therapy is a promising addition to any health regimen. It efficiently and noninvasively improves various physical and mental health issues. By following these guidelines, you can begin to experience its profound benefits.
As always, we are here to support your health journey and provide guidance on how RLT can be tailored to your needs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch or to try a complimentary Red Light Therapy session in the 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:
Improved Vision: Geneva, I. (2016). Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review. International Journal of Opthalmology, Vol. 9 (1), 145-152.
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