Red Light Therapy
What is Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
Simply put, Red Light Therapy (RLT) is the process of exposing the body to the red spectrum of light to improve health and wellness.
Light is an often overlooked aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Proper exposure to sunlight has many benefits that have been documented for hundreds of years. The most common benefit that most are aware of is the importance of sunlight exposure for vitamin D production.
Red light is a spectrum of light that many are deficient in due to over-exposure to artificial blue light that modern light bulbs emit. Because Red light is not readily passed through clothing, it is safe to say that even those that spend time outdoors often are at risk for missing out on this beneficial light spectrum.
Red light works by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthen the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. They are literally where our bodies manufacture energy, also known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The red light serves as a source of nutrition absorbed by our mitochondria. With more energy, the cell’s overall health and function are improved.
The improvement of mitochondria function should be the first consideration when looking at improving one’s longevity, overall health, and well-being.
RLT is extremely safe and doesn’t cause damage to the skin surface. Precisely the opposite, RLT has been studied extensively to promote skin health.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Improves hair growth
- Aids with short-term relief of pain and morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis
- Improves skin complexion and promotes healthy collagen synthesis to diminish wrinkles
- Helps to heal skin damage due to sun exposure
- Prevents recurring cold sores from herpes simplex virus infections
- Improves the joint health
- Aids in pain relief for people with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee
- Helps diminish scars
- Relieves pain and inflammation
- Reduces fat cells supporting healthy weight-loss
- Enhances cognition and can aid in a positive mood.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The entire light spectrum ranges from extremely short gamma rays to visible light waves to longer radio waves. Similar to food, each wavelength has different effects on our bodies. Red light can pass through our skin roughly 5mm, producing the studied cellular responses. RLT uses very low levels of heat and doesn’t hurt or burn the skin. It’s not the same type of light used in tanning, and it doesn’t expose your skin to damaging UV rays.
Who is Red Light Therapy For?
RLT is for everyone, from children to the elderly, sedentary to athletic. The benefits of RLT are far-reaching and broad, positively affecting everyone’s mitochondria.