Just like plants depend on sunlight to flourish, the human body is dependent on light for optimal health and well-being. Light is a necessary nutrient for our cells to function well, like the nutrients our cells get from food. Over the last several decades, scientists and medical professionals have published thousands of studies on the power of Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), and the positive effects it has on cell function and its use to improve a wide variety of health conditions. 

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a term specifically referring to the science of the non-thermal interaction of light on the cells in our body. The most common lights used in PBM are low levels of red and near infrared light, hence, the therapy is commonly referred to as "Red Light Therapy." Red Light Therapy utilizes these healing wavelengths mainly through the use of laser or LED lights. 

Red Light Therapy has an established history as a proven treatment for many different types of pain – acute injuries, chronic pain, joint pain, tendonitis, nerve pain, arthritic pain, and fibromyalgia. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications used regularly can have several side-effects, which leads people to try alternative and natural options.

Red Light is used as a safe and effective therapy with little to no side effects. Red Light Therapy stimulates your body’s natural healing process at the cellular level through increased ATP (cellular energy) production, protein synthesis, blood flow, oxygenation of tissues, and reduced inflammation and protection. 

What are the top 10 evidence-based uses for Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy?

1.   Reduce Inflammation

2.   Improve Skin Health

3.   Decrease Pain

4.   Improve Athletic Performance

5.   Reduce Depression and Anxiety

6.   Improve Cognitive Function

7.   Speed Healing from Injury

8.   Promote Fat Loss

9.   Improve immune Function

10. Improve Sleep

 

How Does Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy Work?

The health of every organ and every cell in the body depends on energy being produced by the mitochondria in those cells.  Skin, muscle, fat, bone, gland, or brain – when the mitochondria produce more energy, the cells in those tissues work better.

Increased Cellular ATP Production. Red Light and Near Infrared Light therapy stimulates your body’s natural healing process at the cellular level through increased ATP production in the mitochondria.

With an increase in mitochondrial output of ATP, a series of metabolic events occur that improve blood oxygenation, improve blood flow, increase collagen production, reduce overall inflammation, and improve cellular regeneration and protection; building cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses. Light entering your skin creates a low-dose healthy metabolic stress (hormesis) that builds your cell’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defense systems. This results in a reduced amount of cellular free radicals being produced and less oxidative stress for our cell, protecting your tissues from further inflammation.

Sources: fringeheals.com