Photobiomodulation: Low Level Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) is a form of phototherapy that utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically in the red (600-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-1100) spectrum, to promote various healing and wellness effects in the body. This therapy is believed to enhance cellular function, particularly in the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of cells responsible for energy production.
When red light penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by the mitochondria, leading to an increase in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the primary energy carrier in cells, and its increased production can enhance energy levels, accelerate healing processes, and improve overall cellular function.
In addition to increasing ATP production, red light therapy may also stimulate various biochemical processes. These include the activation of signaling pathways that promote anti-inflammatory responses and antioxidant defenses, which can further support cellular health and recovery.
The benefits of red light therapy span multiple areas, including muscle recovery, pain management, joint health, and even skin rejuvenation. By optimizing mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis, RLT offers a non-invasive approach to improve overall health and wellness.
Red and near- infrared light therapy, aka photobiomodulation, or low level light therapy has been around for thousands of years.
Historically, light treatment has been used in both medical and physiotherapy practice. It was used in ancient Egypt, India, and also Greece. Modern 'light as therapy ' came to be known largely due to Florence Nightingale, who established the first scientifically based nursing school. In the 1850s, she advocated for the use of clean air and sunlight to restore health.
Modern light therapy (phototherapy) had an increase in use in medicine in Scandinavia, America, and Australia from 1903 on. The work of Dr. Niels Finsen culminated in him receiving the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology partly due to his work with light radiation to treat disease.
NASA discovered red light therapy accidentally by using it to grow plants and potatoes on the space shuttle in 1995. After realizing it helped heal astronauts’ wounds faster, and had a noticeable effect on the hands that were exposed to the light, they went on to research it more and realized it was beneficial to muscular atrophy, which is common in zero gravity settings.
What exactly is low level light therapy, also known as red light therapy?
Red light therapy harnesses certain wavelengths of red and near infrared light.
The red waves are visible in the electromagnetic spectrum. The near-infrared waves are invisible.
The most studied and common applications of red light therapy have been in the 660 and 850 nm parts. At RemedyLED we’ve gone steps further and incorporated our favorite wavelengths, backed by research and science.
630 nm reduces lines and wrinkles and increases fibroblasts. It has also been shown to improve cognitive function in studies with older adults by releasing formaldehyde in the brain. It’s also been shown to increase hair growth!
660 nm is also good for skin. It penetrates a little deeper and helps reduce inflammation naturally by supporting the body processes. It delays the development of fatigue in muscles and has been shown to enhance skeletal muscle performance. It’s also being studied and used for healing fractures and broken bones more quickly!
810 nm has been shown to help in stroke recovery, and with traumatic brain injuries. It’s been studied for neuroprotective effects and for burn wound healing. It’s used in combination with other wavelengths to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
Here’s a portion of a new study outlining even more potential brain benefits:
The increased CCO activity marked by histochemistry that we observed in male and female brain areas with a single 810 nm application or combined with a red light (660 nm) is similar to previous studies regarding brain oxidative metabolism. Longer wavelengths can also impact CCO, as it was recently observed that a single 1064-nm treatment leads to an increase of CCO in several brain regions, lasting up to 4 weeks. In addition, some human studies have found an increment in the rate of oxygen consumption, attributed to an increase in CCO expression, a more efficient prefrontal blood oxygen flux, or a brain-wide connectivity enhancement. Moreover, it has been shown that PBM (810 nm) applied to healthy young adults can modify the brain activity of functionally active networks, showing the relevance not only of PBM parameters, but also of biological and individual factors.
830 nm has been shown to help with thyroid function, herpes zoster recovery (shingles), improves skin, joint and bone health by stimulating bone growth, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sports recovery, Bell’s palsy, oral health benefits, all kinds of pain, wound healing, and so much more. We at RemedyLED love 830 nanometers. It’s a photon blast and all around complement to other waves.
850 stimulates mitochondrial activity, dives deeper into the skin, tissue and organs. Eliminates chronic pain and is one of the most utilized wavelengths over the last decades. Studies show it can aid in sleep optimization in the winter months as well.
We love the combination of wavelength’s we’ve carefully chosen for our RemedyLED red light therapy panels, and know you will too.
We are constantly bombarded with bright white lights (blue spectrum) everywhere we go!
In our offices, street lamps, our homes and every shopping center there are super bright white lights. Sure, white light is helpful in the morning to wake us up or in the winter for seasonal affective disorder, but that’s about where we believe the benefits end. There is some research on blue light being beneficial for acne and bacteria on the skin, but there is also research showing that it can perpetuate acne or cause it to rebound.
We require near infrared light. Between the white (blue) LED lights and the sun blocking energy efficient windows, we are missing out on being fed the infrared energy our bodies need to control our glucose levels and our cortisol and hormones and our health in general. Depending on where you work and what kind of scheduled life you lead, or even where you live, getting sunshine is not always an option. RemedyLED can help you balance that out.
* Studies show red and near infrared light can also be beneficial for acne, psoriasis, rosacea, aging skin and helps boost collagen production.
Everybody needs sunshine but we are constantly being told to avoid it due to the ultraviolet rays. We are told to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. All living things require the sun.
Ultraviolet rays are necessary for vitamin D production but the red wavelengths are necessary for melatonin production. Many people these days are reaching for melatonin supplements to reduce inflammation and to help them sleep.
We say be kind to your kidneys and just use light therapy!
In fact, red light therapy can boost testosterone and balance all hormones so why mix in synthetic products the body doesn’t recognize when you can just aid your body’s production of it naturally. You don’t even have to leave your house to do it.
Red and near infrared LED lights with certain wavelengths can almost substitute for the sun!
How else can red and NIR light therapy help outside of just skin care?
We’re glad you asked! The applications of red light therapy are endless, really. Let us list some more amazing benefits here:
Pre AND post workout. Maybe you’ve seen red light therapy in your local fitness center. Yep! It aids in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. Studies have shown red light therapy can help you maximize your work out and help your muscles recover after. It’s so convenient to wake up and turn your home panel on and get your day going! You’ll also know your reaping the rewards of it on your own schedule, in the luxury of your own home before or, after a workout - or BOTH! Decreased delayed muscle onset soreness? YES!
Red light therapy increases immunity! According to the National Institutes of Health, it increases immunity inducing positive effects on the expression of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) and modulation of inflammation. Red light therapy can be used to treat various pathogens such as infectious diseases, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Red light can help with cartilage healing. It’s great for joints! Near infrared is helpful for bones and connective tissue.
Reduce inflammation. You can target therapy to any area on the body and it will stimulate cellular activity to decrease inflammation. Less inflammation equals less pain.
Reduce pain and accelerate healing. In and outside of the body, red light therapy boosts your mitochondria at a cellular level. This can help w the regulation of methylation and metabolism which both play a factor in mitochondrial dysfunction.
Possible weight loss. Studies suggest red light therapy can possibly help with weight reduction and fat loss. At RemedyLED we’ve seen the results of red light therapy on body size, but this could also just be a result of decreased inflammation. However, red light therapy has been shown to boost metabolism. That would lead to weight loss, right?
Increases ATP production and cellular respiration. This leads to enhanced lymphatic drainage.
Studies have shown it increases circulation. Better circulation, better health! Keep the blood moving.
Can aid in hair regrowth. There are special helmets on the market for this. Why buy a helmet you can only use on your head? Have a panel that’s good for everywhere on your body.
Great for post surgical healing. It speeds up skin recovery and heals wounds.
Red light therapy is being used for receding gums by dentists around the globe. It enhances circulation thereby stimulating the gums to regrow.
Red light therapy is being used to help with dry eye disease, and also to halt the progression of myopia and many other eye related issues. Although, we suggest using our goggles with our panels, you can close your eyes at the recommended distance without them.
Red light therapy increases nitric oxide. Nitric oxide enhances circulation, speeds healing and reduces pain.
Red light therapy enhances sleep! Red light therapy helps to reset your circadian rhythm that’s been thrown all out of whack due to all the blue light everywhere.
Red light therapy can help stroke victims and those with neurological issues.
Red light therapy can aid in proper thyroid function
The list is endless. More studies are being performed and published frequently. Here are a few you can read for yourself.
Double blind studies about Muscles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33232629/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27050245/
Performance and recovery and mental health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706093/
Mitochondria https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706093/#B7-life-11-01339
Circulation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3747970/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134421000919