Red Light Therapy: A spotlight on your Body’s Healing Superpower

Red light therapy (RLT or Photobiomodulation) is an innovative treatment that harnesses the power of specific wavelengths of light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being.

How It Works

Red light therapy utilizes low-level wavelengths, typically around 670 nanometers, which stimulate release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells. This nitric oxide causes smooth muscle around the blood vessels to relax, thus dialating, increasing supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and the brain.

The heart circulates 30% of the blood in the body - the rest is through vasomotor activity; Vasomotion is the spontaneous constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, propelling the other 70% of the body’s blood, RLT promotes and increases this vasomotion, resulting in a boost in circulation, enhanced brain function and reduced inflammation.

There are different types of device available to those looking to harness the power of Red Light Therapy, which one you choose will depend on your goal.

Red Light Face Mask: This is primarily a targeted device aimed at anti-aging.

Red Light Panels: These offer a larger surface area and are used for targeting larger areas of the body such as for back pain relief, or overall improvement of circulation.

Red Light Beds: These offer a professional level of red light therapy, targeting the whole body and are more commonly available at wellness centres and spas, although more frequently being adopted as part of a home gym/wellness set up.

Handheld Red Light Devices: These are portable and more versatile devices, they are used to target specific areas for pain relief and recovery, with the ability to be carried with the user to maintain a certain routine.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Anti-aging and Skin health: 

RLT is renowned for its ability to improve skin appearance. It helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, skin sagging and scars by stimulating collagen production, enhancing elasticity and promoting cellular repair.  Leading to firmer, more youthful skin. Many users report a reduction in acne and improved overall skin tone.

Boosting circulation: 

As well as the short term, the boost in circulation can provide long term benefits to health and chronic diseases such as Athereol sclerosis .

Research has shown RLT can enhance circulation particularly in people with diabetes hypertension, where microcirculation is compromised.

RLT is thought to help prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries, critical in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The improved cognitive function resulting from the increased in blood flow to the brain is also being investigated as a possible prevention to Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Pain Relief: RLT has shown promise in alleviating chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and joint pain. By reducing inflammation and promoting healing in damaged tissues, it can provide significant relief without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

Muscle Recovery: 

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are increasingly turning to RLT for post-workout recovery. The increased vasomotion delivers essential nutrients to muscle tissues, removes lactic acid and accelerates muscle recovery. Athletes who use RLT post exercise typically experience less soreness and faster recovery allowing for more efficient training and performance.

Hair Growth: Studies suggest that RLT can stimulate hair follicles, making it a potential treatment for hair loss. By increasing blood flow and promoting cellular activity, it may help revive dormant hair follicles and encourage new growth.

Mood and Sleep: Emerging research indicates that red light therapy can have positive effects on mood and sleep patterns. By enhancing blood flow to the brain it can improve memory and focus, and by regulating circadian rhythms and enhancing serotonin production, it may help improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Safe and Non-Invasive

One of the key advantages of red light therapy is it’s safety. It is non-invasive and typically well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported. Unlike some laser treatments or invasive procedures, RLT does not cause pain or require downtime, making it a convenient option for many individuals.