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RED LIGHT & NEAR INFRARED
LIGHT THERAPY
Harnessing Light to Stimulate Cellular Energy
Just as plants use sunlight to heal and grow, our bodies have the ability to use light at specific wavelengths to stimulate cellular energy and promote optimal cellular function.
Our cells are the building blocks of our tissues and organs. When our cells have more energy, they can repair, replicate, and function more optimally, thereby increasing the body's natural healing processes.
Red and near infrared light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) involves the use of specific wavelengths of natural light in the mid 600 and mid 800 nanometer range to enhance the health and function of our cells. Red and infrared light therapy is without any harmful UV rays or excess heat so it is very safe.
What is red and near infrared light therapy?
Red and near-infrared light are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and more specifically, part of the spectrum of light emitted by the sun. These wavelengths of light are “bioactive” in humans.
At the highest end of the visible light spectrum is red light, which goes from a little over 600nm to approximately 700nm. Above the visible light spectrum is near-infrared (NIR) from about 700nm to a little over 1,100nm. It is specifically these red and near-infrared wavelengths that have amazing effects on our bodies. Most research showing benefits of red light and near-infrared light have used wavelengths in the ranges of 630-680nm and 800-880nm.
Its all about penetration
Most wavelengths of light (UV, blue, green, yellow, etc.) are unable to penetrate into the body - instead they stay in the layers of the skin.
However as the picture below shows, red and near-infrared light are able to penetrate deeper into the human body and are able to reach the cells, tissues, blood, nerves, into the bones and even into the brain!
The benefits of red light: Red light between 600-700nm offer benefits for skin texture and tone, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, promoting collagen production and generally rejuvenating the appearance of skin and hair.
The benefits of near-infrared light: Near-infrared light (NIR) 700nm - 1100nm. penetrates deeper into the tissues to assist with wound healing, muscle recovery, nerve injury and joint pain.
Backed by science
There have now been literally thousands of studies done in both animals and humans. Overall, red and near infrared light has been repeatedly shown to have positive effects on cell function in animal and human studies and aid in improving a wide range of conditions.
Near-infrared (NIR) and red light therapy devices have been FDA-approved for several purposes so far, including hair-loss reversal, anti-aging, acne, wound healing, pain relief, fat loss, and more! This is worth noting because it proves the abundance of research demonstrating benefits – the therapy has to be proven safe and effective in numerous trials in order to gain FDA approval.
Click here to access over 5300 scientific studies done on Red Light Therapy.
Boost cellular energy production
The most well studied mechanism of action surrounding red and near infrared light therapy is increased mitochondrial energy production in the cells. Mitochondria are tiny organelles that are the energy power plants of all the cells in our body. Red and near infrared light therapy helps the Mitochondria create more of that energy.
The specific photons found in red and near infrared light interact with a photoreceptors within our cells called cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction stimulates the mitochondria in our cells to use oxygen more efficiently, which allows the mitochondria to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Adenosine triphosphate is a complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells, e.g. muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis. Found in all forms of life, ATP is often referred to as the "molecular unit of currency" of intracellular energy transfer. When our cells have more energy, they simply perform better and the body follows suit!
Our evolutionary ancestors spent many hours each and every day outdoors receiving these beneficial wavelengths of light from the sun. Modern humans with our homes, transport and office spaces are extremely "mal-illuminated".
Whole body Red Light and Near Infrared Light devices deliver clinically relevant doses of these beneficial wavelengths of light allowing you to receive the benefits of this therapy, including:
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Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
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Supports collagen production / anti-aging
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Reduces swelling and inflammation (pain)
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Improves joint health
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Improves physical performance, muscle recovery and energy levels
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Increases melatonin / improves sleep
Does the device emit harmful EMFs?
Red Light/Near Infrared Light Therapy devices are engineered to emit a low Electromagnetic Field. However, anything with electric current running through it is going to generate some electromagnetic field. At the recommended usage distance of 6+ inches devices emit no detectable levels of EMF. In addition, devices generally contain only the electrical components needed to power and cool the lights (nothing extraneous added such as bluetooth/WiFi that other devices have).
Side Effects
Red (620-700nm) and NIR (800-900nm) light is very safe and there are no known negative side effects after over 3,000 clinical studies. Detox-related symptoms may occur while your body acclimates from the red light treatment. This can include fatigue, headache, and increase in skin symptoms. If you experience these types of issues, it is recommended that you stop treatments and then restart slowly with shorter treatments to allow your body to adapt.
Contraindications
Contraindications include: use of retinol products, certain medications or cosmetics that increase sensitivity to light, steroid creams, open or fresh wounds. If you are pregnant or nursing we suggest consulting your physician. If you have a history of facial fillers and/or botox injections, consult with their dermatologist prior to use. If you have breast implants, consult with your plastic surgeon prior to use. Do not use this device during the healing period post Lasik eye surgery. Before resuming treatment, you must get clearance from your doctor.
Red light, near infrared light or both?
Red light between 600-700nm offer benefits for skin texture and tone, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, promoting collagen production and generally rejuvenating the appearance of skin and hair. Near-infrared light (NIR) 700nm - 1100nm. penetrates deeper into the tissues to assist with wound healing, muscle recovery, nerve injury and joint pain. You can choose to use only one level of penetration, or both, during your session.
Recommended Treatment
For optimal results recommended therapy schedules are 2-4 days per week, for 4- 6 weeks. It is recommended that you start with 5 minutes per session and increase up to 15 minutes as tolerated. After the initial treatment schedule, it is recommended to continue 1-2 days per week.
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