Red Light Therapy

Traditional medicine has always been reactive to the symptoms and end results of illnesses, failing to address the underlying cellular, mitochondrial and physiological changes that lead to disease development.

A large number of preventable chronic diseases almost always result from life style factors, unhealthy food choices, sleep disturbances or toxic exposure to certain chemicals like microplastics and air pollutants.

All these factors will result in mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in build up of free radicals, cellular damage and eventually disease state.

Today we are witnessing major leaps in preventive care and functional medical care, putting the focus on addressing the root cause of the disease, rather than the end results of it. Zooming in to the cell level, a large number of these diseases result from mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria is that small bean shaped structure that sits inside the cell, and is responsible energy production and regulation.

There are many interventions to support mitochondrial health, certain medications have resurfaced and repurposed like Methylene Blue, that has shown a large potential in addressing mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, we are witnessing simpler and even safer interventions to address these issues, of of which is Red light therapy.

The red-light therapy or near infrared light with a wave length of 600-1000, has shown to be able to penetrate tissue reasonably well, affecting mitochondrial health, energy production and cell repair.

While it is important to always pay attention to food, sleep and environmental toxins, interventions like red-light therapy can be very helpful to repair previously damaged cells and mitochondria.

How does Red-light therapy work?

There are a few mechanisms of how red light therapy enhances cellular functions.

- Nitrous oxide liberation: At certain wave lengths, red-light will penetrate the cell, and photobeams will dislodge the nitrous oxide from an enzyme called CCO ( cytochrome C oxidase) that will stimulate respiration and oxygen binding capacity. Resulting in more efficient energy production, and eventually less free radical formation. Release of Nitrous oxide, results in vasodilatation, which increases blood flow to damaged areas, assisting with healing and recovery

- Activation of certain growth factors, antioxidant enzymes and anti-inflammatory mediators.

What are the health benefits of Red Light Therapy?

1- Skin Health and Aesthetics:

Red light therapy has the potential to improve wrinkles, acne and certain scars. More recently it has shown a lot of promise tin treating and reversing certain forms of hair loss. These effects are medicated by increase collagen production and reduced inflammation.

2- Muscle and Joint Health: Red light therapy can help with certain forms of arthritis, joint pain, and it can assist greatly in post workout recovery and muscle soreness. This effect is mediated by Increase ATP production efficiency and increased blood circulation to exposed areas.

3- Brain and Neurological Health: Through mitochondrial repair, red light therapy has shown promise in areas like traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, and it has a potential to improve sleep quality as well.

4- Metabolic Health and Performance: Red light therapy, indirectly can enhance weight loss through mitochondrial repair, that will lead to improvement in insulin resistance. It could increase the oxygen carrying capacity of red cells, which could enhance athletic performance as well.

Is Red Light Therapy safe?

Although rare, side effects can occur with red light therapy, especially in light sensitive individuals. Pregnant women and children should avoid Red Light therapy until more data shows safety. Certain autoimmune disease can cause significant light sensitivity like Lupus and Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.

How often should you get treatment?

Sustained long term changes require consistent repeated exposure. There is no consensus on how often and how long this should be done, though experts have seen majority of the benefits occurring at 10-20 minute intervals, 3-5 times per week.

Where can you get Red light therapy?

The market is flooded with red-light therapy advertisements, which can be overwhelming. Many med spas offer red-light therapy, many of these panels do not offer the wave lengths or irradiance necessary to get the above mentioned health benefits. The market is also flooded with home use panels, face masks and helmets and a large number of these lack the quality in exchange for a cheaper price.

Look for a device that specifies the wave length, for Red light 630-680, and for near infrared 810-1000. Another factor that you need to look out for is the irradiance, which means the depth the light can penetrate tissue, and that should be above 100 at 6 inches. A device that gives vague statements of a low number, would not produce the health effects mentioned above.

Whether your goal is longevity, skin improvement, athletic performance enhancement, or you want to control your joint pain and arthritis, there is always room to incorporate Red Light Therapy into your weekly routine.