It will likely come as a surprise to most that Red Light Therapy (aka “Photobiomodulation” or PBM) is one of the most powerful and effective healthcare and wellness tools available.
Its emerging existence has provided a beacon of hope for patients looking for effective and drug-free options to take care of themselves.
How do we know Red Light Therapy is safe? Why is it so effective? In this blog post, we delve into the reasons behind the success of red-light therapy, how it works wonders on the human body, and how it goes far beyond conventional medical practices.
From enhancing skin rejuvenation to promoting muscle recovery, Red Light Therapy is such a versatile tool in the world of healthcare that its existence cannot be ignored.
Is Red Light Therapy Backed by Science?
Until relatively recently, Red Light Therapy fit the category of “scientific quackery”, and even many advocates of it would admit their extreme skepticism upon first hearing about it. After all, how can a simple light wave heal anything?
It’s easier to believe a drug can change something inside the body to help an issue, or surgery and hands-on manipulation of a body part is needed to effect change.
The good news is that Red Light Therapy is now going mainstream and hundreds of studies have been (and are being) done in universities worldwide to prove the effectiveness of this nearly unknown therapy.
The official name for Red Light Therapy is now “Photobiomodulation” or PBM. Yes, it’s a big word. Photobiomodulation simply refers to how the light (photo-) adjusts (modulation) the living cells (bio-).
Essentially, Red Light Therapy utilizes a very bright red light in wavelengths of about 650 to over 1000 nanometers. (keep in mind, all light has its own wavelength and each wavelength has a specific effect on everything it touches).
This may seem confusing to many, but this type of light (and specifically in those wavelengths) actually does something remarkable. Your body is made up of cells which, if damaged, typically heal over time.
If you can think back to your high school biology classes (don’t worry if you can’t!), you may remember, “the mitochondria are the powerhouse or battery of the cell.” As a result, the existence of the mitochondria is one of the reasons the human body can heal in the first place!
Red Light Therapy SUPERCHARGES the mitochondria which literally feed on the red light wavelengths. The only thing preventing your body from healing faster is the lack of fuel the core of your cells is receiving.
Your body already knows how to heal itself perfectly. It already knows how to cure countless maladies. It just needs additional fuel to heal itself more effectively. Red light does that and a whole lot more.
Clinically Proven Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Since red light therapy already targets cellular energy production, (ATP) this leads to an abundance of other benefits. For instance, it increases collagen production making joints feel smoother and more well-tuned. It improves circulation, increases the rate of tissue repair, and so much more.
Here are just a few of the countless benefits of using PBM;
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Your body already knows how to heal itself; red light therapy is just giving it the resources it needs to accelerate the process. Thousands of testimonials give credence to the effectiveness of PBM in healing open wounds and sores of all kinds.
Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
When you exercise, your muscle fibers split up and rebuild. One can already see where this is going.
When your cells receive that much-needed boost of red light, those cells know how to put it to good use. Not only is muscle rebuilding sped up, but this means that many people with arthritis can benefit greatly from utilizing red light therapy.
Almost all professional sports teams in North America utilize PBM as part of their athlete wellness system.
Skin Rejuvenation
If your whole body is made of cells, and all your cells can benefit from red light usage, this means your whole body can benefit from the use of red light therapy. This includes your skin.
By penetrating into the dermis, red light stimulates the mechanisms that produce collagen which, in turn, reduces wrinkles, aging, flakiness, and promotes skin elasticity.
Many people attest to PBM’s ability to make them look years younger.
Hair Growth and Scalp Health
PBM is known to stimulate hair follicles into growing hair where none has existed for a long time or to make thin hair thicker. It also reduces or eliminates dandruff and scalp inflammation.
Mental Health
As it turns out, even the mind can be healed by red light! Emerging research suggests that red light therapy may play a role in enhancing mood and mental health integrity.
Visual exposure to red light stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of health and relaxation.
This means it can help manage complex conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and aid in supporting overall mental health.
Joint Preservation
People with arthritis have received noticeable improvements with joint pain and swelling issues, as red light therapy can help by reducing stiffness and inflammation, as well as improving overall joint health and mobility while reducing unwanted swelling.
Why Red Light Rather Than Other Colours?
Many may ask what sets red light therapy apart from blue light, green light, or yellow light therapy. The answer? Versatility.
Other wavelengths of light are useful for other purposes. For example, blue light therapy reduces acne and promotes teeth whitening.
Yellow light relaxes you, but a yellow flashlight, campfire, or heck, even a yellow lightsaber would do! (If you have one, that is.)
Green light therapy is surprisingly useful! It’s versatile, safe, and has many positive benefits like reducing the visibility of blood vessels near the skin surface.
On the other hand, there are few applications where only green light can be used in lieu of red light. In addition, most scientists agree that where green and red-light therapy usages cross over, red light therapy is generally more effective. Have we touched all the colors of the rainbow?
White light helps out skin, and although it penetrates fairly well, that’s basically about it. UV light helps out with skin infections and irritations, but doesn’t every light therapy? It also has the shallowest penetration depth.
Cyan, purple, and orange are all combinations of other light therapy forms, but no non-hybrid light therapy form is as useful, safe, balanced, and versatile as red light therapy.
The Business of Red Light Therapy
Why are so many companies going all in selling red light therapy devices? Well, there are a few reasons for such a broad market with so many different companies all vying for your attention.
Growing Market Demand
Consumer interest in non-invasive and effective health treatments continues to rise. Red light therapy’s proven benefits across multiple domains attract a diverse clientele, from skincare enthusiasts to healthcare professionals seeking innovative treatment options.
Versatility and Broad Applications
Unlike blue light therapy, which primarily targets specific bacterial strains for acne treatment, red light therapy offers a multifaceted approach to wellness.
Its ability to address diverse concerns such as skin aging, pain management, mood disorders, and hair loss expands its market potential and utility in various medical and cosmetic settings.
Minimal Side Effects and Safety Profile
Red light therapy is renowned for its excellent safety profile and minimal side effects, making it suitable for long-term use and a wide range of demographics.
This factor enhances its appeal both to end-users and healthcare providers seeking reliable therapeutic solutions.
Research and Technological Advancements
Ongoing research into the mechanisms and benefits of red-light therapy continues to uncover new applications and refine treatment protocols.
Companies investing in the development of advanced red light therapy devices stand to benefit from innovations that further enhance efficacy and user experience.
Integration with Wellness Trends
As wellness trends increasingly prioritize holistic approaches and natural therapies, red light therapy aligns well with these preferences.
Its non-pharmacological nature and ability to complement other treatments contribute to its appeal in integrative medicine and wellness practices.
Which Light Should I Buy?
The issue of what light you should buy from what company, is a huge topic that deserves its own post so I won’t go into much detail here, other than to say this:
While many lights exist on the market (in price ranges from under $100 to over $150,000), only a few of them will penetrate to depths than can effect change for most medical conditions.
SunpowerLED lights are some of only a handful of other devices on the market that offer medical-grade outputs that have the power to penetrate inches into the body (instead of barely millimeters) and can penetrate transcranially (through the skull).
Most lights (while using the correct wavelengths) will penetrate only a fraction of the distance, making any treatment (other than for skin or hair issues) virtually useless.
SEE A COMPARISON BETWEEN DEVICES TO HELP DECIDE WHICH PRODUCT IS BEST FOR YOU.
Main Takeaway
Red light therapy or photobiomodulation is a scientifically proven method of effective treatment for a variety of physical conditions or challenges.
It’s crucially important to properly research and decide which company and/or which products are efficacious. If you choose the wrong light, you likely will not experience any benefits.
The prominence of red light therapy in the healthcare and wellness sectors reflects its robust scientific foundation, broad applicability, and growing consumer demand.
Good, legitimate companies investing in manufacturing red light-generating machines are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of healthcare providers and individuals seeking effective, non-invasive therapies.
By harnessing the power of red light therapy, companies providing PBM services and devices can pave the way for a brighter future in healthcare innovation and patient care.
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Disclaimer: While countless thousands of testimonies and research articles attest to the effectiveness of red light therapy, we strongly suggest you consult with a healthcare provider for any serious medical conditions. This article is not written by a doctor and is based solely on university studies, patient feedback, and personal usage experience.