Over the last decade, research has increased the understanding of how red light works and its potential applications in treating disease and improving quality of life. Imagine a treatment modality that is not invasive, like surgery, can be used for multiple medical applications, and does not need to be taken in a pill or as an injection. This potential promise has made red light therapy increasingly popular in recent years.
What is red light therapy?
The discovery of red light therapy (RLT) was accidental. Dr. Endre Mester, a Hungarian physician, had been trying to test a low-level laser light in treating tumors in rats and observed improved wound healing and hair growth in the region where he had used the laser.
Red light therapy, historically referred to as low-level laser therapy or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a type of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Photobiomodulation is the concept of using light energy to change how a cell functions.
Light particles (photons) travel in waves and are described based on the wavelength, frequency of the waves, and the energy they carry. As the frequency decreases, the length of the waves increases, and the energy decreases. Red light has the lowest energy level and longest wavelength within visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Lower on the spectrum is infrared radiation, which is not visible to the human eye. The infrared spectrum can be divided into near, middle, and far infrared light. Studies have shown that skin penetration by light increases with an increase in wavelength. Due to this, red light therapy often includes a mix of red light (620–750 nm) and near-infrared light (760–1,400 nm) wavelengths.
While red light therapy started as a laser, the development and subsequent use of light-emitting diodes (LED) has made it more affordable and accessible.
“Sunlight is responsible for the life, aging, disease, and death of all living things on Earth; all living things depend on light for their survival, and light can be said to be life itself. Thousands of years ago, Hippocrates, the father of ancient Greek medicine, already used sunlight as a means of preventing disease and toning.
The sunlight has been used by Hippocrates, the father of ancient Greek medicine, as a means of disease prevention and conditioning.
Scientific research shows that different wavelengths of light can activate cell activity, promote blood circulation, speed up the metabolism, so that the body, the skin to produce important biological effects and achieve therapeutic repair effects, so that the damaged muscle rejuvenation of health, vitality.
MERICAN Light Power Health Cabin, using LED composite light source technology developed byMERICAN Light Energy Research Center in cooperation with a German team, through a special filter to get multiple precise wave bands, which has the advantages of large energy, strong penetration and can protect vital organs from damage, etc., and has a better therapeutic effect on the human body.
Under the irradiation of multiple precise wavelength composite light which has been researched and applied for many years by Merican, it can quickly reach the deep tissues in the body (blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerve endings and subcutaneous tissues), produce photothermal effect and photochemical reaction, stimulate the activity of fibroblasts and muscle cells, and increase the capacity of macrophages, so that the growth factors are secreted rapidly, thus accelerating the repair of damaged parts, promoting the healing of wounds and bone scabs, and the regeneration of nerve damage, and providing anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and anti-inflammatory treatment. regeneration, play the role of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, improve the body’s immune function and so on. At the same time, it can stimulate the activity of vascular endothelial cells, promote vascular repair and improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, thus improving blood circulation and regulating the metabolic balance, and improving the body’s anti-fatigue ability and endurance.
Long-term use not only repairs and protects the metabolism to immune regulation and various cellular processes, but also promotes the recovery of various body functions, reduces the incidence of diseases, alleviates the pain of patients, and maintains the stable state of body functions.”
What is red light therapy used for?
Red light therapy has a demonstrated benefit for several medical and cosmetic uses we will discuss below.
Red light therapy for skin issues
The effect of red light therapy has been studied for several skin concerns as penetration at different wavelengths is possible. In addition to improving cellular function, red light therapy is thought to improve skin health by influencing cell growth and development.
Where can one get red light therapy?
Red light therapy is becoming more popular in professional settings, and you may notice it being offered as an adjunct treatment in:
Gyms for muscle recovery
Dermatology clinics for skin health and aging
Spas for skin rejuvenation and relaxation
Physical therapy, chiropractic, and orthopedic offices for pain
The benefit of in-office services is that it is usually combined with other treatments, and the devices used are professional grade and generally more expensive.
しかし, in-home red light therapy devices are also widely available. Red light therapy requires consistency to see real benefits, and having a device at home can be much more convenient.In-home red light panels can be used for full body treatment and usually only provide red and near-infrared light. For moretargeted therapy, hand-held devices, masks, caps, and wraps are also available.
Side effects of red light therapy
Red light therapy has been found to be safe for most. しかし, prolonged and improper use of red light therapy has caused adverse reactions in some people, such as exacerbation of migraines and burns.
While there is ongoing research on RLT for certain eye diseases, there is a risk of permanent damage to retinal tissue with bright light and prolonged exposure to red light. Protective goggles should be worn while using RLT.
Red light therapy shows exciting promise as a multifaceted and non-invasive treatment option for skin health, pain relief, boosting energy, improving sleep, and supporting brain health. While further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms, it is also necessary to create greater standardization when testing to optimize the potential indications for use. This, along with more clinical research, will help improve the available evidence and increase accessibility for more people.
FAQ
Who should not use red light therapy?
Red light therapy is safe for most people to use. But if you have cancer, epilepsy, or any condition that increases light sensitivity, you should not use red light therapy. Direct red light use over the abdomen during pregnancy and any region affected by a burn or active infection should also be avoided.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
Prolonged use of red light therapy can cause skin damage. It may only cause some increased sensitivity, but in severe cases can cause burns. Red light therapy can also trigger migraines in people prone to them with prolonged use. It is recommended that RLT is used only for a few minutes on first use, gradually increasing exposure time. Please refer to the device’s instructions for the recommended use time.
What is the best time to do red light therapy?
The best time to do red light therapy depends on you and your use purpose. Some people find that it helps boost their mood and prefer to use it in the morning; others use it to relax in the evening before bed, as red light does not interfere with melatonin production. Red light therapy has been found to be effective before and after exercise for recovery. The most important thing is consistency, so the best time to use RLT is when you can fit it into your schedule.
Can red light therapy cause cancer?
Red light therapy is not strong enough to cause damage to the tissues of most people, and it is very unlikely to cause cancer. しかし, if someone already has cancer, red light therapy is not recommended.
