Dr. Tomislav Meštrović is a medical doctor (MD) with a Ph.D. in biomedical and health sciences, specialist in the field of clinical microbiology, and an Assistant Professor at Croatia’s youngest university – University North. In addition to his interest in clinical, research and lecturing activities, his immense passion for medical writing and scientific communication goes back to his student days. He enjoys contributing back to the community. In his spare time, Tomislav is a movie buff and an avid traveler.
Photosensitivity reactions triggered by light involve redness, stinging, and burning; however, these reactions usually subside about three weeks after the treatment. Allergic reactions such as hives and eczema can appear at the area of contact within a few hours after exposure to the cream.can red light therapy act as oppose to somebody!? i have a tanning bed with 14 red light bulbs and two tan bulbs, i used for two months every other day for 20minutes each time after two months i wear shorts and my legs skin looks very saggy! can red light works as oppose for some people!?Red light therapy is really a fascinating technology. It’s really astounding how many conditions it helps with and the fact that you can do it at home just sweetens the pot. There are countless studies on how effective this therapy is. It seems as though the more you read about it the better it gets.
Phototherapy requires special technical equipment and trained staff. Full-spectrum bulbs can result in sunburns if the light does not have a diffuser that filters out the ultraviolet (UV) rays. This is the reason why lamps used in modern light therapy filter out UV light considerably and are thought to be safer.
This interview with Dr. Mohammad S Safiarian, Associate Product Manager at Sino Biological, discusses the advances in influenza research and how effective vaccines are developed.Light therapy can be defined as exposure to daylight or specific wavelengths of light for a prescribed amount of time in order to treat seasonal affective disorder, acne, and a myriad of other conditions. Even though this type of treatment is generally very safe, negative effects may occur.
The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye, such as diabetes, and the use of photosensitizing medications like lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics. People with a history of skin cancer and systemic lupus erythematosus should also avoid this kind of treatment.
As a consequence of light therapy, patients can complain of irritability, headaches, eye strain, sleep disturbances, and insomnia. Mild visual side effects are not unusual but remit promptly. Therefore, determining the appropriate dose and timing of light is essential in order to diminish the occurrence of such side effects.When photodynamic therapy is pursued, physical hazards such as non-ionizing radiation produced by the light-emitting device, as well as chemical hazards, such as undesirable exposure to photosensitizing agents applied to patients, must be considered for safe use by the healthcare professional.
News-Medical.Net provides this medical information service in accordance with these terms and conditions. Please note that medical information found on this website is designed to support, not to replace the relationship between patient and physician/doctor and the medical advice they may provide.Adequate coverage of the skin must be taken into account, and appropriate material should be used to prevent penetration of photosensitizing agents. Hence, there is a need for laboratory coats or other suitable clothing that can cover as much exposed skin as possible, and also block the incoming radiation.
Any treatment where the patient is exposed to UV radiation is not completely without its risks. To this end, some potential risks of light therapy include premature aging of the skin and an increased possibility for skin cancer development later in life. Eye strain and temporary headaches caused by the light are also often reported, although these symptoms do not seem to indicate any permanent injury.
Ability of a fabric to protect against radiation is often measured by the UV protection factor (UPF), which indicates how much of the effective UV dose gets absorbed to protect the skin. The rating is usually based on the fiber density and structure, although pre-treatment with a UV-inhibiting agent is also an option.
Light therapy that involves only visible light is generally considered safe. Still, the use of phototherapy for people with drug-resistant non-seasonal depression can result in a hyperactive state called mania. In these rare cases, light therapy must be reduced or stopped and the condition adequately treated.
Personal protective equipment for photodynamic therapy should include eye and skin protection from chemicals and non-ionizing radiation. Engineering and administrative equipment controls that are recommended for safe use should be strictly followed.By clicking “Allow All” you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage and support us in providing free open access scientific content. More info.
Relying on unverified uses of light therapy while postponing or avoiding conventional therapy for cancer can have dire consequences. That is the reason why a multidisciplinary approach must be pursued, and there is also a possibility to pre-treat the tumor cells to make them more susceptible to photodynamic therapy. Hello – I was wondering if red light therapy will help heal after a heart attack. I was lucky that I got to the hospital extremely quickly so limited damage was done. I was told I will heal up well but wondering if red light can have a better effect or if there are any risks? Thank you. In photodynamic therapy, side effects differ depending upon the type of photosensitizer used, with methyl aminolevulinate tending to produce the most severe pain during treatment and, potentially, a higher chance of subsequent hyperpigmentation. Patients sometimes also experience a flare-up of acne that is transitory in nature.
For people looking to regrow thinning hair, you can expect to see more hair regrowing over the following weeks and months. Hair has natural cycles, so the increased energy triggers hair follicles to rejoin the other hairs in their growth pattern.
You will not feel any discomfort, although the light may feel warm. The length of treatment varies widely depending on the area to be treated, the results desired, and your provider’s treatment plan.LED lights close to the skin will emit red light. Your skin absorbs this light to a depth of approximately 5 millimeters, allowing it to reach deeper layers of skin where new growth and energy production occur.Red light therapy uses LED lights that emit wavelengths of red light that enter the body and stimulate cells to build collagen and put more energy into healing. This can improve conditions all over the body, from rejuvenating the face to easing joint soreness.If you came for aesthetic improvements to your face, you can expect to see results develop over several weeks as your body builds new collagen. This strengthens and tightens the appearance of your skin.
Used on the face, red light therapy has powerful anti-aging effects by stimulating collagen, which smooths wrinkles and tightens skin. Used on areas of thinning hair, it can stimulate the sleeping hair follicles to start making hair again.
For millennia, people all over the world have used infrared to improve their health and assist with boosting the metabolism, reducing inflammation, lowering side effects of diabetes, reducing allergy symptoms improving heart function and bettering their quality of life. How does infrared do it? When it enters the body, it breaks up fats and toxins that are trapped in water molecules, it makes us sweat to let them out and therefore an infrared session is one of the best ways you can naturally detox your body!
Also known as LED light therapy or low level light therapy (LLLT), red light therapy emits light close to the infrared range. This wavelength of energy alerts your cells to activate their metabolism and enter healing mode. Red light stimulation produces beneficial results with no harmful effects.
For those looking to relieve pain or heal stubborn wounds, you can expect to see decreased pain and better wound healing. Joint pain may resolve due to increased collagen cushioning.
Red light affects the mitochondria, the small bodies inside cells that make energy. The mitochondria begin to produce extra energy, which the cell then uses for rebuilding and repairing.
Although infrared is classified as light energy, we don’t see it; we feel it as warmth. Because all humans produce infrared, it’s safe, natural and easily absorbed by our tissues. During and after absorption participants notice effects such as pain relief, increased circulation and blood flow, weight loss, detoxification, skin rejuvenation, relaxation, improved sleep and more, but those are just a few of the benefits!
Does red light therapy increase dopamine?
Red light therapy improves mental health It’s been proven to boost serotonin and dopamine levels. Psychiatry studies have shown that the release of melanopsin, the colour sensitive receptor for red light, has been shown to help lift mood, thus increasing self-esteem.
However, individuals who have a condition with photosensitivity like lupus or who are on medications that make them photosensitive shouldn’t use red light therapy, according to Dr. Debra Jaliman M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.“With red light therapy, you expose an area of your body to a specific wavelength of red light emitted by a device that can range in size from handheld to whole-body,” says Casey Kelley, M.D., founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health. “Essentially, the red light stimulates your cells to work at a higher level.”The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
Though red light therapy is being advertised for fat and weight loss, the jury is still out on this one. However, there are a few studies showing that the application of red light may affect adipocytes (the cells that store fat).
“Light can speed up the respiration process in cells and increase ATP and other mechanistic factors,” says Dr. Eells. “You stimulate cellular energy, and you stimulate the body’s ability to repair.”The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. Preliminary scientific results look very promising, though. Here are some of the conditions that are showing potential for treatment with red light therapy. Revolutionize your skincare routine with Solawave’s clinically-proven 4-in-1 facial tool. Combines four science-backed, clinically proven dermatology technologies. This wand helps promote more youthful and radiant skin, all without needing to book a facial.Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
For the past 25 years, Dr. Jessica Cho practiced medicine with a single mission: Help patients attain wellness and create a life full of joy, vitality and balance. As a physician, her passion is to educate and empower her patients. Her medical expertise is rooted in integrative treatments with a command of both Western and Eastern medicine. Her interdisciplinary background enables a variety of tools that help patients achieve success as she delves into the root causes of their challenges to understand why and how. She founded Wellness at Century City in Los Angeles in 2000, and she has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top doctors in integrative medicine and is known for her unparalleled success in promoting well-being in her patients. Philanthropy is her life’s purpose—for decades, she has traveled globally to serve the underserved in various free clinics and refugee camps on medical missions, as well as in her local Los Angeles area serving in free clinics for communities in need.
“Read the instructions, and don’t overpush your at-home device thinking that if you use it more or longer than the recommended time it will lead to better results,” says Dr. Kung. “Bottom-line is red light units at home are a no-harm no-foul type of thing, but, be realistic—a $200 device on Amazon can’t deliver wow-factor results like an $180,000 laser.”
“They’re not dramatic treatments, but they’re safe and easy to use at home and gradually improve skin quality, so many people find it more convenient than going to a dermatologist’s office,” says Dr. Jaliman. She adds it’s probably okay to do red light therapy at home three to five times a week, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions are carefully followed. However, Dr. Jaliman stresses that using eye protection, like LED-shielding goggles, is important.These studies led to the discovery that red light therapy could be used deliberately as a type of photomedicine, which is the application of light for health and healing purposes. Visible light penetrates biological tissues, such as cells, muscle tissues and nerve tissues—with red and near-infrared (NIR) light going deeper than green, blue or violet light.
While there are promising studies suggesting the efficacy of red light therapy, more research is necessary to fully determine its potential benefits. However, it’s already being used with success in many different clinical settings.Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Research is increasingly demonstrating the benefits of using red light therapy for dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and other brain conditions, explains Dr. Kelley. Continued studies indicate that brain photobiomodulation therapy may enhance the metabolic capacity of neurons and stimulate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses, as well as neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons). This may be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with memory or mood conditions.
Another 2015 study of 64 women living with obesity published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine found that red light therapy could increase fat loss when coupled with exercise. In the study, two groups worked out for 20 minutes three times per week and then received red light therapy or a placebo light therapy. Those who worked out and then had red light therapy exhibited a greater reduction in fat mass, indicating that red light therapy may improve metabolic inflexibilitySene-Fiorese M, Duarte F, de Aquino Junior A, et al. The potential of phototherapy to reduce body fat, insulin resistance and “metabolic inflexibility” related to obesity in women undergoing weight loss treatment. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2015;47(8):634–642. .
Can red light therapy cause detox symptoms?
Will Red Light Therapy treatments cause detox symptoms? It is possible that a Mito Red Light treatment can cause some detox-related symptoms while your body acclimates. If you experience these types of issues, we recommend stopping treatments until the symptoms go away. Cached
Because of this, red light therapy may be promising when it comes to the treatment and prevention of a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.One older study published in the journal Obesity Surgery in 2011 found that when 40 adults with excess weight were regularly exposed to red light therapy, their adipocyte cells released triglycerides, resulting in fat loss. Participants in this study lost approximately 2.1 centimeters of girth over a four-week periodCaruso-Davis M, Guillot T, Podichetty V, Mashtalir N, Dhurandhar N, Dubuisson O, Yu Y, Greenway, F. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy for body contouring and spot fat reduction. Obesity Surgery. 2011;21(6):722–729. .Lasers cause controlled damage to the skin to trigger an inflammatory reaction to promote wrinkle reduction and reduced redness. Conversely, red light therapies don’t cause trauma to the skin, meaning positive effects are seen without the discomfort, healing time and possible reactive swelling of traditional lasers.Red light therapy and other low-level light modalities take advantage of a phenomenon called photobiomodulation, which is how different components of our cells are activated or respond to different wavelengths of light, explains Erum Ilyas, M.D. a Pennsylvania-based board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology.
In other words, while red light therapy can penetrate the skin up to 6 millimeters beneath the surface, it doesn’t have to cause damage in order to boost cell activity, continues Dr. Ilyas.Red light therapy works by activating your mitochondria, or the powerhouse of the cell, explains Dr. Kelley. With this boost to the energy center of the cell, the cells can do their jobs—such as healing and growth—more efficiently. “Think of it as your morning coffee—red light therapy helps your cells wake up and get the job done!” says Dr. Kelley.
What are the symptoms of healing detox?
The aching body, headaches, nausea and fatigue often felt during a healing crisis are primarily the effects of detoxification. In the healing process, the body is working to eliminate its storage of toxins; materials that have been collected in the colon, the tissues and in individual cells.
One potential application of red light therapy is to treat chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia. Recently, the FDA approved FibroLux, the first and only therapeutic laser to treat fibromyalgia pain. “When red light therapy was administered via FibroLux laser by a health care professional three times a week for a three-week period, patients experienced a marked reduction in fibromyalgia pain,” says Dr. Eells.
Using light to affect positive skin changes is not a new concept. In fact, dermatologists have employed various light wavelengths in treatments for over 50 years, explains Dr. Kung.
To further explain the effectiveness, Dr. Ilyas says it’s helpful to compare how red light therapy works versus traditional skin devices, such as lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL).
Red light therapy uses the therapeutic application of light energy primarily to aid in the healing of skin and muscular conditions, such as scarring and tendonitis. By exposing the body to a low wavelength of red light (620 to 750 nanometers), red light therapy stimulates increased energy production in the cells, which may lead to myriad health benefits.
LED red lights vary greatly in terms of strength and quality, making it difficult to give a blanket recommendation on frequency and duration of use, says Dr. Ilyas. Generally, each device will provide safety guidelines based on the dose and power of the LED red light.
What are the side effects of red light therapy?
Photosensitivity reactions triggered by light involve redness, stinging, and burning; however, these reactions usually subside about three weeks after the treatment. Allergic reactions such as hives and eczema can appear at the area of contact within a few hours after exposure to the cream.
Those looking to get the most benefit from red light therapy should first consider experiencing it in a clinical setting. Most studies are based on in-office medical-grade devices for which energy output and duration of therapy can be accounted, says Dr. Ilyas. Red light therapy may also help patients with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms and sleep/wake cycles. Thanks to the minimal risk, many researchers believe that red light therapy for brain disorders will become one of the most important medical applications in the coming years and decades. “It was here that astronauts tending the plant growth chambers noticed little scratches on their hands began to heal,” says red light therapy researcher Janis T. Eells, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “Nothing heals in space, so NASA funded many years of research with these lights for human trials.”Additionally, in recent years, there have been clinical reports that show visible light can induce melanin migration from the basal layer of the skin to the surface in darker-skinned individuals. “This means that visible light. which includes red light, can potentially aggravate hyperpigmentation and melasma in darker-skinned people,” says Dr. Kung. However, more studies are necessary to confirm these findings. As a result of this potential side effect, Dr. Kung suggests that people should remain aware of how long and how often they are using red light therapy, especially those with darker skin tones. “What we are finding now is that light can and should be prescribed like any pharmaceutical—we refer to it as ‘photoceutical,’” says Dr. Eells. “Each and every condition has a different prescribed treatment designed to achieve a specific outcome.” With this in mind, one of the most commonly cited benefits of red light therapy is improvements to the skin. “It has been used to address signs of aging and skin damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots by stimulating collagen production,” says Dr. Kelley. However, according to Elaine F. Kung, M.D., founder of Future Bright Dermatology in New York and assistant clinical professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, it’s important to keep in mind that many of the published studies using red light as therapy are often small (less than 30 people), animal or lab studies. As a result, most medical professionals agree that more quality research with more human participants is needed.Additionally, it may mitigate the painful side effects of some cancer treatments. “For example, a phase-three clinical trial showed the benefit of red light in reducing oral mucositis [tissue swelling and irritation in the mouth] in bone marrow transplant patients through an extraoral (outside of the mouth) application of only a couple minutes,” says Dr. Eells.
In October 1995, sources of red light—part of the visible spectrum of light—made their space shuttle flight debut on the second U.S. Microgravity Laboratory Spacelab mission (STS-73, Columbia) as part of experiments in plant growth.As a result, whom you need to speak to about red light therapy depends on what you’re looking to treat. A good start, however, would be a dermatologist or integrative/functional medical doctor with experience using red light.
Other names for the same treatment include low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-level light therapy, photobiomodulation, red light phototherapy, and cold laser therapy [3, 4, 5, 6]. They’re all referring to the same intervention, which is simply the temporary exposure to red light to stimulate healing [3].
If you’re dealing with skin conditions or are looking for a non-surgical anti-aging treatment, RLT might be a great place to start, but it certainly isn’t a miracle cure for aging or weight loss. In addition to some of the cosmetic benefits, it has also been shown to be effective in wound healing and certain categories of body pain [1, 2].
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Another 2020 case report found that a 68-year-old male with rosacea underwent 10 sessions of RLT combined with blue light therapy, and the results showed significant visual improvement in his rosacea [23]. Though promising, this is an isolated, small study that requires more scientific support and a better understanding of both red and blue light effects. The list of cons of red light therapy is far shorter than the pros, however, it’s important to be aware that there are some potential (and typically short-term) side effects to using RLT. It’s generally considered safe, but some topical risks include [21, 35]: If you’re looking to improve your immunity, skin health, brain health, and mood, there’s more research supporting the benefits of other natural treatments like probiotics, which can be a more accessible and affordable start.Overall more research and clinical evidence are needed to better understand the role that RLT plays in dermatologic conditions before it can be safely and effectively implemented. There is moderate quality evidence that RLT can improve acne vulgaris, although one study found that RLT was no more effective than other conventional treatments and other light sources [1, 4, 21]. Disclaimer: (1) The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please do not apply any of this information without first speaking with your doctor. (2) The Ruscio Institute is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. (3) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.This type of therapy is growing in popularity because it’s a non-invasive way to address cosmetic issues as well as reduce pain for certain musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. RLT has a number of applications that have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, which I’ll elaborate on below.
Though it’s likely that red light therapy can help a number of other health conditions, it is expensive, the protocols are unclear, and the research behind it is mixed. For these reasons, it may not be the best first step in your healing journey. However, it can be an effective adjunctive treatment, once you’ve addressed the underlying cause of your condition, like poor gut health.
One study that investigated the effect of RLT on exercise showed that in obese women, RLT combined with exercise led to significantly greater fat loss, improved insulin levels, and less insulin resistance than in the exercise-only group [18, 20].
What does red light do to your brain?
The application of red and near infra-red light is designed to maximise the efficiency and performance of your brain. It delivers near infra-red energy to neurons, which helps to increase spatial awareness and reflex time and balance.
RLT has been shown to improve signs of aging due to its ability to penetrate skin tissue and increase ATP production, blood flow, and promote tissue repair and healing [3, 7, 13]. It also appears to have anti-aging effects on the skin. One systematic review found low-quality evidence that RLT can increase skin rejuvenation and reduce fine lines [1].But are there risks to this type of treatment? And can it really do everything those ads you’re seeing claim it can? Many of the benefits are still speculative, with unclear protocols and little evidence to back them up. While side effects are minimal and temporary, they do include potential hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity.
Red light therapy is also used frequently for weight loss and to improve physical shape. One comprehensive review found that it is safe and effective for body contouring and sculpting, likely because it helps to release fat from fat cells [4, 16]. However, the use of RLT to reduce cellulite for cosmetic purposes isn’t supported by the evidence [1].
Of this list, hyperpigmentation may last longest, so if you’ve experienced hyperpigmentation for other reasons and are concerned that your skin is particularly sensitive to that, you might want to test out RLT on an inconspicuous area before using it on your face. It’s probably a good idea to avoid tanning in the sun before using RLT to potentially reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.Clearly, I’ve listed a number of exciting uses for RLT that are backed by science, but the list isn’t endless, and more work needs to be done across every category I’ve mentioned to better understand the therapeutic mechanisms of RLT. Much of the research on RLT is considered low quality, which means that the results may not be reproducible in the general population [4]. These results are highly promising for those dealing with chronic pain, and it appears to be effective in the short term. However, the lasting effects of red light therapy aren’t clear. Because the durability of this treatment isn’t known, RLT can be a great add-on for those who are already practicing a healthy lifestyle but probably isn’t a great stand-alone therapy for pain. The light appears red in RLT because of wavelengths of light it emits along the visible part (the rainbow) of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. The wavelength frequency of RLT ranges between 600-1070 nanometers (nm) and differentiates it from its close relative, near-infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye [3]. Unlike RLT, infrared emits heat and is often used in saunas.
The home devices you’ve likely seen advertised are often marketed for the more topical/cosmetic uses — anti-aging, body sculpting, etc — however, the potential for RLT reaches further than that.The benefits of red light therapy stretch across a number of fields of medicine, but the uses you’re likely most familiar with are cosmetic. That’s because red light therapy can promote skin health in a number of ways across almost all skin types and tones.
A hidden con of red light therapy is unmet expectations. The hype that advertisers give to this type of therapy can be overblown and get your hopes up for a miracle cure that won’t come.The research on the effects of red light therapy on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease is still lacking in quality, however, two systematic reviews found that RLT may have small to moderate beneficial effects on dementia [11, 12]. Another study found that RLT appears to have positive effects on stroke patients, promising news for future study [33].
Why am I tired after red light therapy?
The theory is that red light wavelengths stimulate the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps you sleep.
The precise mechanisms of RLT are still being understood, but we know that the target of effects is at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels [3]. RLT appears to penetrate skin cells and stimulate mitochondria to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy source your body uses to function. It also [3, 7, 8]: So it makes sense that dermatologists would want to use it in skin care and wound-healing, while orthopedists might recommend it for osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal inflammation. Let’s take a further look at the proposed benefits of RLT. It may not be an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, despite the various other uses to reduce inflammation in the musculoskeletal system [37, 38]. And any claims that it can cure cancer or detoxify your body are also bogus.
Let’s take a closer look at red light therapy pros and cons to help you get a sense of what this treatment is, which claims are supported by evidence, and which aren’t. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much better sense of whether or not this treatment is right for you and your wellness journey. This isn’t to say that RLT is capable of healing all types of wounds, but the available research shows that it’s an effective treatment in these specific areas. Overall, it’s unclear if RLT plays a significant role in weight loss, making well-researched, diet and exercise interventions much more attractive options.I care about answering your questions and sharing my knowledge with you. Leave a comment or connect with me on social media asking any health question you may have and I just might incorporate it into our next listener questions podcast episode just for you! The most clinically significant improvements in pain were in the cases of plantar fasciitis and lower back pain. However, in many of these studies, the improvements were modest and/or temporary. The research strongly suggests that RLT will not improve issues of psoriasis or eczema, despite the benefits it provides for other skin conditions [1]. A 2019 literature review stated that RLT “can not be currently be recommended for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases because of the lack of well-controlled studies” [36].
Another major issue of RLT is that the ideal parameters (i.e., the ideal dose, wavelength, frequency, and duration) for treatment have yet to be determined for many health conditions, and there is debate on which source of red light is the best [3]. Additionally, both at-home and in-office devices can be expensive and time-consuming.
RLT can help with joint pain relief, nerve pain relief, wound healing, hair loss, and even brain and mental health [1, 9, 10, 11, 12]. It works on the cellular level to reduce inflammation, making it highly beneficial for many areas of your health and wellness. While RLT does not appear to aid in clinically meaningful weight loss, it does seem to improve body composition [17, 18]. One study found that 20 minutes of RLT every other day for 2 weeks helped remove about an inch from the waist, hips, and thighs of participants [19]. Another study found that RLT led to a combined reduction in the hip, waist, and upper abdomen of over 10 centimeters in obese individuals [17]. Red light therapy treatments have been shown to stimulate hair growth in patients with androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), but commercial claims exaggerate the level of improvement shown in clinical trials [4, 31, 32]. One study found that there was no difference in patient satisfaction between the RLT group and the control group, suggesting that the regrowth was mild and possibly not noticeable enough [32].
Does red light help brain fog?
LLLT – Red Light Therapy and Syntonic Phototherapy can help you with issues related to: Brian Fog & Mental Clarity. Increased Energy. Reduced Fatigue & Inflammation.
Overall, red light therapy has been studied in the context of anti-aging, body sculpting, pain relief, hair loss, wound healing, and brain health. The available research suggests that it’s a valuable tool in healthcare that can benefit a number of conditions.Additionally, red light therapy helps improve viral infections like herpes zoster which is responsible for painful shingles [1]. Herpes simplex is in the same family and is known for causing oral and genital ulcers, but there’s no evidence to support that RLT helps against these skin issues.RLT has been shown to promote the healing process of topical wounds in animal studies. That’s because it promotes blood flow and improves cell growth [24]. Human studies have also shown improved healing of diabetic foot ulcers, skin rashes caused by cancer radiation therapy, and acute wounds [1, 9, 10].
If you want to talk with a medical professional about whether red light therapy is the right choice for you, schedule a time to meet with one of our clinicians. We would love to help.A 2022 animal study found that RLT significantly improved facial redness and inflammation in a mouse model of rosacea, but the human evidence was a little muddled [22].
Does red light have negative effects?
In general, there are really no major side effects of red light therapy, according to Dr. Ilyas and Dr. Eells. However, individuals who have a condition with photosensitivity like lupus or who are on medications that make them photosensitive shouldn’t use red light therapy, according to Dr.
On the mental health side, red light therapy works to improve depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients, according to a systematic review and a smaller study [30, 34]. While this early research is encouraging, all of the researchers in these studies noted the need for larger, higher-quality research to further understand the health benefits of red light therapy devices.
Since the mechanisms of RLT are still being explored, the quality of evidence supporting its effectiveness on these three skin conditions is a little bit thin. However, some of the results are promising.
However, anyone interested in RLT should be careful to temper their expectations due to the high volume of exaggerated claims that occur in the literature and in the marketplace. It’s also not without minor potential side effects, all of which are topical, and most of which are temporary.In addition to musculoskeletal pain, one meta-analysis found that RLT led to a fairly impactful level of improvement in fibromyalgia pain and stiffness compared to placebo lasers [30].
Red Light Therapy is the medical use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or an array of high intensity super luminous diodes (providing total optical power up to the 2000 milliwatt range).
To help reverse that downward spiral and improve wellbeing, we offer photobiomodulation treatment. Our machines, made by Photonix, use low-level laser light to deliver energy to the blood stream.The Photonx Sublingual Applicator (SLA) sits gently under the tongue while the treatment is given. Most people feel nothing at all, but rarely some may experience mild transient jaw aching, headache and/or nausea. Theoretically “die-off” reactions (temporary flu-like symptoms) are also possible. However to date, there have been no known serious side effects of photobiomodulation.
The result of low ATP is that you may feel exhausted, achy, and/or brain-foggy, no matter how much sleep you get. Low ATP can also result in a buildup of toxins in the body, because the cells simply do not have enough spare energy to “take out the trash.” Toxic load worsens mitochondrial dysfunction even more, resulting in a downward spiral. When this occurs, even improvements in lifestyle and nutrition may not reverse the fatigue (or it could take a lot longer to get a positive effect).Sessions last from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the patient and their particular situation. Sessions can be given as often as once a day, or they can be spread out into one or two sessions a week. Frequency of treatment is individualized based on patient needs and their response to each treatment.
Photobiomodulation (aka low-level laser therapy) is being studied and effectively used to treat number medical problems, such as helping to reduce pain and inflammation, and to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. Different effects occur depending on the wavelength (“color”) of light used & energy dose given. We have 2 different Photonx machines. The RRnR Console emits red light and near infrared light (at 630, 660 and 810 nm), which are used primarily to improve energy and to sharpen mental acuity. The RGB console shines red, green and blue light (at 630, 530 and 405 nm), which may help manage stress and/or improve mobility.
This works in may ways. One of the most studied wavelengths is the red color spectrum, which can help improve energy and reduce inflammation. When cells are stressed, their mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cell) begin to malfunction. One reason is due to a build up of nitric oxide (NO), which blocks oxygen use by mitochondrial “machines” called cytochrome c oxidase. Think of a fire being smothered by a blanket, or a motor with the air intake plugged. When oxygen can’t get in, the fire can’t burn and the motor can’t run. The more NO that builds up, the less ATP a mitochondria can make. ATP (short for adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell. High NO and low ATP levels result in something called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to increased inflammation, which will further decrease production of ATP. This results in “tired cells” that cannot run like they should. Thus you become tired, achy, foggy, and may eventually get to the point where actual disease becomes a reality. Heart disease, diabetes and cancer are all a consequence of chronic inflammation. While Photonx has not been studied for, nor do they claim that it will reverse disease, it is a new and exciting tool (along with healthy diet/lifestyle and targeted supplements) to help get your body into better balance.
As there has been no clinical research with red light therapy treatments on pregnant or nursing subjects, do not use the device if pregnant or lactating before consulting with your healthcare provider.
Red light therapy has been clinically-proven to help damaged skin heal from burns, cuts, scars, and other blemishes. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.Targeting Problem Areas: Many of the health benefits from light therapy can be attained by consistent, full-body use. However, it can be beneficial to target specific physical problem areas. In those cases, direct treatments for 10-20 minutes allows natural light to penetrate deeper into tissues for greater effects.
Any Time of Day: Some people love how it feels in the morning and say it perks them up for the day. Others wait until before or after a workout for max energy and recovery. The important thing is fitting light therapy into your daily routine, regardless of what time.
The services provided by Elevate Wellness Center, LLC have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Our services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure or prevent disease. All website content is purely informational, and should not be perceived as medical advice. Always consult with your Physician prior to starting any new therapy or wellness program. Any designations or references to therapies are for marketing purposes only and do not represent actual products.
The human body is complex, yet amazing! It is hard to predict the way your body will respond to Joovv and how quickly you will see results. It varies by person, their health and fitness challenges, and how consistent they are with treatments, and what size device and coverage they use.
Position Yourself 6 Inches from Your Joovv: You can sit or stand, but clinical research and user experiences have demonstrated that 6-12 inches is the ideal distance during a treatment.For effective Joovv use, the area of your body that you’re treating needs to be exposed directly to the light. Clothing prevents the red and near infrared light from reaching your cells, so be sure to remove any garments from the part of your body you’re treating.
What are signs your body is detoxing?
Signs of DetoxAnxiety.Irritability.Body pain.Tremors.Changes in appetite.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.Fatigue.
Humans are designed to have visual and physical contact with light. Our physical and mental well-being is dependent on its optimal regulation. Photo-biomodulation or PBM is a techy term for “light therapy”. Light is a package of photons that interacts with our mitochondria (energy producing cells) to help them produce more energy and provides the optimal environment to support cellular processes. Yes, light enables your cells to function better.Alaskans are naturally at a disadvantage of this every winter. Just as plants need water, food, and sun—so do our dynamic bodies. Consider getting regular doses this fall and winter. It’s always great to give your cells some extra support during seasonal threats or stressful periods where more energy is required.
How long does it take to feel the effects of red light therapy?
How long does it take to see results when doing red light therapy? Every individual may respond differently to specific treatments and results will also depend on the goal you want to achieve. However, with daily use, you should be able to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.
Clinical studies have shown light therapy to be safe and efficacious. However, if you’re considering using it with children, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Please also note, all treatments with children should be done under adult supervision.The red/near-infrared rays need to get through to your skin/tissues/bone. We have a comfortable and private room for you to undress and expose the area you want treated. Light must shine directly on clean, bare skin. You can sit or stand at least 6 inches away from the unit during your treatment.Clothing: Many Joovv users with full-body devices prefer to Joovv in the nude. Delivering natural light to a larger surface area of your body leads to better light therapy outcomes, but full nudity is not necessarily required for effective, full-body Joovv use. Lighter garments like underwear, bras, shorts, and socks may be worn without hampering a treatment, though the covered areas not exposed directly to the light won’t receive any benefits.
