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How Red Light Therapy Can Brighten Your Health
Published by Joshua Kleinstreuer
Red light therapy recently skyrocketed to the forefront of integrative medicine and is hailed for its use in the treatment and prevention of various conditions.
The wellness benefits and uses for red light therapy are new, yet the technology itself is not–going back more than 30 years when scientists used it to grow plants in space. Researchers discovered the intense light from red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) promoted growth and photosynthesis of plant cells.
As the years passed, we learned red light technology also promotes a natural photobiochemical reaction in humans which is similar to the photosynthesis promoted in plants.
Red light therapy is used for cosmetic skin treatments such as the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin roughness. Red light therapy is also used in the treatment of more serious conditions such as psoriasis, scars, slow-healing wounds, and certain side effects of chemotherapy such as fatigue, depression, and sleep-wake cycle disruptions.
What is red light therapy:
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers red light to a person’s skin and cells. Red light is similar to infrared light, except it is visible. You may have heard of red light therapy by its other names, which include:
- photobiomodulation (PBM)
- low level light therapy (LLLT)
- soft laser therapy
- cold laser therapy
- biostimulation
- photonic stimulation
- low-power laser therapy (LPLT)
How does red light therapy work?
The biochemical effect in cells produced by red light therapy works by strengthening the mitochondria—where the cell’s energy is created. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Through increasing mitochondrial function with red light therapy, a cell can produce more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage. Research conducted at the Sinclair Lab at Harvard Medical School found that “a large body of evidence indicates that common aging-related diseases have a mitochondrial component,” which is what makes red light therapy and its impact on the mitochondria effective.
Red light therapy benefits:
Many products on the market used to treat acne or prevent signs of aging contain harsh chemicals which can damage your skin or even negatively affect your whole-body health.
Red light therapy is clinically proven and cleared by the FDA to diminish signs of fine lines and wrinkles without any negative side-effects. Red light therapy at Nova Vita is designed to treat large areas in a single session to dramatically improve your skincare and pain management routine.
Common uses of red light therapy:
- Reduces acne bacteria
- Clears existing breakouts
- Improves elasticity and firmness of skin
- Stimulates collagen production
- Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves circulation
- Reduces inflammation and stiffness
- Eases pain relating to arthritis, muscles, and joints
- Minor arthritis or muscle spasms
- Minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of a musculoskeletal origin
Red light therapy: How often?
The frequency of your red light therapy sessions depends upon what you want to accomplish as well as the timeline of your specific goals. Most people use red light therapy once a day, three to five times a week, and see noticeable results after one month.
As with all wellness solutions at Nova Vita, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving your wellbeing. We will work directly with you to establish a personal treatment guideline that meets your expectations. In addition to your red light therapy sessions, our wellness ambassadors can point you to many of our ancillary services which can help you achieve maximum results.