Red light therapy, also known as photobiostimulation, has become an extremely popular method for treating and improving a wide range of conditions. Its roots reach back to ancient times, and today more than 50,000 studies show that red LED light therapy combined with near-infrared therapy is remarkably effective for various conditions, based on its fundamental principle of acting on the cell.
Here are some of the best-known applications.
1. Pain reduction
Red LED light therapy is known for its ability to reduce pain across a variety of diseases and injuries. The light penetrates deep into the tissues, stimulates blood flow and triggers processes that relieve pain. This can be helpful in treating muscle and joint pain, inflammation and chronic pain.
In a clinical study, neuropathic pain caused by a spinal cord injury was dramatically reduced with the use of red light therapy. Near-infrared light in general reduces pain, lessens spasms, lowers inflammation, improves circulation and reduces stiffness in the body.
2. Improving skin health
Red light therapy can dramatically influence the condition of your skin. Red light wavelengths target the mitochondrial chromophores in the skin cell, generating collagen protein in a more holistic way, which is most visible on the surface of the skin itself. Stem cells that repair tissue damage are also activated.
Red LED light therapy (photobiostimulation) is therefore best known for its remarkable stimulation of collagen production, which is crucial for the elasticity and health of the skin. This can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin texture. But it is not used only for rejuvenation — studies have also shown excellent results with hypertrophic scars, acne and other skin problems. It also helps with the drainage of cellulite.
3. Accelerating wound healing
One of the remarkable advantages of red LED light therapy is its ability to accelerate wound healing. Light energy stimulates cellular activity, which contributes to faster tissue renewal. This is very useful in the treatment of minor wounds, burns and other skin injuries.
4. Reducing inflammatory markers
Red light can reduce inflammation both on the surface of the skin and deep within the tissues. It drastically reduces inflammatory markers. The light helps regulate the body's immune response and reduces the swelling and redness often associated with inflammatory processes. Because of these results in lowering inflammatory markers, photobiostimulation is also used for all autoimmune diseases, arthritis, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
5. Improving muscle mass
Light therapy can contribute to improved muscle mass and strength. The light stimulates blood flow in the muscles, which helps with a better supply of nutrients and oxygen. This can improve muscle regeneration and contribute to faster recovery after exercise.
Professional athletes have been using red LED light therapy through their club doctors and trainers for a very long time, and with its development and affordability it is now also available to individuals for home use.
6. Calming the nervous system and influencing sleep
Red light therapy also has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps reduce stress and anxiety and improves sleep. A relaxed nervous system has a positive impact on overall physical and mental wellbeing.
The use of red LED light therapy improves sleep, and this bold claim is based on its effect on hormonal balance and its influence on the biological clock. Red light promotes the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. With regular exposure to red light, melatonin levels increase, which would improve sleep quality. However, use is not recommended right before sleep — ideally it is used in the morning.
7. Stimulating hair growth
Thanks to its stimulating effects on cell division and blood flow, red LED light therapy can also help stimulate hair growth. A healthy scalp has a greater ability to produce healthy hair follicles.
Red light wavelengths stimulate the epidermal stem cell in the hair follicle, which activates the follicle into the anagen phase — the state of active growth. It even regrows hair on a bald scalp!
8. Improving blood flow and circulation
Light improves blood flow both on the surface of the skin and in the deeper layers of the tissues. Better blood flow contributes to a better transport of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body and promotes tissue regeneration and renewal.
9. Relieving arthritis symptoms
Because of its ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, red light therapy can also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. This can be useful for improving joint mobility and reducing discomfort.
10. Increasing fertility
The claim that red light therapy can increase fertility stems primarily from its general positive effect on cellular function and blood circulation. Advocates of this therapy argue that the light promotes better functioning of the reproductive organs and consequently improves the chances of conception. Libido also increases after use, in both women and men. Red light is also said to reduce stress and anxiety, which can likewise have a positive effect on fertility. But here we also have a measured effect on male testosterone, as red light therapy stimulates photoreceptor proteins that raise testosterone. Other studies have shown that it also activates the pineal gland in the brain, which is likewise linked to fertility in both men and women.
11. Effect on bone density
Red LED light of a certain wavelength penetrates into the deeper layers of the bone and triggers processes that promote the growth of bone tissue and increase bone density. The light is also said to promote better absorption of calcium and other minerals essential for healthy bones. The effects have been demonstrated in numerous laboratory studies, the more well-known one from Brazil in 2013, when the effects on bone healing were tested. It was found that photobiostimulation significantly increases the degree of mineralisation after just seven days of use, and after 14 days an effect on bone density already becomes apparent.
12. Reducing visceral belly fat
Red light therapy is said to have several different mechanisms that can influence the loss of visceral belly fat. One of these mechanisms is boosting metabolism, which can accelerate the breakdown of fats. Red light also promotes better circulation and blood flow in the abdominal region, which can help reduce the accumulation of fat.
It also contributes to a better release of fatty acids from the cells. Red light is likewise said to reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to fat loss.
Red light therapy and near-infrared therapy are also used as support for:
- fibromyalgia;
- Hashimoto's and thyroid problems;
- depression and anxiety;
- tendinitis (acute inflammation of the muscle tendons);
- gum disease;
- cardiovascular disease.
Photobiomodulation is a complementary wellness technology and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or before starting a new therapy.
