PHOTOBIOMODULATION (Red Light Therapy)
A promising, professional-grade medical therapy for home use.
What if there were a form of therapy that could address the root cause of almost every disease and condition known to humankind?
What if that same therapy were also inexpensive and had literally no negative side effects?
It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
But it is true — such a therapy exists, and it is this powerful because it works on the cellular power plants inside every cell: the mitochondria.
Photobiomodulation is a therapy using red and near-infrared light that delivers energy to cells through a range of visible and invisible wavelengths of light.
Photobiomodulation is not a cure-all, but by optimising cellular function, supporting the immune system and accelerating the healing process, there is probably no disease or condition it would not benefit.
Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) is classified as an FDA-approved treatment for acne, muscle and joint pain, arthritis, impaired circulation, and to stop hair loss.
There are more than 50,000 scientific and clinical studies that clearly confirm that, regardless of the disease a person has, red and near-infrared light can be of enormous benefit.
Red light therapy has proven effective for numerous conditions, including slowing ageing, pain relief, cognitive enhancement, fat reduction, quitting smoking, wound healing, increasing bone density, raising testosterone, reducing anxiety and depression, building muscle, treating acne, preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth, and many other indications.
An LED panel is used to deliver photobiomodulation, or red light therapy combined with near-infrared light. In Slovenia, two options are now available: a smaller one for the face or other localised body areas, and a larger one for the whole body.
Where does photobiomodulation (red light therapy) come from?
Russian scientists were the first to scientifically investigate and document the health effects of red light in the early 1900s. It was only around the year 2000 that we saw an explosion of interest in red light research in Western countries such as the United States. Since then, the volume of publishing activity on this topic has grown almost exponentially. To date, more than 50,000 papers on red and near-infrared light therapies have been published.
Over the past 100 years, red and near-infrared light therapies have been studied extensively in humans and many other animals for dozens of diseases and conditions.
Photobiomodulation is used in cosmetic salons and by aesthetic surgeons for its rejuvenating effect on skin and hair.
Physiotherapists use it for muscles, tissues and — above all — its effect on bones, which is visible after just two weeks of use.
In the field of trauma — for injuries, wear-and-tear and other surgeries — it is used for accelerated healing and improved circulation.
As an alternative to painkillers and nerve blocks, since it acts extremely quickly on pain and lowers inflammatory markers.
For this reason, red light therapy is very well known in the world of professional athletes, who also “sunbathe” in front of the panels to improve muscle mass.
Rheumatologists recommend it for relieving all symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
In fertility clinics, it is used to increase fertility.
Photobiomodulation or light therapy is also recommended in dentistry (especially for gum inflammation), for autoimmune diseases, for fibromyalgia, for all forms of depression and anxiety, and generally for a dramatic improvement in sleep quality.
Photobiomodulation, or red light therapy, has been confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for:
- treating acne;
- treating muscle and joint pain and arthritis;
- impaired circulation (poor blood flow);
- stopping hair loss.
More than 50,000 scientific and clinical studies confirm:
- a dramatic improvement in sleep quality;
- reduced pain and inflammatory markers, and accelerated healing;
- improved bone density after just 2 weeks of use;
- a calmer nervous system and therefore better sleep, less depression and anxiety;
- improved muscle mass and faster regeneration;
- increased fertility and an effect on hormonal balance;
- reduced visceral belly fat;
- support for thyroid issues and Hashimoto's;
- support for cardiovascular disease;
- support for dental and gum health.
Regeneration and red light therapy
The overall health of your body depends on its energy supply. This is because every single critical process taking place in your body — from repair and regeneration to detoxification, immunity, blinking your eyes and beating your heart — requires energy to be carried out successfully.
If one day you woke up and literally had no energy available, you would not get out of bed and would eventually die. In the same way, a cell needs energy for its survival. In fact, your body gets its energy from your individual cells.
Inside cells are tiny ‘power plants’ called mitochondria, which produce energy and are the source of energy for your cells and for your body as a whole.
When the mitochondria in a cell have everything they need to produce energy efficiently, that cell is healthy. And when most of your cells have everything their mitochondria need to produce energy efficiently, your body is healthy.
The substances needed for efficient energy production can be called nutrients, almost all of which we can obtain through diet. One nutrient that is essential for efficient energy production and cannot be obtained through diet is red light.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long can I use the device?
Correct and regular use is the key to fast and long-lasting results. You can use the device daily for approximately 10–20 minutes. You can also use it twice a day for 5–10 minutes. Stand approximately 15–20 cm away from the device.
Do I need to wear eye protection?
Eye protection is not essential. However, looking directly into the LEDs is not recommended, as it can be uncomfortable.
Do I keep my clothes on during the therapy?
You can certainly stay clothed — simply expose the area you want to treat. For general use (with no specific area), use it unclothed, ideally after your morning shower.
Does the therapy affect medication?
Thousands of clinical studies have proven that the therapy is safe and effective. Consulting a doctor before use is only necessary for patients taking Tetracycline, Digoxin, Retin-A or other photosensitising drugs.
Can children use the therapy?
Yes, but under the supervision of a guardian. Children under 12 should halve the exposure time recommended for adults. Home use with infants is not recommended.
Does light therapy work on animals too?
Absolutely. You may notice that during your therapy, animals will come over on their own and settle down beside you.
When can I expect results?
The time needed to achieve noticeable results can vary depending on the individual, the condition and the severity of the issues you want to address with red light therapy. Consistency of the therapy is crucial for achieving optimal results. Results appear fastest when you use the light device to reduce pain. For improving sleep, for systemic and more serious conditions, for visible skin improvement and better hormonal health, you will need 8 to 12 weeks.
OBESITY
Photobiomodulation melts dangerous belly fat in a safe way!
People who are obese have an increased risk of numerous conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer, so correcting this condition is essential for long-term health.
Healthcare costs for people with obesity are €1,429 higher per year than for those of a “normal” weight.
Obesity as such is most problematic for the organs and the functioning of the body because of visceral fat — belly fat.
There is no shortage of people, programmes and devices claiming they can reduce your weight — yet we all know that many of them turn out to be false and do not actually work. Others may help you lose weight, but they do so in ways that are overly stressful and unhealthy. Aggressive methods can be very harmful in the long run and have a concrete impact on hormonal imbalance.
Can red and near-infrared light therapies help you burn fat safely?
In 2015, a group of researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil tested the effects of near-infrared light (808 nm) on 64 obese women, randomly assigned to one of two groups: exercise (aerobic and resistance) + photobiostimulation, or exercise (aerobic and resistance) + no photobiostimulation. The study ran over a period of 20 weeks, during which both groups of obese women exercised 3 times a week. At the end of each training session, one group of women received light therapy and the other did not. The results?
Interestingly, the women who received photobiomodulation therapy doubled the amount of fat loss compared with exercise alone.
Other studies have reported similar findings in obese people who combined exercise with red light therapy, but studies that did not include exercise also reported significant fat reduction with red light therapy alone.
In 2013, scientists at George Washington University conducted an independent, physician-led trial to test the ability of red laser light (635 nm) to reduce fat on the waist, hips and thighs of obese individuals. Photobiomodulation was applied to 8 obese patients and consisted of 20-minute sessions every other day for two weeks. When the researchers assessed the patients three weeks after the start of the trial (one week after the end of treatment), the results were remarkable. Compared with baseline, a statistically significant average loss of 7.59 cm was observed across the post-procedure assessment points. After two weeks, they lost 3 cm of fat with red light therapy.
HEALING
Dramatically accelerated wound healing with photobiomodulation
Whether it is the result of an accident during physical activity or of chemical pollutants in our food and environment, we all get injured regularly. Anything that can help accelerate the body's innate healing process will free up resources and allow it to direct its available energy toward maintaining optimal health.
Dr Harry Whelan of the Medical College of Wisconsin has been studying red light in cell cultures and in humans for decades. His laboratory work has shown that skin and muscle cells grown in cultures and exposed to LED red and near-infrared light grow 150–200% faster than control cultures that are not stimulated by light.
In collaboration with naval physicians in Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California in treating injured soldiers, Dr Whelan and his team found that the condition of soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries treated with red-light-emitting diodes improved by 40%.
In 2000, Dr Whelan concluded: “The near-infrared light emitted by these LEDs appears to be perfect for increasing energy inside cells. This means that whether you are on Earth in a hospital, working in a submarine under the sea, or on your way to Mars in a spacecraft, red-light-therapy LEDs increase energy for cells and accelerate healing.”
A review of the scientific literature reveals that there are literally dozens of other studies demonstrating the powerful benefits of red light in wound healing.
In 2014, a group of scientists from three universities in Brazil conducted a scientific review of the effects of red light on wound healing. After reviewing a total of 68 studies, most of which were performed on animals using wavelengths from 632 to 830 nm, the study concluded: “…phototherapy, whether with LASER or LED, is an effective therapeutic modality for accelerating the healing of skin wounds.”
BONES
Bone density and red light therapy (photobiomodulation)
Bone density and the body's ability to build new bone are important for people recovering from injuries.
It is also important for older people, as our bones gradually become weaker with age.
And for the same reason, it is important for every living person to be able to stay physically active for as much of our life as possible. The benefits of red and near-infrared light in bone healing have been demonstrated in numerous laboratory studies.
In 2013, researchers from São Paulo, Brazil studied the effects of red and near-infrared light on the healing of rat bones. First, a piece of bone was cut from the upper part of the leg (osteotomy) of 45 rats, which were then divided into three groups: group 1 received no light, group 2 was exposed to red light (660–690 nm), and group 3 was exposed to near-infrared light (790–830 nm).
The study showed “a significant increase in the degree of mineralisation (greyness) in both laser-treated groups after 7 days” and, interestingly, “after 14 days, only the group treated with laser therapy in the infrared spectrum showed higher bone density.”
Here are a few more studies on light therapy for bone health and their conclusions.
Conclusion of a 2003 study: “We conclude that LLLT had a positive effect on the repair of bone defects implanted with inorganic bovine bone.”
Conclusion of a 2006 study: “The results of our studies and others indicate that bone irradiated mainly with infrared (IR) wavelengths shows increased osteoblast proliferation, collagen deposition and bone neoformation compared with non-irradiated bone.”
Conclusion of a 2008 study: “Laser technology has been used to improve the clinical outcomes of bone surgeries and to promote a more comfortable postoperative period and faster healing.”
After a bone fracture or any bodily injury, near-infrared and red light therapies should be the first treatment we reach for to accelerate our recovery.
THE BRAIN
Photobiomodulation is a cognitive enhancer for the brain and the most powerful nootropic
Nootropics, also called smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, have seen a dramatic surge in popularity in recent years, with many people using them to improve brain functions such as memory, creativity and motivation.
The positive effects of red light on brain function are significant and scientifically well documented. In fact, light in the red and near-infrared spectrum may be the most powerful nootropic ever discovered. Let's look at some of the evidence:
In 2013, researchers at the University of Texas applied near-infrared laser light to the foreheads of healthy volunteers and measured its effects on cognitive parameters, including attention, memory and mood. In the treated group, reaction time and memory improved and positive emotional states increased over a two-week follow-up period after treatment. “These data suggest that transcranial laser stimulation could be used as a non-invasive and effective approach to enhance brain functions, such as those related to cognitive and emotional dimensions,” the scientists wrote.
Another study investigated the effects of near-infrared laser light on the brain, both on its own and in combination with aerobic exercise. Compared with a control group that received neither light nor exercise, American researchers found that red light therapy had similar brain-boosting effects to exercise.
DEPRESSION
Reducing depression with photobiomodulation is effective and free of side effects
Depression affects 121 million people worldwide, and that is only the number of people who have an official diagnosis. The truth is that we all experience depression at some point in our lives.
Students — those who are supposed to be our smartest and healthiest leaders of tomorrow — experience significantly higher rates of depression than your average population, according to a 2012 scientific assessment.
Even more worrying: “Depression is associated with high suicidality,” wrote scientist M.S. Reddy in 2010. “Approximately 50% of individuals who died by suicide had a primary diagnosis of depression,” Reddy continued.
Anxiety is even more common than depression — it is the most common mental illness in the US — affecting 40 million adults aged 18 and over (18.1%).
Existing medical treatments for anxiety and depression are toxic, tend to numb people, and have even been implicated in causing aggressive and suicidal behaviour. Clearly, new and effective therapies are urgently needed to curb anxiety, depression and today's alarming suicide rates.
Just imagine how much better life would be if everyone had a way to effectively address anxiety and depression.
Can light therapy treat anxiety and depression?
In 2009, a group of scientists from Harvard University tested the effects of near-infrared light on 10 people with major depression. The researchers applied the light directly to the patients' foreheads in a single 16-minute session. After just one near-infrared light treatment, “patients experienced a very significant reduction in both HAM-D [depression] and HAM-A [anxiety] after treatment, with the greatest reduction occurring after 2 weeks.”
So? Near-infrared light therapy produced a long-lasting reduction in depression and anxiety after just one treatment.
PAIN
Managing pain with red light therapy
Some of the most common painkillers people reach for when they feel pain are Tylenol, Ibuprofen or other drugs classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Interestingly, all of these common painkillers have been shown to cause heart attacks, strokes and cancer — except aspirin, which actually reduces the risk of these same complications.
In 2015, the FDA issued a strong warning that all NSAIDs except aspirin can cause heart attacks and strokes.
In other words, people who feel pain are using drugs that are slowly killing them. Clearly, better treatments are needed to reduce the chronic pain people experience.
Here are the conclusions of a few recent publications on pain reduction using therapeutic red and near-infrared light:
A 2006 systematic review: “There is strong evidence that red light therapy modulates the inflammatory process and provides short-term relief of acute pain.”
A 2009 systematic review published in The Lancet: “We show that red light therapy reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after the completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.”
HAIR
Preventing hair loss (alopecia) with red light therapy
Hair loss (alopecia) is a very common condition affecting more than 50% of the world's population.
To date, only two synthetic hair-loss drugs approved by the FDA are available from your doctor: Propecia and Rogaine. Both drugs have less than a 50% success rate, and the possible side effects of both are severe.
Hair transplantation is another option, but it comes with a long list of adverse side effects, including itching, pain, bleeding, swelling, infections and so on. Like the available drugs for treating hair loss, the effectiveness of hair transplantation is questionable.
“I only have to walk down the main street in San Francisco to realise that if there were an ‘effective’ treatment for baldness, most men are either unaware of it or choose to be bald,” wrote hair-loss researcher Danny Roddy.
In 2014, American and Hungarian researchers reviewed studies involving the treatment of hair loss with red light laser therapy or photobiomodulation.
The review reports that in numerous controlled clinical trials, red and near-infrared laser therapies were shown to promote hair growth in both mice and in men and women.
Use on the head is recommended for 10 minutes daily. To use it you need an LED panel for red light therapy or photobiomodulation. For the hair and scalp area, you can use a smaller one.
ARTHRITIS
Photobiomodulation offers a proven effect in arthritis
Arthritis is a serious disease that many people around the world suffer from. It is estimated that between 2013 and 2015, 22.7% of adults in the US were diagnosed with some form of arthritis. That is nearly 55 million people who could benefit from an effective treatment for the disease.
There are currently dozens of different FDA-approved drugs for arthritis, all of which have limited success as well as their own set of potentially serious side effects. Red and near-infrared light therapies can effectively treat arthritis and have virtually no adverse side effects.
Dr Michael R. Hamblin, a Harvard professor in the department of dermatology, published a study in 2013 titled “Can osteoarthritis be treated with light?” The study experimented with the use of near-infrared laser light (810 nm) in arthritis in rats. Interestingly, after inducing arthritis in the rats and just a single near-infrared laser treatment, inflammation was significantly reduced in only 24 hours.
RED LIGHT THERAPY AT HOME
When the restorative properties of red light were first discovered, LEDs did not yet exist; scientists used red lasers. Laser devices that emit red or near-infrared light can be bought, but they cost thousands of dollars, which is not an option for most people.
However, with the invention of LED technology and the subsequent red light therapy devices produced using it, red light therapy has suddenly become accessible to most people to buy and use from the comfort of their own home.
This article is a summary of Mark Sloan's book on red light therapy (photobiomodulation), shared for educational purposes. 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.
