Red Light Therapy
BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT THERAPY
- Skin health + repair
- Collagen production
- Reduced inflammation
- Chronic pain relief
- Muscle recovery
- Wound healing
- Improved cognition
- Circadian rhythm and endocrine system support
HOW IT WORKS
Red light produces a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell!
It’s where the energy of the cell is created. The energy carrying molecule found in our cells is ATP. By increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT, a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves and repair damage!
SKIN HEALTH AND REPAIR
Unlike other skin treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL), RLT does not damage your skin to induce tissue repair. It skips directly to stimulating skin repair and rejuvenation!
Other anti-aging benefits of red light therapy include reduced under eye wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, laugh lines and crow’s feet. RLT is known to reduce scarring due to its cell repair capabilities.
I personally have noticed a difference in my skin since starting RLT a year ago. It’s a game changer.
COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
In a study of 136 people, the majority of participants noticed fewer wrinkles and fine lines, smoother skin and improved skin appearance after using RLT. Collagen ultrasonography scans (what scientists use to measure the collagen in your skin) taken before and after treatments revealed significantly improved collagen density.
Skin complexion, collagen intensity and wrinkle status significantly improved through the use of red light therapy.
REDUCED INFLAMMATION
Red light therapy provides a therapeutic effect on the symptoms of inflammation by increasing mitochondria, blood circulation, and reducing oxidative stress. As this occurs, inflammation is reduced.
Dr. Hamblin, one of the world’s leading photo-modulation researchers, states that RLT is a very mild form of stress that activates protective mechanisms in cells. When the mitochondria are encouraged to make more energy, this boosts the production of anti – inflammatory and antioxidants that speed up healing and reduce overall inflammation.
CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF
Unlike pain medications, red light therapy doesn’t actually block pain. It works by improving the health and function of our cells, leading to a pain free body in the long run. Clinical studies have shown RLT to relieve pain in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dental pain, oral microsites (from chemo) and back pain. In particular, RLT seems to be very effective in reducing joint pain. Not to mention it doesn’t have the negative side effects of pain reliever OTC medications!
MUSCLE RECOVERY AND WOUND HEALING
RLT when used after exercise can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and speed up muscle recovery. When used before exercise, RLT has been shown to improve performance and endurance!
RLT is also shown to support overall cell repair and healing.
RLT works by reducing inflammation, stimulation of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), promoting collagen production and stimulating granulation tissue – the layer of tissue cells that your body produces to cover a wound. Athletes often use RLT to hasten recovery.
CIRCADIAN RHYTHM AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM SUPPORT
RLT can help you sleep better by improving the circadian rhythm and increasing production of melatonin. A 2012 trial on female athletes found that
30 minutes of RLT every night for 14 days resulted in improved sleep quality, more balanced melatonin and better endurance (as a result)!
BLT has been shown to promote balance systematically when it comes to hormones. The cascading impact of supporting mitochondria benefits chemical communications and functions within the endocrine system.