Tag: red light therapy

Shedding Light on Mental Health: The Benefits of Red Light Therapy

by Roxy Functional Wellness, posted in Health & Wellness, mental health

As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, it’s paramount to explore innovative approaches to enhancing mental well-being. One such approach gaining traction is red light therapy. This non-invasive treatment has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of various mental health conditions, offering a ray of hope to those seeking alternative solutions.

Understanding Red Light Therapy and near-infrared (NIR) Therapy:

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), involves exposure to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Red light therapy typically utilizes wavelengths in the range of 620 to 700 nanometers (nm), primarily targeting the visible red light spectrum. This light penetrates the skin to stimulate cellular function, promoting healing and regeneration. Red light therapy is commonly used for skincare, wound healing, pain relief, and reducing inflammation.

Near-Infrared Therapy or (NIR) utilizes wavelengths ranging from approximately 700 to 1100 nm, falling just beyond the visible red light spectrum. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles, joints, and deeper tissues. Near-infrared therapy primarily targets deeper tissues and has profound effects on cellular metabolism, promoting ATP production and facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. It can also help improve blood circulation and reduce oxidative stress. It is widely used for pain management, muscle recovery, joint health, and promoting overall tissue repair. It has applications in sports medicine, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, as well as in treating various chronic conditions such as arthritis and neuropathy.

At the cellular level, red light therapy works by enhancing mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, absorb photons from the red light, leading to increased ATP production. This boost in cellular energy facilitates various biological processes, including tissue repair and neurotransmitter synthesis, which are crucial for mental health.

Mental Health Benefits

Red light therapy has shown promise in improving mental health through several mechanisms:

  1. Neuroprotection: Red light therapy may protect neurons from damage and promote neuronal regeneration, potentially mitigating the progression of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
  2. Mood Regulation: By influencing neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin and dopamine, red light therapy may help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  3. Stress Reduction: Reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, red light therapy can help mitigate the effects of chronic stress on mental health.
  4. Improved Sleep Quality: Red light therapy has been shown to regulate circadian rhythms and improve sleep patterns. By enhancing melatonin production and reducing nighttime cortisol levels, it can promote deeper and more restful sleep, which is essential for mental health and well-being.
  5. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Red light therapy may support cognitive function by promoting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. It can help improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance, which are essential components of mental health and resilience.
  6. Reduced Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Red light therapy has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, typically during the winter months. By mimicking natural sunlight and regulating serotonin levels, it can help combat the depressive symptoms associated with SAD.
  7. Faster Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Red light therapy has demonstrated neuroprotective effects and can facilitate the recovery process in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It promotes neuronal repair and regeneration, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow to the injured brain regions, leading to faster recovery and improved mental function.

Popular Brands and Considerations

When considering red light therapy devices, quality and reliability are paramount. You may see red lights being sold on Amazon for $20, however it is extremely important to look at the quality of the product. There are “imposter” products on the market that utilized standard light that is colored red or some have even been found to use lights with UV rays (which are harmful!). Note, that good, quality products are not typically cheap. Here are three reputable brands along with their pros and cons:

  1. Joovv: Known for its high-quality panels, Joovv offers a range of red light therapy devices suitable for home use. Pros include FDA clearance and customizable settings. However, the initial cost can be prohibitive for some.
  2. Mito Red Light: Mito Red Light offers portable devices designed for convenience. Their products are known for their affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness in delivering red light therapy benefits. However, some users report issues with longevity. I do really like this brand and would highly recommend!
  3. PlatinumLED Therapy Lights: PlatinumLED Therapy Lights offers a variety of red light therapy panels suitable for home and professional use. Their devices are praised for their high irradiance, full-body coverage, and durable construction.
  4. RedTherapyCo: RedTherapyCo specializes in high-quality red light therapy devices for both personal and professional use. Their products are known for their efficacy in delivering therapeutic red light wavelengths and promoting overall wellness.
  5. GembaRed: GembaRed offers a range of red light therapy panels designed to deliver targeted light therapy for specific areas of the body. Their devices are praised for their compact design, ease of use, and effectiveness in providing red light therapy benefits.

Cautions and Contradictions

While generally safe, red light therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or skin cancer, should consult with a healthcare professional before starting treatment. Additionally, prolonged exposure to high-intensity light may cause eye damage, emphasizing the importance of wearing protective eyewear.

Incorporating Red Light Therapy into Daily Routine

Incorporating red light therapy into your daily routine is straightforward:

  1. Establish a Schedule: Determine the optimal time and duration for sessions, typically ranging from a few minutes to half an hour.
  2. Positioning: Place the device at an appropriate distance from your skin, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  3. Consistency: Commit to regular sessions to maximize the benefits of red light therapy for mental health.

As we navigate the complexities of mental health, exploring innovative treatments like red light therapy offers hope for those seeking effective solutions. By harnessing the power of light at a cellular level, we illuminate a path toward improved well-being and resilience. Let’s shine a light on mental health, one wavelength at a time.

Written By: Roxanne Oliver, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Published: 04/13/2024

*The information contained in this post is for information only. It does not replace routine follow-up and/or care with a certified and licensed medical provider.

References

  1. Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41-52.
  2. Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337-361.
  3. Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Photobiomodulation for traumatic brain injury and stroke. Journal of Neurorestoratology, 6(1), 1-8.
  4. Naeser, M. A., Saltmarche, A., Krengel, M. H., Hamblin, M. R., Knight, J. A., & Goebel, D. J. (2011). Significant improvements in cognitive performance post-transcranial, red/near-infrared light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, mild traumatic brain injury: open-protocol study. Journal of Neurotrauma, 28(5), 1-22.
  5. Ribeiro, M. S., Da Silva, D. F. T., De Araújo, C. E. P., De Oliveira, S. F., & Gomez, R. S. (2016). Photobiomodulation (LED and laser), as biomodulatory therapy in neurodegenerative diseases: A literature review. Laser Therapy, 25(3), 215-221.
  6. Zomorrodi, R., & Bernhardt, N. (2021). Low-level light therapy: a review of its application in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 34(1), 7-15.