Sponsored by Body Balance System.
From its origins in NASA experiments on plant growth in space and helping heal wounds in astronauts to eventually treating skin cancers and a multitude of other issues, red-light therapy “is already widely medically accepted in its use in photodynamic therapy” according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Red-light therapy works by acting on cell mitochondria, the “power plant” of the body’s cells, supplying extra energy to boost new cell growth to repair and enhance the skin, reduce pain, improve circulation, sleep, and much more.
Benefits of red-light therapy include:
Combats Fibromyalgia and Fights Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism — Researchers in Brazil have been studying the effects of low-level laser therapy on the thyroid gland in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and the results have been astonishing. Most significantly, they found that all patients who received the therapy were able to reduce their levothyroxine dose, while 47% were able to discontinue levothyroxine and have normal thyroid function during the nine-month follow-up.
Decreases Pain — As light penetrates the body, a photochemical reaction is induced in the cells, a process referred to as “photobiomodulation” or PBM. Cascades of therapeutic chemical processes that support the body’s own innate healing capabilities are being released. Radiation of tissue with light causes an increase in mitochondrial products such as ATP, NADH, protein, and RNA. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) provides cellular energy and fights oxidative stress. Nitric oxide is also released, which plays an important role in phototherapy pain relief.
Lowers Inflammation and Potential Inflammation-Related Diseases – Red-light therapy alleviates chronic inflammation by increasing blood flow to the damaged tissues, and has been found in numerous clinical trials to increase the body’s antioxidant defenses.
Improves Circulation — The diodes in a red-light therapy device release photons of light of specific wavelength and intensity, which penetrate deep into the body and triggers a cascade of beneficial chemical reactions, especially the instant release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the human body’s natural vasodilator, instantaneously widening the blood vessels and capillaries and allowing for improved circulation in the local area under the red-light therapy device. This improved blood flow brings nutrient-rich and oxygen-rich blood into the nerves and other tissues, which reduces pain. This increased flow of blood helps the body to operate in a state of homeostasis, or a stable equilibrium of physical and chemical conditions, thereby promoting optimal functioning where circulation is increased and pain is reduced.
Help Tendonitis, Improves Joint Health, and Combats Arthritis — As red and NIR photons enter the cells, they stimulate the production of the high-energy molecule ATP which energizes cells. More cellular energy equals better performance, much the same as you perform at your best when you are filled with energy. Peak cellular functioning is critical to overall health, a strong immune system, reduced inflammation, physical energy and longevity.
Improves Body Detoxification Ability — Red light works on the lymphatic system to improve your body’s detoxification abilities by increasing blood flow.
Improves Brain Health and Cognitive Performance — Red light stimulates the regrowth of neurons, which is a process known as neurogenesis. It also stimulates synaptogenesis (the formation of synapses between neurons), which influences the brain’s neuroplasticity (the brain’s natural ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections). This is especially helpful in cases of TBI where cognitive functions have been impaired. Red light therapy may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral and/or cognitive therapy.
Increases Fat Loss and Burns Off Fat — Red light triggers the formation of small openings, or pores, in fat cells which then releases fatty acids known as lipids. One study found that just four minutes of exposure to 635nm red light caused 80% of lipids to be released from fat cells, and by six minutes almost all the fat had been released.
Speeds Up Wound Healing and Scarring – Red-light therapy devices work by emitting wavelengths of light, stimulating the production of ATP, cellular regeneration, and removing oxidative stress. Your body’s healing process now becomes faster because of red light therapy.
Improves Sleep Quality, Fall Asleep Faster — During a red-light therapy session, retinal cells in the eyes perceive the light from the red light therapy device, affecting certain chemicals in your brain. These chemicals are melatonin and serotonin, and they are responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. The perception of light delays your brain’s melatonin production, waking you up and lifting your mood.
Increases Energy Levels and Combats Chronic Fatigue — The primary function of red-light therapy is to increase energy production. Red light strengthens the mitochondria, the part of the cell that creates energy. By doing so, this procedure increases energy levels. The procedure also improves thyroid function.
Pre-Workout: Enhances Muscle Gain, Strength, Endurance, and Recovery – Red-light therapy increases muscle torque at the beginning of the exercise and maintains the levels of lactate after resistance exercise. Therefore, light therapy with these parameters can be utilized in rehabilitation to improve muscle performance.
Post Workout: Reduces Delayed/Onset Muscle Soreness — Natural red and near-infrared light also increases antioxidant activity in the body. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidants. This leads to the deterioration of cells. So as red-light therapy penetrates the skin and stimulates antioxidants, it plays a key role in reducing the oxidative stress that comes with delayed onset muscle soreness.
Increases Oxygen Uptake and Decreases Shortness of Breath — The emission of the light helps the blood cells take up more oxygen and nutrients to be utilized throughout the body, assisting proper breathing.
Reduces Cellulite — Red light stimulates fibroblast production (fibroblasts are the precursors to collagen), which will help thicken skin as well as the underlying connective tissue and restore elasticity. Once skin becomes more elastic and thicker, subcutaneous fat is more contained and less likely to push outward.
Promotes Firmer, More Radiant and Smoother Skin – Red-light therapy stimulates blood circulation and the development of new capillaries. Because of this, more nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the skin resulting in a healthier radiance. This light stimulus gives you that instant glow that people associate with healthy and young skin.
Reverses Skin Aging as Skin Appears More Youthful — Because of the loss of collagen, wrinkles start to creep up on our face (or neck). Red-light therapy helps boost collagen and fibroblasts production to help correct these unsightly tell-tale signs of aging.
Slows Hair Loss and Stimulates Hair Growth — Red light has been found to be especially effective at treating hair loss; specifically, light in the 620nm (nanometer) to 660nm wavelengths work best. It works by increasing blood flow in the scalp, which stimulates the metabolism in hair follicles, resulting in the production of more hair. Red-light therapy helps hair grow in a few ways: 1) accessing the mitochondria and stimulating fast hair cell repair and growth; 2) promoting blood flow and circulation to the scalp and hair follicles which strengthens hair, and; 3) helping reduce and prevent scalp inflammation which hinders hair growth.
Improves Oral Health — Red or infrared light triggers a regeneration of particular parts of the tooth and gum whilst simultaneously reducing the number of negative bacteria.
About Body Balance System
Body Balance System designs, engineers and manufactures red-light therapy devices for professional and home use. We have been awarded and recognized as a leader in red-light therapy innovation. The OvationULT Red Light Therapy Bed includes vibrational massage, eliminating the need for post vibration, and the new OvationBooth serves as a space-saving solution for patient treatment. Learn more at Bodybalancesystem.com or call (877) 296-2228.