Health benefits of red light therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that uses a low-light red wavelength to treat skin problems, such as wrinkles, scars and permanent wounds, among other conditions. In the early 1990s, scientists used RLT to help grow plants in space. Scientists have found that intense light-emitting red light diodes (LEDs) help promote plant cell growth and photosynthesis.
Then, red light was studied for its potential application in medicine, more specifically to find out if RLT could increase energy in human cells. The researchers hoped THAT RLT could be an effective way to treat muscle atrophy, slow wound healing, and bone density problems caused by weightlessness during space travel.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light is thought to work by creating a biochemical effect in mitochondrial-strengthening cells. Mitochondria are the power of a cell – an energy cell is created there. The molecule that carries energy is found in the cells of all living things is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). By increasing mitochondrial function using RLT, the cell can create more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate and repair damage.
What are the health benefits? Currently, there are data indicating that RLT may have the following benefits: promotes wound healing and tissue repair, improves hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia, helps for short-term treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, promotes healing of slow-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, reduces psoriasis lesions, aids with short-term pain relief and morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis…
Studies show that it reduces some side effects of cancer treatment, including oral mucositis, improves skin complexion and builds collagen to reduce wrinkles,helps repair sun damage,prevents recurrent ulcers from herpes simplex virus infection,improves joint health in people with degenerative knee osteoarthritis,helps reduce scarring…
There is a limited body of evidence to show that red light therapy does the following: treats depression, seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression, activates the lymphatic system that helps “detoxify” the body, strengthens the immune system, reduces cellulite, helps in weight loss, treats back or neck pain, fights periodontitis and dental infections, treats acne, reduces insomnia…
How often should you do red light therapy?
Each individual will react to RLT somewhat differently. The general recommendation is that this form of therapy be consistently tried for about eight to 12 weeks. You can start with shorter sessions and consider increasing the time after you track your reaction. For best results, the goal is to complete three to five sessions per week in the first one to four weeks.