What is Light Therapy?
Light therapy is among the earliest recorded healing modalities. Solar Therapy was first used by the Egyptians. Forms of light therapy were also practised by the ancient Greeks, Chinese and Indians.
Light Therapy has been called a number of different names over the years, most commonly LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy) or cold laser therapy. Currently, Light Therapy is being referred to as Photo-bio-modulation (PBM). “Photo” means light, “bio” means life, and “modulation” means a change.
This new term perfectly describes how Light Therapy works – it uses light to cause a photo-chemical change in living tissue. This holds true for all living things, humans, dogs, cats or emus!
Biological reaction to light is nothing new. There are numerous examples of light induced photo-chemical reactions in biological systems. Vitamin D synthesis in our skin is an example of a photochemical reaction. We normally experience this through our eyes which are obviously photosensitive. Our vision is based upon light hitting our retinas and creating a chemical reaction that allows us to see. Throughout the course of evolution, photons have played a vital role in photo-chemically energising our cells.
Over the past 50 years science has discovered that specific wavelengths of light (mostly in the blue, red and near-infrared range) can penetrate our cells and allow them to function better and heal faster.
In fact, Light Therapy can dramatically increase circulation to injury sites and areas of chronic pain. The increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue. This results in:
- Rapid pain relief
- Decrease in inflammation
- Accelerated healing
- Regeneration and rejuvenation of damaged tissues and nerves
Until recently, this technology has mainly been used in clinical settings to aid in wound healing and pain relief. However, recent developments in LED technology led to a new generation of Light Therapy devices that deliver the same healing results but are safer and more comfortable than cold lasers.
Light Therapy has been rapidly adopted by various groups – professional athletes looking to up their recovery rate; biohackers wanting to enhance their biology, beauty gurus looking for ways to increase their collagen levels and reduce cellulite; longevity seekers who want to feel young and energetic for as long as possible, and others.
As scientific research continues, more and more applications are being discovered. It is now clear that almost everyone can benefit from Light Therapy.
How does Light Therapy work?
In the human body, light is essential in supporting a wide range of cellular functions.
The powerhouse of our cells, our mitochondria, need oxygen to combine with the glucose from the food we eat to make energy. Mitochondria produce energy, packaged as molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Light Therapy boosts this natural effect by enabling the mitochondria to produce more ATP.
But in damaged or ageing cells, instead of oxygen, we have nitric oxide stuck in the mitochondria. So oxygen cannot get in, and the cells can’t produce energy. When this happens, the body is less able to heal and regenerate itself. This can lead to increase in pain and inflammation.
However, when therapeutic light is absorbed into living tissue, it knocks the stuck nitric oxide in the mitochondria out of the cell, so oxygen can get back in, combine with glucose to once again produce energy for the cell to do its job.
Although nitric oxide is the villain inside the cells, it is a life-saver on the outside! Nitric oxide, once released, causes blood vessels to dilate. This increases circulation, with extra blood bringing more oxygen and glucose to the damaged tissues. The tissues can then start to repair. With this, the pain and inflammation will go down.
What conditions can be helped with Light Therapy?
Research studies have indicated that Light Therapy can assist the body in healing a number of conditions. These include (but are not limited to):
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune conditions
- Anti-ageing
- Bone fractures
- Brain disorders (Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, Dementia, TBI)
- Ear, nose and throat issues
- Gut issues
- Hormonal imbalances
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Mood disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Pain – acute or chronic
- Respiratory conditions
- Sciatica
- Skin conditions
- Sleep issues
- Surgery recovery
- Sporting performance and injuries
- Thyroid issues
- Wound healing
Is Light Therapy scientifically proven?
The medical and scientific community has been researching the effects of Light Therapy in its various forms for over 100 years.
The use of Light Therapy for injury and pain has recently been gaining wider attention as consumers are looking for alternatives to painkillers and opioids.
To date, the scientific literature on Light Therapy encompasses well over 6000 titles substantiating the technology’s ability to promote tissue repair and reduce pain (see database of PubMed peer reviewed scientific and medical studies).
What kind of lights are used in Light Therapy?
Two different technologies are currently used to deliver Light Therapy. Traditionally laser lights were used by practitioners in medical and research settings. These are expensive and carry significant risks if used incorrectly. However, with the improvement in LED technology, there are now cheaper, safer and more versatile Light Therapy devices available that work as well, if not better, than their laser cousins.
Although debate still continues on which is more superior, research has shown that living tissue responds to both laser and LED light, because it is the colour (wavelength) that causes the cellular response and not the source of light or the power. Of course, you need enough power to start the reaction, but that’s as low as 1mW/cm^2!
The three most common colours (wavelengths) used for therapeutic purposes are red, near-infrared and blue. Although new discoveries have recently been made about the benefits of green and amber light.
The bulk of clinical literature has shown light in the mid-600nm range (red), and low-to mid-800nm range (near-infrared) to be most effective in increasing circulation, stimulating healing and tissue regeneration.
Different cell and tissue types each have their own unique light absorption properties. This means certain tissues absorb certain colours better than others. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration to deliver energy to the cells, stimulate healing and relieve pain.
- Red – (620nm to 700nm) penetrates up to 8 – 10 mm deep (skin dermis layer, blood supply and activating acupuncture points)
- Near Infrared – (up to 1000nm) – penetrates up to 100 mm deep (bones, muscles and tendons)
- Blue – has a very short wavelength (380nm to 500nm) and only penetrates the top layers of skin (2-3 mm). It has shown to be an effective antibacterial, and is therefore considered particularly beneficial for skin and wound healing.
- Green – (490 to 565nm) penetrates about 3 mm, relieves headaches and migraines, soothes nerve pain and emotional issues. Releases 10x more oxygen = oxygenates tissues, provides nascent O2 for release of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). Stimulates stem cell differentiation. Reduces redness, hyperpigmentation, acne, sunspots, melasma, and much much more…
- Amber (Gold) – (585-590 nm) penetrates about 4.5 mm, rejuvenates skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma and rosacea.
In some instances the body benefits from two or more colours delivered at the same time. This is called Polychromatic Light Therapy. Many researchers and practitioners are reporting that using more than one colour may offer additional benefits.