Are you curious about the hype surrounding red light therapy?
With its growing popularity in the health and wellness industry, you might be wondering what this innovative treatment actually does. Using specific wavelengths of red light or near-infrared light, red light therapy claims various benefits, from reversing skin aging to easing chronic pain. But what lies behind these claims? In this article, we will discuss the science of red light therapy.
What is Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level red light or near-infrared light to target specific areas of your body. It's gaining popularity for its potential to improve various health conditions.
The wavelengths used in red light therapy, typically ranging from 600 to 850 nanometers, are able to penetrate the skin and reach the cellular level without causing any thermal damage or discomfort. This makes red light therapy a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to supporting overall health and well-being.
Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) offers a range of potential benefits across aspects of health and well-being, including skin health, pain relief and recovery, energy and metabolism boost, sleep and mood improvement, and hair growth and restoration.
Skin health
Pain relief and recovery
Energy and metabolism boost
Sleep and mood improvement
Hair growth and restoration
RLT stimulates hair follicles to promote thicker, healthier hair growth. It also helps reverse thinning and balding by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work
Red light therapy works by utilizing specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to interact with cells and tissues in the body. These wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells responsible for energy production.
Here is the cellular process involved:
Common Myths about Red Light Therapy
RLT has become increasingly popular, but with its rise in popularity, several myths have also surfaced. Here are some myths debunked:
Myth 1: All red light therapy devices are the same.
There are different types of red light therapy devices, each with unique properties and applications. Red light therapy devices use wavelengths of red light (around 660nm) or Near-infrared light (850nm), while some might also use blue light (about 415nm). Each red light therapy device targets different cellular processes.
Myth 2: Red light therapy burns skin.
RLT uses low-level light. When used correctly with the recommended exposure time and devices, RLT shouldn’t cause burns. However, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a doctor for any concerns.
Myth 3: Red light therapy has immediate, instant results.
Red light therapy is a gradual process, and results may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. While some people experience noticeable improvements relatively quickly, others may require more time and consistent treatment to see significant results. Patience and regular use are often key to optimal outcomes.
Myth 4: Red light therapy is just a fad without scientific evidence.
While research on red light therapy is still ongoing, there is a growing body of scientific literature supporting its potential benefits. Numerous studies have investigated red light therapy’s effects on various conditions and demonstrated positive outcomes.
According to “Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation,” red light therapy increased skin firmness by 23.6% after 84 days of treatment. “Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation” concluded that photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is effective in reducing inflammation, which is particularly important for disorders of the joints, traumatic injuries, lung disorders, and brain conditions.
However, it’s essential to differentiate between studies conducted with appropriate parameters and those with limitations, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of red light therapy’s mechanisms and applications.
Device :Acu-LED is a small round device of 4 cm diameter, which emits 19 LED lights, of which 9 are red with wavelength 650 nm and 10 are infrared with a wavelength of 850 nm
Only the red ones of 650 nm are visible, while the infrared ones of 850 nm are outside the visual spectrum and therefore not detectable
Acu-led can be used both as a monotherapy for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and its skin revitalising effect, but also as a full-fledged form of therapy that can join other therapies such as acupuncture, osteopathy, physiotherapy, etc.
As monotherapy, one simply places the acu-led on the pain points and uses the combination of red and infrared
As a full-fledged therapy, it is preferable to place the acu-led on the pain points on the one hand and on the acupuncture points or reflex zones on the other, as with Tung acu-led. The combination of red and infrared is always used and the different points and zones are stimulated simultaneously.
For the skin, such as revitalising the skin or for acne, only the red LED lights of 650 nm are used.
Acu-Led patch : Simply apply to the pain area for 10 minutes
602 LED chips, the light irradiance is more uniform. Simple design, fashionable and concise, can be used anytime and anywhere. Smart buttons and humanized design give you a better experience. Powerful and suitable for all kinds of muscle soreness problems. Medical grade sticker, free to stick without dead ends. Wireless connection, making travel more convenient. Safe and non-invasive.
acu-LED therapy is a non-invasive, painless and effective treatment that uses red and infrared light to stimulate healing and regeneration in cells and tissues. It is used for various conditions, including skin conditions, wound healing, musculoskeletal pain and cognitive function.
Acu-LED therapy uses wavelengths of 650 nem and 850 nm. Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths in the skin, with shorter wavelengths penetrating more superficially and longer wavelengths penetrating deeper.
Red light of 650 nm, for example, is absorbed by mitochondria in cells, leading to an increase in ATP production and cell metabolism. This can improve skin health, reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Infrared light of 850 nm can penetrate deeper into tissues and stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Infrared light can also reduce inflammation and relieve pain by increasing blood flow and promoting the release of nitric oxide.
It is also important to note that the effectiveness of acu-led can vary depending on individual factors such as skin type. Patients with darker skin may need a higher power density to achieve the same therapeutic effect as patients with lighter skin, due to the increased absorption of light by melanin.
Does acu-led work for pain?
acu-LED therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses red and infrared light to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
acu-LED therapy works by stimulating the body's natural healing processes using low-level light energy. This light energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the cells, where it is converted into cellular energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the fuel that powers all cellular processes, including the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue.
acu-LED therapy also works by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. When the red and infrared light is absorbed by cells, it causes the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells, helping them heal and regenerate faster.
Acu-led has been shown to have several beneficial effects on the body, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved blood flow and increased cell regeneration. These effects make it a promising treatment option for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, sports injuries and more.
There have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of acu-led in treating pain. In general, the results are promising.
In a 2013 study published in the journal Pain Research and Treatment, researchers found that red light therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study involved 40 patients who received red light therapy or placebo treatment for four weeks. Those who received red light therapy showed significant improvements in pain, stiffness and physical function compared to the placebo group.
Another study, published in the journal Lasers in Medical Science, showed that red light therapy was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study involved 40 patients who received red light therapy or placebo treatment for four weeks. Those who received the red light therapy showed significant improvements in pain, sensitivity and muscle function compared to the placebo group.
A 2014 review of the literature on red light therapy and pain management, published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, showed that red light therapy was effective in reducing pain in several conditions, including chronic neck pain, chronic low back pain and knee osteoarthritis.
What are the benefits of acu-led for pain relief?
Besides its pain-relieving effects, red light therapy has a number of other benefits for the body. These include:
Reduced inflammation: Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in the body. This can be especially beneficial in conditions such as arthritis, which are characterised by inflammation in the joints.
Improved blood circulation: Red light therapy can help improve blood circulation in the body, which can be beneficial in promoting healing and reducing pain.
Increased cell regeneration: Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of new cells, which can promote healing and tissue regeneration.
Non-invasive, safe and inexpensive
It is important to note that red light therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you experience chronic pain, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Conclusion
acu-LED therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation and promoting healing. Especially when acu-led is placed on acupuncture points, pain points or reflexogenic zones, the effect is maximised and is therefore an ideal support to an acupuncture, osteopathy or kine treatment.