Light is essential for the development and health of every living species on this planet. In humans, natural light is necessary for vitamin D production and balancing the circadian rhythm.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, our bodies are severely under-illuminated. We spend so much time indoors under harsh artificial light looking at bright screens, but not enough time outdoors exposed to the natural light spectrum.
No wonder our circadian rhythm, sleep and energy levels are completely out of whack!
Luckily, there is a way to get more of the good light waves without drastically changing your lifestyle or even leaving the house. And it's been used by scientists and astronauts at NASA!
If you're looking for something that can supercharge your health, keep reading to learn about red and infrared light therapy.
Red and Infrared Light Waves
Most of the light waves on the spectrum -- measured in nanometres (nm) -- are invisible to us, bar a VERY small visible light spectrum that ranges from 390 β 750nm.
Within this visible spectrum, low-energy red light waves fall between 625 β 750nm. Beyond the visible light spectrum, on the red light side, we find infrared light. We can't see it but we feel it as heat. Infrared light consists of near, mid and far-infrared waves that measure between 750nm β 1mm. However, near-infrared (750 β 1200nm) is closest to the red spectrum and has the most health benefits.
When it comes to red light therapy, the consensus seems to be that the effective "therapeutic window" for light lies within wavelengths of 630-680nm and 800-880nm.
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What is Red Light Therapy and How Does it Work?
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Red light therapy -- also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT) -- is a completely natural and non-invasive treatment that heals the body on a cellular level.
It delivers low-energy red and near-infrared (NIR) light waves to the body through efficient LED bulbs. Red and NIR light have the same biological benefits and work synergistically, penetrating up to 5 - 10cm below the surface of the skin. Red light waves penetrate the superficial layers of the skin, and the longer wavelength NIR light targets deeper tissues like nerves, muscles, tendons and bone.
So, how does it work?
Red light boosts energy production in human cells by stimulating photoreceptor proteins called cytochrome C oxidase (1). This encourages the mitochondria -- the energy powerhouse of the cell -- to break down nitric oxide and efficiently generate more of the energy molecules adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy currency of the cell and optimal ATP production supports health and repair by enabling the cells to perform efficiently and allowing the body to heal.
Additionally, red light therapy creates something called hormesis -- low-dose stress in the cell. This kind of short-term stress -- much like exercise -- is good for the body as it boosts protein synthesis and enzyme activation. It strengthens the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defences in the body and improves the overall health and resilience of cells.
Red light waves also increase blood flow, thus improving nutrient and oxygen delivery to cells throughout the body.
Health Benefits of Red + Near-Infrared Light Therapy
By affecting change and promoting healing at a cellular level, red light therapy delivers a varied range of benefits. An astonishing number of studies -- more than 3000 to be specific -- have established a multitude of health benefits due to red and infrared light.
