Today, we take a look at what red light therapy is, what it actually does, and how you can benefit from this type of therapy. So, settle in with your favorite beverage, be it wine, coffee, or a good chai latte, and let's begin!
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a safe and simple treatment that delivers concentrated light to your skin and cells using the same wavelengths as natural sunlight, without the harmful UV rays.
RLT helps stimulate the mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses within cells responsible for energy production known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). As we age and have limited access to sunlight due to our busy lives, ATP production slows down, leaving us feeling sluggish. This is where red light therapy comes in to save the day!
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
- Increased ATP Production: RLT helps create more ATP, boosting energy levels.
- Antioxidant Production: It aids in reducing oxidative stress associated with cell injury, muscle fatigue, and joint pain & inflammation. These antioxidants increase the production of heat proteins, special enzymes that protect cells from stress and early aging.
- Improved Circulation: RLT increases circulation, ensuring tissues receive more oxygen, essential for healing and removing toxic byproducts.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Not all wavelengths are equal. Only certain wavelengths deliver light effective enough to produce optimal health benefits. Researchers have found that red light in the mid-600 nanometer range and near-infrared light in the mid-800 range are most beneficial for our health.
According to extensive research by Michael Hamblin, M.D., an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, the most effective wavelengths within the natural light spectrum are:
- 660 nanometers (Red Light): Quickly absorbed by the skin, ideal for cosmetic treatments.
- 850 nanometers (Near Infrared Light): Penetrates deeper into the body, helping with muscle recovery, joint pain & inflammation, and overall body health.
Scientific Explanation
The total amount of energy delivered per area during treatment is measured in Joules/cm2. This is calculated by multiplying the irradiance of the device by the treatment time in seconds, divided by 1000.
Example:
- Irradiance of an Recharge Lights device @ 15cm distance from the body: 100 mW/cm2
- Recommended treatment time: 10 minutes
Calculation:
The total energy output in a 10-minute session is 60,000 joules.
Clinically Proven Health Benefits
Red light therapy has been clinically proven to:
- Reduce joint pain and arthritis
- Increase muscle recovery after exercise
- Improve skin health
- Improve thyroid function
- Increase testosterone in men
- Aid in weight loss
Additional Potential Benefits
Clinical trials are being conducted to explore how RLT may help reduce certain mental disorders and diseases, such as:
- Depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Dementia & Alzheimer's
Getting Started with Red Light Therapy
At Recharge Lights, we specialize in providing high-quality, affordable red light therapy devices.
If you’re interested in learning more about our devices, you can check them out here.
Get started with red light therapy at home and save 10% on our devices for a limited time!