My Experience With Red Light Therapy
I know that Red Light Therapy is nothing new. It is something my husband has been using for years while at the rink, but it is becoming more mainstream now. I’ve been seeing mention of it in beauty devices, masks for anti-aging and it’s even being encouraged for full body use.
In the 1990s, red light was used to help grow plants. They found that the red light helped the growth and photosynthesis of plant cells, so they then turned to humans in testing to see if it would help increase energy in human cells.
Red light is thought to help improve cells that strengthen the mitochondria, which is the powerhouse of the cells and where the cells energy is created. So, Red Light Therapy increases the mitochondrial function allowing the cell to make the energy-carrying molecules. With this increase in energy the cell is able to function more efficiently.
RED LIGHT VS. NEAR INFRARED LIGHT
Both red and near infrared light are both considered natural light and both are able to improve the function of the cells. What sets them apart is that red light is absorbed by the skin tissue, which improves skin health and the production of collagen in your skin. Near infrared light goes deeper into your tissue and can improve muscle recovery and joint pain.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT THERAPY?
promotes wound healing and tissue repair
helps to diminish scars
short-term treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
helps to relieve pain and inflammation
improves skin complexion, acne and scars from acne
helps to mend sun damage
improves joint health
encourages hair growth
WHY I CONTINUE TO USE RED LIGHT THERAPY
improves skin health and effects of aging
heals the skin (after laser treatments, my face heals much faster with RLT)
pain relief
joint health (I was already seeing signs of arthritis, but it has gone away now)
cellular health and hormone balance
There are some studies suggesting that Red Light Therapy can help with thyroid function, which of course caught my attention, because I have been dealing with hypothyroidism for over 10 years with zero improvement. I have now been using Red Light Therapy consistently for about 8 months and just 6 weeks ago I was able to reduce my thyroid medication for the first time since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism years ago.
RED LIGHTS I HAVE USED:
This was my intro into Red Light Therapy. I really liked this one because of how small it is. It’s easy to travel with and I’m able to use it whenever, wherever I am. Definitely less of a commitment than a larger panel.
My most recent purchase, this Red Light Panel is by Leanne Venier. I bought this after listening to Lesley Rubinoff (AKA, the holistic health genius) podcast that Leanne was on. You can listen HERE. This is a larger panel that you plug in, so no concern about EMF’s. I use this one daily.
Not ready to invest in a red light panel? There are some benefits you can get from just a red lightbulb! Red light can lower cortisol (your stress hormone) and promote relaxation, so swapping out the lightbulbs in your bedroom to red ones could help you get into sleep mode quicker and promote a better night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for a great podcast to listen to on the subject of Red Light Therapy and learn more about how it might help you, I recommend the Huberman Lab. You can listen to the episode HERE.
I’d love to know if you’ve tried Red Light Therapy and what you think of it! Have you benefitted from it? Let me know in the comments below!
Much Love,
SOURCES USED: Healthline