5 Ways Red Light and Near Infrared Light Therapies Can Improve Your Health

Written By Ashley Gabriel

What if I told you the secret to anti-aging, fat-loss & improved health was simply — light?

Red light therapy (RLT), and Near infrared light or (NIR) have become a popular buzzwords in the wellness world. But what exactly are they and can they truly deliver the glowing results they promise? Let's dive into the science behind both and understand their 5 major benefits.

What is Red Light Therapy?

RLT works by sending low-level red wavelengths of light to your skin and cells, typically ranging from 600 to 650 nanometers (nm). This falls within the visible light spectrum, so it appears red to the naked eye. Meanwhile, NIR employs near-infrared wavelengths, ranging from approximately 700 to 1200 nm. These wavelengths are invisible to the human eye.

It’s believed that both RLT and NIR work by interacting with mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells, to increase their production and function. This may lead to repaired and improved cell health throughout the body. RLT Both RLT and NIR offer benefits for skin health

Which of the two light therapies you choose will depend on your specific health needs. Generally speaking, NIR penetrates deeper than RLT, so RLT is typically best for skin treatment, while NIR works well for deep tissues or bone healing.

5 Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy & Near Infrared Light Therapy:

  • Skin improvement: Both RLT and NIR offer benefits for skin health by improving the appearance of wrinkles via the stimulation of collagen production, the protein responsible for skin elasticity. It may also help reduce sun damage and improve overall skin texture while increasing circulation between blood and tissue cells. Research also indicates that RLT's anti-inflammatory properties can help combat acne by targeting bacteria that contributes to breakouts.

  • Pain management: Studies suggest that both RLT and NIR have pain relieving properties that can reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. They work by influencing the production of inflammation-reducing molecules. Because RLT penetrates less deep than NIR, it may be better for surface level pain while NIR may be best to treat deep tissues and joints.

  • Hair growth: RLT shows promise as a potential treatment for hair loss. It works in stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth by increasing cellular activity and promoting blood flow. This could lead to longer hair growth and potentially thicker hair. NIR’s role in hair growth is less studies but it may also contribute by increasing blood flow.

  • Fat loss: The theory behind RLT and NIR for fat loss centers around its influence on fat cells. When exposed to red light, some fat cells are thought to undergo lipolysis. This is a process in which stored triglycerides (fat) are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. These fatty acids are then released into the bloodstream and can be used by the body for energy. It’s important to note that RLT doesn’t actually burn off the fat by itself.

  • Wound healing: RLT and NIR have both shown promise in accelerating wound healing in the same way that they promote pain management - via tissue repair and by reducing inflammation. It’s best understood in the contect of cell renewal. RLT and NIR’s interaction with mitochondria, the cell's power source, is thought to increase energy production. This can fuel the cellular processes involved in tissue regeneration and growth, which are crucial for wound closure. Studies suggest RLT and NIR can also stimulate vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This increased blood flow can deliver essential oxygen and nutrients to the wound site, which are vital for cell proliferation and tissue repair.

My personal experience with RLT & NIR

I am a big proponent of RLT & NIR because they have worked for me in a variety of truly amazing ways.

First, hip pain. I have a degenerative condition which had been progressing rather rapidly as far as pain and discomfort. I saw a physical therapist for 6 months to do extensive preventative therapy that would hopefully improve the way I stand and walk and therefore slow the progression on my hip sockets. PT however did nothing for me. I would even venture to say that it made things worse. So I stopped it altogether cold turkey. After a few months of doing nothing, I dedicated 5 days a week to 10 minutes of RLT & NIR. Within 2 months my hip pain has gone from a 7 to a 1-2 and is sometimes not even noticeable.

Second, during this time I have also seen improvement in my fine lines and wrinkles on my face. I have a large panel (which I link below) so I am able to stand up in front of it and get my full body in one go. My husband also swears that his skin appearance and hair growth have improved because of the RLT and NIR and I have to agree.

Lastly, I am certain that it has improved my sleep. But it’s important to note that I have to use my panel in the morning or daytime, because if I use it in the evening I find that I actually have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

The large high power devices I recommend:

RedRush 720 By Red Therapy.co

  • This is the panel I personally have. I like the size of it because I can treat almost my full body in one session

  • It’s 720 watts.

  • It’s 35” tall by 10.6” wide.

  • It has 240 LEDs.

  • It comes with a 50-50 split of 660nm Red and 850nm NIR

  • The price is great at $949.00 — get $100 off with my code: ALIGNEDWITHASHLEY

RedRush 360 By Red Therapy.co

  • This panel is more compact - it’s about half the size of the 720.

  • It’s 360 watts.

  • It’s 16.3” tall by 10.6” wide.

  • It has 120 LEDs.

  • It comes with a 50-50 split of 660nm Red and 850nm NIR

  • The price is $629 — get $100 off with my code: ALIGNEDWITHASHLEY

I have a used a few different RLT & NIR devices over the years but the one that I own right now, and love is the Red Therapy Co 720. Like I mentioned, I can stand in front of it for 10 minutes a day (5 minutes on each side of my body) and get the benefits all in one go.

If you're considering RLT, consult a healthcare professional to discuss its suitability for your needs. They can advise you on appropriate treatment options and potential risks.

Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of RLT & NIR. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. I am not a medical professional myself, I am a certified Health Coach who is a big proponent of RLT and NIR because they have helped my family and I in amazing ways. I always recommend these therapies to my clients but of course suggest that consult with their doctors for personal needs.

Summary

RLT and NIR are powerful therapies that can benefit you in so many ways - from skin health to anti-aging and pain management. My personal experience has made me a diehard proponent and I will continue to promote it from the rooftops until it’s mainstream and known by all!

References:

Red Light Therapy (RLT):

Near-Infrared (NIR) Therapy:

Ashley Gabriel

Hi I’m Ashley Gabriel! Ex reality TV producer who traded burnout and chronic stress for this roller coaster entrepreneur life. As a self-identified sensitive soul who used to get overwhelmed by everyyything — energetic work and SIMPLE biz strategy are my thing. The easier the better! If you want to finally build your DREAM business, the “chill” way, you’re in the right place.

https://www.ashleygabriel.com
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