Red Light Therapy
On ATP production and Mark Sloan's book "Red Light Therapy - Miracle Medicine"
I’m in a “therapy” phase.
So, following on from Ozone Therapy and Balneotherapy, we are now going to dive into Red Light Therapy.
Remember, anything that keeps us away from their Science™, Doctors™ and Hospitals™ is good, while anything that doesn’t, just bin it.
To that end, Red Light Therapy is another Machine™ avoiding solution.
Let’s get this show on the road with another garden analogy.
Analogy
Let's think of a garden that's struggling to grow. Imagine the plants in this garden are like the cells in our body, and they need certain conditions to thrive: sunlight, water, and nutrients. In this analogy, red light therapy is like a special kind of sunlight (without the harmful UV rays) that reaches deep into the soil, providing energy directly to the roots of the plants.
Just as plants use sunlight for photosynthesis to produce energy for growth and repair, our body's cells use the energy from red light therapy to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is like the energy currency of the cell. This "special sunlight" (red light therapy) helps the "plants" (our cells) to grow stronger, repair themselves more efficiently, and be more resilient to damage.
So, when a garden receives this special kind of light, several things happen:
The plants heal faster from damage: In our bodies, this translates to quicker wound healing and reduced recovery time from injuries.
Plants become more resistant to diseases: Similarly, red light therapy can help reduce inflammation in our body, bolstering our defense against various conditions and improving overall health.
Growth is enhanced: Just as plants grow taller and stronger, red light therapy can stimulate hair growth and improve skin health, making it look more vibrant and youthful.
The garden's overall health improves: On a broader scale, red light therapy supports our body's natural healing processes, improving circulation, enhancing muscle recovery, and even supporting brain function and mental health.
In this way, red light therapy offers a holistic approach to nurturing the "garden" of our body, encouraging it to thrive by providing deep, nourishing energy directly to our "roots" (cells), without causing harm or stress, just like a gentle, nurturing sunlight tailored for optimal health.
Now, let’s dive into some detail and look at two great articles on the subject by Yoho and Mercola.
273. CURES USING NEAR INFRARED (NIR) LIGHT AND ULTRAVIOLET BLOOD IRRADIATION (UBI)
Ari Whitten - The Benefits of Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy
Synthesized Summary
Benefits and Mechanisms of Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy
The articles discuss the healing properties of red and near-infrared light therapy, highlighting their role in improving health conditions that are not responsive to conventional medical treatments. These therapies are subsets of natural sunlight and provide the same benefits as direct sunlight exposure, which is crucial for health and disease prevention.
Ari Whitten, the author of "The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy," emphasizes the importance of regular sun exposure, noting the myriad of health benefits associated with it. He also points out the widespread fear of sunlight and misunderstandings about melanoma risks. Whitten explains that regular sun exposure actually has a protective effect against melanoma, as opposed to intermittent exposure, which is more likely to cause skin damage and increase melanoma risk.
The red and near-infrared light therapies work through various bioactive wavelengths and mechanisms. Cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria captures photons from red and near-infrared light, enhancing cellular energy production. Other mechanisms include the benefits of hormesis, transient spikes in reactive oxygen species, and retrograde signaling that modulates gene expression.
Whitten's interview dives into how these therapies can combat a range of ailments, from improving skin and muscle health to aiding those with hypothyroidism and chronic diseases. However, he cautions against the assumption that more exposure is always better, highlighting the biphasic dose response and noting that a small subset of people with poor health might be hypersensitive to the therapy.
Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) as a Corrective Treatment
The discussion of ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI) reveals a history of effective treatment against various pathogens and diseases. UBI works by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, exposing it to ultraviolet light, and then reintroducing it into the body. This method has shown remarkable success in treating a wide range of conditions, with minimal reported side effects.
The efficacy of UBI is attributed to its potential to correct a deficiency caused by insufficient sunlight exposure, akin to a nutrient deficiency. The treatment, which is now available in major US cities, has been the subject of numerous studies and is considered an underutilized therapy in modern medicine.
Both red and near-infrared light therapy and UBI are presented as effective, non-invasive, and safe alternatives to many traditional treatments, offering relief and healing where other methods fall short.
Key takeaways:
Red and near-infrared light therapy utilise wavelengths found in natural sunlight, providing health benefits akin to direct sunlight exposure.
Regular sun exposure is critical for health and disease prevention, contrary to fears associated with skin cancer risks.
The bioactive wavelengths of red and near-infrared light enhance energy production in cells, combatting a range of health issues.
Cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria is activated by these therapies, resulting in improved cellular energy.
Hormesis, the NRF2 pathway, and heat shock proteins play roles in the benefits of red and near-infrared light therapies.
Modulation of gene expression and retrograde signaling are involved in the therapeutic effects of these treatments.
Ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI) is a therapy that involves exposing a small amount of the patient's blood to UV light before reintroducing it to the body.
UBI has an extensive history of treating infectious diseases and various other conditions, often with high efficacy rates.
The therapeutic effects of both light therapies and UBI may be due to correcting sunlight deficiency, which is crucial for optimal health.
Caution is advised in the dosage of red and near-infrared light therapy, as overexposure can negate the benefits.
A subset of people with poor health may be hypersensitive to red and near-infrared light therapy and experience adverse reactions.
UBI has been researched for decades and is an established, yet underused, therapy in the medical community.
Both therapies represent safe, non-invasive alternatives to many traditional treatments, offering new hope for chronic conditions.
Excerpts:
"Red and near-infrared light are a subset of natural sunlight, which actually acts and has value as a nutrient."
"The most effective wavelengths that activate cytochrome c oxidase are in the 600 to 700 nanometer and the 800 to 1,000 nanometer ranges."
"Regular sun exposure ameliorates melanoma risk, as it engages innate adaptive systems in your skin."
"UBI is offering a new, completely safe, and noninvasive alternative to various anti-aging skin surgeries, Botox injections, and more abrasive chemical peels."
"Thousands of studies back the claim that near-infrared and red light promote health."
"It really matters what device you get... There are a lot of devices that are one-fiftieth the power output of the devices that I recommend."
"The fundamental reason that red and near-infrared light have so many incredible benefits on our health is because they are correcting a deficiency."
"Hundreds of thousands of patients have been treated in the 80 years since UBI was invented."
Statistics:
Over 5,000 studies have been published about red and near-infrared light therapy.
Outdoor workers have lower rates of melanoma despite three to nine times more sun exposure than indoor workers.
Ultraviolet blood irradiation has been successfully used in treating sixty diverse conditions.
Red and near-infrared light therapy can penetrate up to two inches into the body.
UBI has a reported efficacy rate of 60-80% in treated conditions.
A Finnish study observed an extended lifespan in men who used saunas averaging at least 14 minutes four days a week.
Whitten's group comprises about 10,000 people, with 1% to 5% appearing hypersensitive to red light therapy.
Near-infrared light at 800 to 900 nanometers penetrates about 20% to 30% deeper than red wavelengths in the 600 to 700 nanometers range.
Next, and relying on Mark Sloan’s book Red Light Therapy – Miracle Medicine I have created a set of tiered 21 Q&As (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced).
Here is the full PDF with all 21 Q&As
Also, here are Mark Sloan’s thoughts on hardware for Red Light Therapy at home.
Here are the first 7 Beginner Q&As.
Beginner
What is red light therapy and how does it differ from other forms of light therapy?
Red light therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses low-wavelength red light to treat various health conditions and promote healing. It is also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. Red light therapy primarily uses wavelengths between 620-750 nm, which can penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues.
Unlike other forms of light therapy, such as UV therapy or blue light therapy, red light therapy does not contain harmful ultraviolet rays and is generally considered safe for regular use. While UV therapy is mainly used for skin conditions like psoriasis and vitamin D deficiency, and blue light therapy is used for acne treatment, red light therapy has a wide range of applications, from wound healing to reducing inflammation and promoting cellular energy production.
The unique properties of red light allow it to stimulate cellular processes without causing damage, making it a versatile and non-invasive treatment option for various health concerns.
What are the main benefits of red light therapy?
Red light therapy has been shown to offer numerous health benefits, both for specific conditions and overall wellness. Some of the main benefits include:
Promoting wound healing and tissue repair
Reducing inflammation and pain
Improving skin health and appearance
Stimulating hair growth
Enhancing muscle recovery and physical performance
Supporting brain function and mental health
Reducing joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis
These benefits are attributed to red light therapy's ability to stimulate cellular energy production, improve blood circulation, and modulate inflammation. By targeting the underlying causes of various health issues, red light therapy can provide a safe and effective alternative or complementary treatment to traditional medical interventions.
How does red light therapy promote wound healing and tissue repair?
Red light therapy promotes wound healing and tissue repair through several mechanisms:
Stimulating collagen production: Collagen is a crucial protein for maintaining skin elasticity and strength. Red light therapy has been shown to increase collagen synthesis, which can help wounds heal faster and with less scarring.
Increasing cellular energy production: Red light therapy stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the mitochondria of cells. ATP is the primary energy source for cells, and increased ATP production can help cells function more efficiently, leading to faster healing.
Enhancing blood circulation: Red light therapy can improve blood flow to the treated area, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues and removing waste products. This increased circulation supports the healing process and reduces inflammation.
By promoting these cellular processes, red light therapy can accelerate wound healing, reduce recovery time, and minimize the appearance of scars. This makes it a valuable tool for treating various skin conditions, from cuts and burns to surgical incisions and chronic wounds.
What is the relationship between red light therapy and cellular energy production?
Red light therapy has a direct impact on cellular energy production, which is crucial for maintaining optimal health and promoting healing. The relationship between red light therapy and cellular energy production is based on the interaction between red and near-infrared light and the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell.
Within the mitochondria, there is an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, which plays a key role in the electron transport chain, the process responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, they are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase. This absorption stimulates the enzyme's activity, leading to an increase in ATP production.
Increased ATP production provides cells with more energy to carry out their functions, such as repairing damage, dividing, and communicating with other cells. This boost in cellular energy can lead to faster healing, reduced inflammation, and improved overall cellular health. By targeting the mitochondria directly, red light therapy can support the body's natural healing processes and help maintain optimal health at the cellular level.
Is red light therapy safe, and are there any potential side effects?
Red light therapy is generally considered safe, with few reported side effects. Unlike UV light therapy, red light therapy does not expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, red light therapy does not generate excessive heat, so there is minimal risk of thermal injury to the skin.
Most studies have found no significant adverse effects associated with red light therapy when used as directed. Some people may experience mild and temporary side effects, such as:
Skin redness or irritation
Eye strain or temporary vision changes (if eyes are exposed to the light)
Headaches or nausea (rare)
These side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly after the treatment session. To minimize the risk of side effects, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific red light therapy device and to protect the eyes during treatment.
However, as with any medical treatment, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting red light therapy, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking medications that may cause photosensitivity.
How can red light therapy be administered, and what devices are available for home use?
Red light therapy can be administered in various settings, including medical clinics, spas, and at home. The treatment is non-invasive and typically involves exposing the skin to a device that emits red and/or near-infrared light for a specific duration.
In professional settings, red light therapy may be delivered using:
Laser devices
LED light panels
Light beds or full-body pods
For home use, there are several types of devices available:
Handheld devices: These are small, portable devices that can be used to target specific areas of the body. They are ideal for treating localized pain, skin conditions, or wounds.
Tabletop devices: These are larger devices that can treat a wider area of the body. They are often used for facial treatments, hair loss, or for targeting larger muscle groups.
Light panels: These are full-body devices that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a stand. They are designed to treat larger areas of the body simultaneously and are often used for full-body wellness or athletic recovery.
When choosing a home-use device, it is essential to select a high-quality product that has been tested for safety and efficacy. Look for devices that use clinically-proven wavelengths (typically between 620-850 nm) and have adjustable settings to customize the treatment to your needs.
What role does red light therapy play in reducing inflammation and pain?
Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in various conditions, such as arthritis, tendinitis, and muscle soreness. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of red light therapy are achieved through several mechanisms:
Modulating inflammatory pathways: Red light therapy can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, while increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, like IL-10. By regulating these inflammatory pathways, red light therapy can help reduce overall inflammation in the body.
Increasing blood flow and oxygenation: Red light therapy stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a compound that dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. Enhanced blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Stimulating the lymphatic system: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing waste products and excess fluid from tissues. Red light therapy can stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce swelling and inflammation in the treated area.
Modulating pain perception: Red light therapy has been shown to influence the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving compounds. By increasing endorphin levels, red light therapy can help reduce pain perception and improve overall comfort.
These anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects make red light therapy a promising treatment option for various acute and chronic conditions characterized by inflammation and pain. As a non-invasive and drug-free treatment, red light therapy offers a safe and effective alternative or complementary approach to traditional pain management strategies.
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Thanks for quoting me. I was looking for the comment button and could not find it.
If you want to copy this into the comments at your end, it may be helpful to your readers.
When I examined red light therapy, it looked great. Whitten's book was adulatory. He seems to have affiliate links to all the red light manufacturers, which give commissions up to possibly 30 percent of the device prices. (Medication affiliate links that most chiropractors use can generate up to nearly 50 percent of the sales prices!)
I bought the Sauna Space $1500 set of four lights. These have near-infrared, which is the frequency range with proven effects, plus some far IR, which is primarily heat. They are designed for heating a small space sauna-style as well as exposing the occupant to the IR. My thoughts about the sauna health benefits studies was that they are less well proven than the IR effects.
Anyway, I have personally seen fewer benefits than Whitten or other authors claim, and my functional doctor friends concur from their experience with near IR.
I just bought a contact-with-skin near IR device and will report on that soon at the end of one of my posts. An expert I interviewed in person in Spain said that contact devices penetrated farther and were much more effective than pure irradiation devices like Sauna Space's. They claim up to 8 cm of body penetration.
I'm your fan, dude!
Nothing compares to the SUN...I've been out in peak sun (11am to 1pm) almost fully skin (obviously after getting a base tan with zinc as my only protection - took 2 days) for the last 10 days and EVERYTHING IS BETTER.