Red Light Therapy seems to be a topic of conversation almost everywhere I go these days. Spas, wellness centers and chiropractic offices are offering red light therapy for skincare, anti-aging and even fat-burning. Yet most people haven’t heard of red light therapy for the brain, which is perhaps the most beneficial application of red light therapy of all. Red Light Therapy for the brain is also known as Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM), Brain Light Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy. It makes sense that something which has so many proven benefits to the body will also benefit the brain.
A Personal Experience with Red Light Therapy
While the immediate effects of light therapy on the brain may not always be noticeable, a personal experience illustrates its healing potential. As I often do when cooking, I burned my arm on the oven rack, but this time, it was worse than other times. My first thought was that I was going to blister and be in pain for days whenever I inevitably hit my arm against anything. My second thought was to try applying red light to the wound. After I finished cooking, I put my arm under the red light for 15 minutes. Lo and behold, when I removed my arm from the light, only a faint red mark remained. The fact that I never felt pain again seemed like nothing short of miraculous. I had a similar effect when I spilled hot coffee on my stomach. With a full 30- minute course of red light, not even a red mark remained.
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the Brain
So if Red Light Therapy can produce seeming miracles on my skin, what can it do for the brain? The answer is a lot! All functions of the body originate in the brain. Therefore when shining the healing light wavelengths of the sun on the brain, the benefits are many.
Key Benefits:
Cell Growth and Rejuvenation: tPBM has been shown to grow, repair, and rejuvenate cells in the brain.
Improved Mitochondrial Function: Improving the function of the mitochondria in the brain means increased cellular energy and survival.
Increased Blood Flow: Improves circulation, oxygenation and the delivery of nutrients to the brain.
Reduced Inflammation
Increased Serotonin and Dopamine: Potentially improving sleep, mood regulation, reducing pain, improving attention and focus and aiding digestion.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Neuroprotective effects: It is believed that tPBM may help prevent further progression of disease in the body and guard against strokes, dementia and Parkinson’s as we age.
Is Red Light Therapy Worth the Hype? What the Research Shows
Is Red Light Therapy worth the hype? You bet, it is. Before introducing Brain Light therapy into my practice, I heard countless amazing accounts from the pioneers in the field about their clients’ progress. I heard presentations of the research and accessed studies with proven results. Over 8,000 studies have been conducted to date with promising results for many different ailments. And now I am able to say that I see the benefits in myself and my clients.
The research has shown that Brain Light therapy can provide relief of some of the most difficult disorders to treat:
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Parkinson’s Disease
Autism
Traumatic Brain Injury
PTSD
Migraines
Strokes
Long Covid
It also has been found to be helpful in addressing ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance as well as improving peak performance. To access the research, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZKl5Me4XwPj4YgJCBes3VSCJjiVO4XI0tIR0rbMBj08/edit#gid=0
Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy
Is all Red Light Therapy the same? No, it isn’t. As usual when something extraordinary comes to light (no pun intended), you have to be careful when choosing light therapy. With Brain Light Therapy, only specific wavelengths will reach beyond the skull to the brain so devices without the specific wavelengths will not be effective. The depth of penetration depends on the wavelength of light. As with any technology, it’s important to be cautious when selecting light therapy. You will find many red light devices on Amazon which do not meet professional standards. Unless the power and irradiance have been verified by reputable sources, you may not be getting what you expect, and the devices will certainly not be of professional grade.
In addition to wavelength, power, irradiance and dosing are important factors to consider. If the dosage is too high or low, the outcome won’t be optimal. Likewise, too little or too much time under the light won’t have the desired effect. There is a sweet spot to be found. It is important to be in the hands of a practitioner who knows how to find the right potency and dosing for your brain. It is your brain and the command center of the body. When correctly utilized, prepare to be amazed!
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Address: 1266 First Street, Suite 2
Sarasota FL 34236
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