Red Light Therapy seems to be a topic of conversation almost everywhere I go these days. Spas, Wellness Center and Chiropractor’s 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 called Transcranial Photobiomodulation, 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.
While the immediate effect of light therapy on the brain may not be tangible, a simple yet powerful example of the healing power of red light demonstrates its potential to be effective. As I often do when cooking, I burnt my arm on the rack of the oven, 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 a miracle. 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.
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. Transcranial photobiomodulation has been shown to grow, repair and rejuvenate cells in the brain. Improving the function of the mitochondria in the brain means increased cellular energy and survival. As blood flow increases in the brain, circulation and oxygenation improve. Inflammation diminishes. The documented increase in serotonin and dopamine can potentially improve sleep, help with mood regulation, reduce pain, improve attention and focus and aid in digestion. Overall, cognitive function is enhanced. It is believed that transcranial Photobiomodulation may have neuroprotective effects and help prevent further progression of disease in the body and may guard against strokes, dementia and Parkinson’s as we age.
Is Red Light Therapy worth the hype? You bet, it is. Before I brought light therapy for the brain into my practice, I had heard countless amazing accounts from the pioneers in the field regarding their clients’ progress. I heard presentations of the research and I accessed the research that proved the results. Over 8000 studies have been conducted to date with promising results for so 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 to some of the most difficult disorders to treat: Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, Migraines, Strokes and Long Covid. It also has been found to 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
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 transcranial Photobiomodulation, 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 usual with the latest and greatest, you have to be careful when choosing 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 other reputable sources, you may not be getting what you think you are buying, 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, you may want to prepare to be amazed!