Red light therapy, near infrared light therapy (NIR) and infrared (IR) therapy — these terms refer to different sets of wavelengths that have varying therapeutic benefits. Our experience is that even when familiar with them, if they are not part of one’s routine it can be very easy to forget the differences and benefits. We hope this synopsis offers a useful reminder.
The Light Spectrum
Red light therapy falls within the visible spectrum of light — from 630 to 660 nanometers. NIR and IR fall within the invisible infrared spectrum, from 810 to over 1000 nanometers. All of these wavelengths fall into what is known as a “therapeutic window.”
In response to the light, the mitochondria produce more energy and our cells to work better. There are wide ranging benefits as the light activates genes involved in cell repair, cell regeneration and / or cellular growth.
Over the past several decades, more than 5,000 studies have been published about red and NIR therapy. The studies have covered a wide range of topics including combating wrinkles and cellulite to hair regrowth, sports performance, accelerated injury recovery, increased strength and much more.
Light Spectrum Wavelengths Reach Different Depths in the Body: with increased light wavelengths, the light penetrates deeper into the body. Red light therapy penetrates the skin and systems within the skin tissue, including the circulatory system, peripheral nervous system, and hair follicles. The longer wavelengths of NIR light reach cells deep in the body, including muscles, joints, and bones.
Red Light (630–660nm)
As red light penetrates the skin and skin tissue, it primarily benefits skin conditions. It is known for its anti-aging properties, such as fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, and sun damage, skin wound healing, stretch marks. Potential health benefits of red light include:
- Stimulating hair regrowth
- Reducing acne inflammation and breakouts
- Reduction of fine lines, sagging skin, sun damage, and wrinkles; A controlled trial indicated promise for the use of red light to reduce wrinkles and increase collagen protein synthesis. Photos can be seen here: red light therapy skin trial results
- Psoriasis treatment
- Healing of non-melanoma skin cancers
- Accelerated wound healing
- Reduction of inflammation due to pleurisy
- Reduction of neuropathic pain (sciatic nerve pain)
- Reducing of post-injury swelling and inflammation
- Reducing of training fatigue and faster athletic recovery
Near Infrared Therapy (800 to 900nm)
The NIR wavelengths penetrate deeper and can therefore benefit connective tissue and bone. Potential benefits of this light include:
- Improved muscle healing and accelerated recovery
- Improved recovery from strokes
- Improved recovery from neurological damage and from traumatic brain injury
- Improvement of psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression
- Reduced recovery and accelerated healing following plastic surgery
- Accelerated healing and reduced infection
- Improved bone repair and growth
- Accelerated return to athletic activity after injury
- Potentially effective therapy for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders
- Potentially helpful to nerve cells therefore possibly helpful to those with diabetes, or nerve damage in their hands, feet, or elsewhere
Infrared Light (900 – 1000nm)
Infrared light therapy is most commonly used in infrared saunas. The human body reacts differently to longer wavelengths, perceiving them as infrared heat instead of light. The infrared saunas we know heat to 140 – 170 degrees and at least most of the research on sauna benefits uses saunas that are 170 to 220 degrees. Still, another source noted benefits and cited certain research as per the below. Used with caution, infrared therapy is seen as a potentially effective treatment for:
- Blood circulation, reducing muscle tension
- Lower back pain relief
- Cancer, when used as photoimmunotherapy
- Accelerating healing of the brain after injury
- EMF remediation (product suppliers often note this benefit)
Personally, we know it helps drive viruses out of the body.
We are sold, these therapies are lodged on our self-care list.
CAUTION: Overdoing light therapy may have harmful effects. Even small doses in a small subset of people can have negative effects. People with poor mitochondrial health can have negative reactions. Infrared light has the deepest penetration along with positive health effects, but should be used with caution to prevent thermal damage to the body’s cells. As always consult with your Licensed Health Care Professionals. Our content is meant to inform or is the view of others. Research wisely and choose your highest and best.
PRODUCT SOURCES we like at this time:
Therasage.com (offers an Infrared sauna that heats to 170 degrees)
hoogahealth.com (per Hooga support team information, we use red light and NIR at the same time)
SOURCES:
https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/red-vs-infrared-and-nir-light-therapy
Photo credit: Image by Hans from Pixabay