WHAT IS
Red Light Therapy (RLT)
The origins of this therapy trace back to 1967 when Endre Mester at Semmelweis University in Budapest discovered "laser bio stimulation." This extraordinary finding paved the way for the evolution of low-powered red-light technology over the following decades, leading to its current applications in health and wellness.
RLT is a non-invasive treatment that utilises low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. It is used in clinical therapies like photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The benefits include improved skin rejuvenation, enhanced wound healing,natural pain relief and enhanced physical and mental well-being.
The therapy exposes the skin to LED light, stimulating cells by the absorption of near-infrared wavelengths. This activates the body's natural processes by increasing cellular energy levels - through the production of mitochondria, your cells’ energy sources; thus promoting cell regeneration, and boosting vitality.
Red Light Therapy:
Demystifying Red Light Therapy: A Cellular Journey Through Light
Red light therapy is one of the fastest growing areas of research exploring how light interacts with our cells on a fundamental level. Unlike tanning beds that utilise ultraviolet (UV) light, RLT bathes cells in a gentle red and near-infrared (NIR) light shower, aiming to influence cellular function through a fascinating interplay of light and biomolecules
The Symphony of Light and Chromophores
Light is a form of energy that travels in waves characterised by their wavelength. Visible light, the vibrant spectrum we perceive with our eyes, occupies a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Red light sits at the longer end of the visible spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from roughly 620 to 750 nanometres (nm). Near-infrared (NIR) light occupies the invisible spectrum just beyond red light, with wavelengths ranging from 750 nm to 1000 nm. RLT devices typically use a combination of red and NIR light.
Now, when this red and NIR light interacts with our biological tissues, it's not simply passing through. These light waves are absorbed by chromophores, light-sensitive molecules within our cells. In the context of RLT, the primary chromophore of interest is cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) located within the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell.
Imagine this: CCO is like a tiny engine within the cell, responsible for utilizing oxygen and converting it into energy usable by the cell – a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Here's where things get interesting.
Light Absorption and the Cellular Response
When red or NIR light strikes CCO, it's absorbed, causing the molecule to enter an excited state. This initiates a cascade of cellular events. Here are some of the potential cellular responses triggered by RLT:
Increased Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Production
ATP is the primary energy currency within cells. Studies suggest RLT can enhance mitochondrial function, leading to increased ATP production.
Nitric Oxide (NO) Production
Studies suggest RLT might stimulate the production of NO, a signalling molecule involved in vasodilation (blood vessel widening) and potentially influencing wound healing and blood flow.
Antioxidant Activity
RLT triggers the production of antioxidants within cells, which can help combat free radical damage and oxidative stress, a cellular imbalance linked to various health conditions.
Modulation of Inflammation
Research suggests RLT can influence the activity of certain molecules involved in the inflammatory response, leading to reduced inflammation.
Broader Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) is venturing beyond its initial reputation for skin rejuvenation. Research suggests it can influence cellular processes in ways that promote overall well-being. Let's delve deeper into the science behind these emerging applications of RLT:
