Discover the Healing Powers of At-Home Red Light Therapy

How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home for Total Wellness

For the past six years, I’ve been working on my wellness journey with red light therapy at home. I find it soothing, relaxing, and beneficial for health & wellness. There’s a lot of scientific research behind it.

The machine I invested in continues to perform perfectly as the day I bought it. As a happy customer of what red light therapy does, I encourage you to research this technology of red light therapy.

When I first started researching red light therapy, I did so for many reasons. I live a healthy lifestyle, and now that I am in my 60s, I want to age well and live a long life.

I’ve battled with an autoimmune disease called Hashimotos since my 30’s. I can honestly say, however, that since doing many things for my health, I feel better in my 60’s than I did in my 30’s.

Just a quick side note: red heat lamps and/or red lightbulbs are not the same as a therapeutic red light machine.

The most insightful book I’ve encountered on red light therapy is an exceptional resource by Ari Whitten (below). It comprehensively analyzes research on red light therapy, breaking down complex medical studies into understandable insights.

***Book Recommendation: The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy: How to Use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Anti-Aging, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Performance Enhancement, and Brain Optimization.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of red light to activate the body’s innate healing mechanisms.

Numerous studies have documented the health benefits of this gentle, non-invasive treatment, which has been linked to reduced inflammation, better skin health, boosted collagen production, effective pain relief, targeted fat loss, and increased sports performance.

How does red light treatment work?

Red light therapy delivers red light rays deep into the skin, energizing the mitochondria within our cells, which are responsible for energy production.

The result is an increased production of the cellular energy unit, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This surge in ATP has many benefits for the body.

A Few Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Improved Skin Health

One of the most celebrated benefits of red light therapy is the improvement of skin health, especially when used on the face.

The red light stimulates collagen production, increasing skin elasticity, reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and fostering a more youthful complexion.

Also, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, red light therapy has been reported to help with acne and other skin blemishes.

Red light treatment helps with more serious skin problems including rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis in addition to its cosmetic advantages.

Red light treatment can potentially relieve symptoms of inflammation, itching, and redness by reducing these factors.

Red light therapy has been shown to combat cellulite, leading to firmer, smoother skin through tissue tightening and enhanced collagen production. This innovative approach to skincare promises to refine your skin’s texture and elasticity.

Pain Relief

I can vouch for red light therapy for pain management, having experienced its remarkable effectiveness firsthand.

Whether it’s muscle pain, headaches, cramps, or injuries, I opt for my red light over pain meds. The relief is fast, leaving me quite amazed at the significant improvement upon waking the following day.

When a close friend suffered a broken arm and endured the pain for days without knowing the severity of her injury, red light therapy became a huge help. After using my red light machine, she found the pain manageable, which surprised her doctor upon confirming the fracture through an X-ray. He flat-out asked her how she managed the pain.

Red light therapy for pain offers a non-pharmacological option for chronic pain sufferers.

It can reduce pain and inflammation by enhancing blood flow and stimulating endorphin production, the body’s natural painkillers. It has been recognized for its benefits in conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and muscle soreness.

Post Workout Muscle Recovery

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, red light therapy is a tremendous help in muscle recovery. It helps reduce inflammation and speeds healing, diminishing muscle discomfort and soreness post-exercise.

It helps to improve muscle endurance and sports performance, making it an invaluable tool for increasing athletic ability.

Fat Loss & Cellulite

As a cutting-edge approach to weight management and fat loss, red light therapy shines by targeting adipose tissue to stimulate the release of stored fat and regulate metabolism.

This method holds great promise for those looking to manage their weight more effectively.

Red light therapy enhances metabolic performance, leading to more efficient calorie burning.

This advanced approach to weight management can be pivotal for individuals trying to lose weight through increased metabolic activity.

Red light therapy targets stubborn fat deposits, such as cellulite in challenging areas such as the belly, thighs, and hips, complementing diet and exercise efforts.

It assists in body contouring by promoting belly fat reduction (or other troublesome areas) and helping break down fat cells.

Better Mental Health

Using red light therapy at home has shown promising benefits for mental health, including the reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms.

This therapeutic approach supports mood regulation by stimulating serotonin release and enhancing sleep quality. It can be a valuable addition to mental health care routines.

Improved Sleep

The beneficial effects of red light therapy on the body’s circadian rhythm contribute to improved sleep quality and better melatonin production, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.

This, in turn, is linked to increased daytime energy.

During my peri-menopause phase, when sleep quality was at its worst, I tried numerous natural remedies to help.

However, in my case, red light therapy used early in the evening was the most effective strategy for improving my sleep.

Enhanced Wound Healing

Red light therapy speeds wound healing by promoting new blood vessel growth and cell regeneration.

This therapeutic method can effectively treat wounds, burns, and surgical incisions, resulting in faster healing and minimal scarring.

Red Light therapy devices and how to use them

The market offers a range of red light therapy devices, from full-body panels to portable units targeting specific body parts.

When choosing a red light therapy device, consider the light wavelength and intensity and the specific body region you wish to treat. Start with shorter treatment sessions to gauge effectiveness.

In the book - The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy: How to Use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Anti-Aging, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Performance Enhancement, and Brain Optimization, the author meticulously outlines the optimal treatment dosage for red light therapy, including which devices offer the best results, the recommended closeness to the skin, and how to calibrate the dosage for various goals, such as skin treatment or achieving fat loss goals.

Safety precautions and potential side effects of red light therapy

When adhering to correct guidelines, red light therapy is generally considered safe.

However, it’s essential to follow safety measures, including using eye protection goggles to shield your eyes from the bright light during the treatment.

There are some red light therapy cautions to be aware of; for instance, pregnant women, individuals with epilepsy, and those on certain medications like Accutane should avoid the treatment or proceed only after consulting with their healthcare provider.

Regarding side effects, red light therapy is usually well received with minimal issues. Some users may experience a temporary reddening, warming, or tingling sensation in the treated area, but these effects are typically mild.

Stop the therapy and consult your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual or persistent side effects. If you have underlying medical concerns, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations closely and seek medical advice before starting any treatment to ensure safety.

Here are some red light therapy devices you can check out if you’d like, but there are many options out there to research what best fits your needs.

EXESAS Newest 200 LEDs, 1000W Dual-Chip, Red Light Therapy Device for Full Body 660nm & 850nm Near Infrared LED Therapy Panel

Bestqool Red Light Therapy Device for Body, Face. Near Infrared Light

By Val Garner — all rights reserved.

This article contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission after you click one of the links, at no extra charge to you.

References:

1. Hamblin, M.R. (2018). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. Atherosclerosis, 278, 214–220.
2. Avci, P., et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
3. Ferraresi, C., et al. (2015). Effects of light-emitting diode therapy on muscle hypertrophy, gene expression, performance, damage, and delayed-onset muscle soreness: case-control study with a pair of identical twins. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 94(10), 746–757.
4. Naeser, M.A., et al. (2014). Significant improvements in cognitive performance post-transcranial, red/near-infrared light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, mild traumatic brain injury: open-protocol study. Journal of Neurotrauma, 31(11), 1008–1017.