Column #390      February 17, 2023

Most people haven’t heard about Red Light Therapy (RLT) and most who have think it’s probably another medical scam. Yet RLT has been around for decades with hundreds of peer-reviewed studies—of varying significance.

RLT’s evolutionary path can be traced back to Isaac Newton’s discovery in 1666 that the sun’s bright white light was actually a merging of a rainbow of colors. Sunlight wasn’t merely white light. Although it had been known for centuries that exposure to sunlight had therapeutic properties, it wasn’t until 1893 that Nobel Laureate and Danish physician Dr. Niels Ryberg Finsen used red light to treat smallpox.¹

In 1993, during research conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on plant growth, NASA discovered that researchers, who were themselves frequently exposed to intense red light, experienced rapid and unexpected healing of their skin lesions. In 2001 NASA published a study that showed RLT was effective in increasing the speed of wound healing.

In 2008, a study, “Low-Intensity Light Therapy” published in “Photomedicine and Laser Surgery” explained how RLT stimulates the mitochondria in one’s cells. Mitochondria controls the metabolism and energy in a cell and also plays a role in the immune system and exerts some control over inflammation.²

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) greatly improved RLT treatments because an individual LED diode produces a very narrow range of light frequencies rather than the full spectrum of colors in visible light. But early LEDs were not very powerful. It took some time, but eventually scientists developed more powerful LEDs in order to replace the incandescent light. By the mid 2000s not only were LEDs more powerful but LED light bulbs were producing white light. It was the increase in power that vaulted ahead the science of RLT—which resulted in many more studies.³

With RLT’s known basic healing properties, which comes from stimulating the mitochondria in one’s cells, numerous studies were designed to focus on conditions connected with chronic and acute inflammation. The results have been promising for many ailments such as:
●    Arthritis
●    Asthma
●    Sinusitis
●    Muscular sprains
●    Fibromyalgia
●    Neuron inflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer’s
●    Irritable bowel syndrome and colitis
●    Rheumatic conditions

RLT also helps other body functions when it comes to:⁴
●    Reducing negative cognitive symptoms in the elderly
●    Reducing adipose tissues and obesity
●    Being an anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatment
●    Improving muscle recovery, increasing strength
●    Improving sleep
●    Helping in healing bruises, bones, wounds, and burns
●    Enhancing fertility
●    Improving eye health and vision (glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, etc.)^{5 6}

RLT appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesn’t use this type of light. In hundreds of clinical studies, red and near-infrared light have been proven to be a safe, natural, non-invasive, and a drug free treatment. This is especially true when RLT replaces medical procedures such as drugs and operations.

The wavelength of visible red light is 660nm (a nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter). The wavelength of invisible near-infrared light is 850nm. Both frequencies can enhance cellular function. Red light simulates new cells and boosts collagen levels to provide protection against skin damage and also helps heal a variety of skin problems to have a healthier and younger looking skin. Near infrared light helps the mitochondria produce energy more efficiently and penetrates into deeper tissue: It increases function and speeds healing while lowering inflammation and pain. When using RLT it’s best to do it every day. Improvements in health take time with many people reporting it takes up to a month before they recognize results.

RLT devices are readily available on the Internet from scores of providers. They range in size from small portables to large full-body devices. They come as therapy pens, belts, pads, full-body blankets, face masks, and lamp stands. The quality of the many offerings on the market varies considerably. I started with an inexpensive belt from China that lasted about five weeks before many of the lights would no longer come on. It “broke” three days after the “free” return date. So, if you invest in an RLT device, it’s worth it to get better quality and longer warranties.⁷

To your health.

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.

For additional reading:

1. The History of Red Light Therapy: A Comprehensive Timeline by Mito Red Light, Inc

2. Low-Intensity Light Therapy: Exploring the Role of Redox Mechanisms by Joseph Tafur, M.D. and Paul J. Mills, Ph.D.

3. Red Light Therapy: News from Bestqool

4. Red Light Therapy and the Ketogenic Diet: How They Work Together and What to Expect by Bestqool Outlook

5. Red-Light Therapies Opening A New Spectrum for Eye Treatments from Red Therapy

6. Red Light Therapy For Your Eyes: Emerging Data Shows Promise by Ruenellis from Integrative Vision

7. Bestqool Red Light Therapy Devices at Amazon