Red light therapy involves the use of low-intensity red, or near-infrared light, to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing in the body. Red light therapy can be a great addition to acupuncture, and cosmetic acupuncture sessions.
Read on to learn more about what it is, its benefits, and how to use it.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive form of treatment that uses red, or near-infrared light, to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve various health conditions. It involves exposing the body to low-intensity red light. Red light therapy typically uses wavelengths between 630 and 700 nanometers, while near-infrared light therapy uses wavelengths between 700 and 1000 nanometers.
Introducing red light therapy to patients can be a great add-on service for regenerative acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture sessions.
RLT works by stimulating the mitochondria in cells, which are responsible for producing energy (ATP). This absorbed light energy helps to enhance cellular function, increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was discovered in the late 1960s and has been utilized mainly through red light or infrared saunas. Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas utilize light to directly heat the body without significantly raising the surrounding air temperature. This type of sauna emits infrared rays that penetrate the skin and heat the body from within and are known for their benefits such as detoxification, relaxation and stress reduction, muscle recovery, pain relief, and skin and cardiovascular health.
Red Light Therapy Benefits
Red light therapy has shown potential benefits in various areas, including:
- Pain Management: It may help reduce joint pain, muscle soreness, and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
- Wound Healing: It can accelerate the healing process for wounds, cuts, and bruises.
- Hair Growth: It has been studied as a potential treatment for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
- Mood and Sleep: Some research suggests it may improve mood, sleep quality, and alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Skin Health: It can improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, acne, and other skin conditions.
Red Light Therapy and Skin Health
Skin health is one of the top areas that RLT is used for and one of the best reasons to be combined with Acupuncture sessions. Red light therapy has been studied for its potential benefits in promoting skin regeneration and improving various skin conditions. Here are some ways in which red light therapy may contribute to skin health:
- Collagen Production: Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Increased collagen production can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
- Wrinkle Reduction: Can improve the texture and tone of the skin, reducing the visibility of wrinkles and promoting a more youthful appearance.
- Wound Healing: Red light therapy has been used to accelerate wound healing. It helps increase blood circulation and stimulates cellular activity, aiding in the repair of damaged skin and the formation of new tissue.
- Scar Reduction: May help reduce the appearance of scars by promoting collagen remodeling and improving the overall texture and color of the scar tissue.
- Acne Treatment: Red light therapy has been studied as a potential treatment for acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne-related inflammation and redness. It also helps regulate sebum production, which can contribute to acne formation.
- Sun Damage Repair: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the skin and lead to premature aging. Red light therapy has shown promise in repairing sun-damaged skin by promoting cellular repair processes and reducing inflammation.
- Skin Conditions: Red light therapy has been investigated for its potential benefits in various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. It may help reduce inflammation, alleviate itching, and promote overall skin healing.
It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of red light therapy for specific skin conditions depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition and the frequency and duration of treatments. Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can provide further guidance on whether red light therapy is suitable for your specific skin concerns.
Red Light Therapy and Acupuncture
Red light therapy and acupuncture can be used in combination for increasing potential synergistic effects. As mentioned earlier, it works by enhancing mitochondrial function, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Combining these benefits with acupuncture’s ability to restore the flow of energy, and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, can cause a major improvement in pain management, skin health, stress reduction, and promoting overall well-being.
Combining these two modalities can be a great addition to your practice and a way to increase healing. Laser acupuncture or using an LED face mask are two options to start utilizing RLT within your practice.
An LED (Light Emitting Diode) mask is a device that is placed over the face that uses red or near-infrared wavelengths to deliver targeted light therapy to the skin. It is designed to be worn over the face and provides various benefits for skin health, and there are a few designs available. Patients can hope to expect benefits with collagen production, skin tone, improving fine lines healing wounds, scars, and acne lesions. These masks may help maintain overall skin health by improving circulation, enhancing cellular function, and reducing oxidative stress.
Red light skin masks are typically designed as lightweight, wearable devices that cover the face, and some are more like a shield that does not come in contact with the skin. They are equipped with LED lights that emit the desired wavelengths to promote healing. The duration and frequency of usage can vary depending on the specific mask and the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to follow the recommended usage guidelines specific to the purchased product to achieve optimal results and avoid overexposure.
Application
Red light therapy devices emit specific wavelengths of light that can penetrate the skin and reach deep tissues. This light therapy can be administered through various devices, such as light panels, handheld devices, or specialized lamps. Treatment duration and frequency vary depending on the specific condition and device used.
Safety
Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used correctly, with minimal side effects. It does not produce significant heat and is non-invasive. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid looking directly at the light source.
It’s important to note that red light therapy should not replace conventional medical treatments. If you are considering using red light therapy for a specific condition, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist who can provide guidance tailored to your individual needs.
While there is a growing body of research supporting the benefits of red light therapy, more studies are needed to establish its efficacy fully. Some studies show promising results, but the specific protocols, dosages, and application methods still require further investigation.
References and Resources
- Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013;32(1):41-52.
- Chon TY, Mallory MJ, Yang J, Bublitz SE, Do A, Dorsher PT. Laser acupuncture: A concise review. Medical Acupuncture. 2019;31(3):164-168.