Let There Be (Red) Light!
Core Naturopathics invites you to harness the power of light to boost your wellness—naturally. Red light therapy is a return to our ancestral roots, where our cells thrived under the sun’s natural rhythms. In today’s world of indoor living and blue light overload, this ancient yet contemporary therapy offers a transformative solution. Let’s explore how it can help you adapt and thrive in our modern environment.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light and near-infrared (NIR) therapy—known as photobiomodulation—uses specific light wavelengths (620-1100 nm) to heal at the cellular level. Unlike UV rays (no sunburn), these gentle lights penetrate tissues interacting with mitochondria—the energy powerhouses in your cells. Light is information, and the right wavelengths trigger repair, regeneration, and restored function. Red light (620-750 nm) targets skin and surface tissues, while NIR (750-1100 nm) reaches deeper into muscles, joints, and even the brain, making it a versatile tool for holistic health and healing.
Types and Delivery Methods
- Red Light (620-750 nm): Penetrates up to 5 mm, ideal for skin health, hair growth, and surface wound healing.
- Near-Infrared Light (750-1100 nm): Reaches up to 5 cm, perfect for mitochondrial function, muscle recovery, and joint pain.
- Combination Devices: Our clinic-grade panel blends 5 wavelengths of red and NIR for comprehensive benefits.
Clinical and Functional Health Benefits
Red and NIR light therapy offer a wide range of advantages, backed by science:
- Skin Health & Anti-Aging: Stimulates collagen and elastin for firmer skin, reduces wrinkles, and heals acne or rosacea.
- Hair Growth & Scalp Health: Promotes regrowth in androgenic alopecia by boosting scalp circulation.
- Mitochondrial Function & Energy: Increases ATP for resilience, easing fatigue in long COVID or post-exercise recovery.
- Cognitive & Neurological Support: Enhances mood, reduces brain fog, and supports conditions like Alzheimer’s or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health: Improves blood flow and may support healthy blood pressure.
- Hormonal Health: May aid thyroid function and emerging research suggests benefits for testosterone and ovarian health.
- Gut & Immune Health: Repairs tissues in IBS or leaky gut and reduces autoimmune inflammation.
How It Works: Lighting Up Your Cells
Red and NIR light are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, sparking:
- Increased ATP Production: More energy for repair and resilience.
- Nitric Oxide Release: Enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery.
- Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Signalling: Boosts antioxidant defences to combat inflammation.
- Gene Expression Modulation: Reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration.
This process creates systemic effects—improving circulation, modulating immunity, and shifting your body out of chronic stress, even when applied locally.
Advanced Wavelengths and Research
LUME utilises a clinically backed range of red and near-infrared wavelengths designed to target a wide variety of therapeutic outcomes.
The 633nm and 660nm red light wavelengths are ideal for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, stimulating hair regrowth, improving chronic skin conditions, and accelerating wound healing by reducing inflammation and neuropathic pain.
The 810nm wavelength supports neuroprotection and enhances recovery from strokes, brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders.
At 850nm, the focus shifts to deep tissue penetration, supporting enhanced muscle recovery and post-surgical healing.
Lastly, the 940nm wavelength promotes nerve regeneration, reduces inflammation, supports bone formation, and helps suppress viral activity such as Herpes Simplex.
This precise spectrum allows us to deliver targeted, evidence-based results across a broad range of applications. Emerging studies also explore red/NIR light for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), improving emotional regulation, and cancer therapy support—reducing lymphedema or chemo fatigue.
How to Use PBM at Core Naturopathics
Some example protocols include:
- Skin Health: 10-15 minutes of 660 nm daily for anti-aging.
- Mitochondrial Health: 15-20 minutes of 850-880 nm, 3-5 times weekly.
- Brain/Mood: 10-15 minutes of 810-850 nm on the head, 3-4 times weekly.
- Hair Growth: 5-10 minutes of 660 nm, 3-5 times weekly.
- Joints/Muscles: 10-20 minutes of red + NIR as needed.
Why Choose Core Naturopathics Panel?
Providing dose-accurate delivery, our panel ensures safe, effective therapy offering specific wavelengths and therapeutic power density (100 mW/cm² @ 30cm), with cooling features and eye protection for the best results.
At Core, we’ve helped clients at their lowest—battling chronic illness or burnout—rebuild with natural solutions. Red light therapy complements our InBody 580 scans and other biohacking equipment, offering a data-driven, holistic path to adaptation and resilience.
Imagine the impact we can have on your health with personalized light therapy (singularly or as part of a therapeutic ‘stack’) plans!
More Red Light Resources
To explore further, consider these comprehensive resources from IMA:
- I-Recover Treatment Guide: Lists photobiomodulation as a first-line therapy for vaccine injury (and long COVID)
- Brain and Mental Health Guide: Comprehensive brain support strategies, including photobiomodulation.
- Quick Video on Photobiomodulation Facts: Brief, educational overview of PBM therapy.
- Webinar with Dr. Paul Marik and Dr. JP Saleeby: Detailed discussion on PBM’s role in treating Long COVID.
- Overview of Photobiomodulation: Clear explanation of the health benefits offered by PBM.