Red Light Therapy
Light is a lot like food. Similar to how our bodies digest fats, carbs, and proteins, we uniquely metabolize colors of light as well. In fact, specific wavelength of red and near infrared light within the “therapeutic window” have been proven across hundreds of peer-reviewed clinical studies to enhance mitochondrial function at a cellular level.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Within the “therapeutic window”, scientists have discovered that certain wavelengths of light have a unique ability to activate cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), the last enzyme in the respiratory electron chain transport of the mitochondria. During the fourth phase of cellular respiration (oxidative phosphorylation), specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light break the bond between nitric oxide and CCO. This allows oxygen to bind to NADH, restoring the normal pathway for hydrogen ions to create the electrochemical potential that produces ATP (cellular energy). A simple way to think of this process is that photons essentially charge your cellular batteries.
Clinically Proven Benefits of Light Therapy
• Aids in muscle recovery and enhances athletic performance
• Improves skin clarity, tone, and texture
• Diminishes age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles
• Increases fat loss
• Fades scars and stretch marks
• Reduces joint inflammation and speeds wound healing
• Enhances cognitive function and improves mental clarity
The Science of Light Therapy
The entire light spectrum ranges from extremely short gamma rays to visible light waves to longer radio waves. Similar to nutrients in whole food, each color of light has its own unique effect on our bodies.
With their unique ability to pass through human tissue, specific wavelengths of red and NIR light in the optical window produce incredible cellular responses.