Red light therapy: What is it?

Red light therapy, also referred to as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive procedure that uses red light to enhance the health of the body's cells. Because it can enhance skin health, lessen inflammation, and relieve pain, red light therapy has become more and more popular in recent years. Red light therapy's advantages and mechanism of action will be covered in this blog post.

How does red light therapy function?

Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin's surface and stimulating the body's cells using specific wavelengths of red light. These light waves stimulate the mitochondria within the cells, which generate ATP as a form of energy. This increase in ATP production enhances cellular performance, encourages tissue repair, and lowers inflammation.

To be more precise, it has been demonstrated that red light with wavelengths between 600 and 900 nm has a favourable impact on ATP synthesis in cells. This is because cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a crucial link in the electron transport chain that powers ATP synthesis in cells, absorbs red light in this range of wavelengths.

Red light that is absorbed by CCO starts a chain of events that eventually boosts the production of ATP. Particularly, red light has been demonstrated to boost CCO activity, which in turn causes cells to produce more ATP. Numerous cell types, including muscle cells, neurons, and skin cells, have shown this effect.

Although the precise mechanism by which red light increases CCO activity is not fully understood, it is believed to involve alterations in the molecule's conformation that enable it to bind to oxygen, its substrate, more tightly. A greater amount of ATP is produced, and the electron transport is more effective as a result of the increased binding affinity.

Red light therapy has been investigated for several medical uses, including wound healing, pain relief, and skin rejuvenation. This therapy involves exposing cells or tissues to red light in the 600-900nm range. It is believed that red light's favourable effects on ATP production support cell renewal and repair, which in turn contributes to these therapeutic advantages.

By boosting the activity of CCO, a crucial part of the electron transport chain, red light with wavelengths between 600 and 900 nm has a beneficial impact on ATP production in cells. The therapeutic advantages of red-light therapy are thought to be aided by this effect, which has been seen in a variety of cell types.

What advantages does red light therapy offer?

Enhances Skin Health - Red light therapy can assist in minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing the tone and texture of the skin, and reducing the size of pores. Age spots and acne scars can both be made to look less noticeable with this method.

Reduces Inflammation - Research has shown that red light therapy can lower inflammatory levels in the body. As a result, it works well to treat inflammatory diseases like tendonitis, arthritis, and other rheumatic diseases.

Alleviates Pain - Red light therapy can assist in lessening pain brought on by accidents, operations, and chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia.

Immune System Booster - Red light therapy has been shown to boost the body's defences against illness and infection.

Mood Improvement - Studies have shown that red light therapy can elevate mood and lessen anxiety and depressive symptoms.

What can you anticipate from a session of red light therapy?

You'll spend a specific amount of time being exposed to a particular kind of light during a red-light therapy session. Usually, the session lasts between ten and twenty minutes. Although the treatment is non-invasive and painless, you might feel a warming sensation on your skin.

Red light therapy can be performed with a personal device at home or with professional equipment at a spa or doctor's office.

Summary

Red light therapy is a treatment that can strengthen the immune system, boost mood, lessen pain, and improve skin health. It is also safe and effective. Red light therapy may be right for you if you are interested in trying it, but you should first discuss this with Tafit.co healthcare providers or you can simply drop us an email at support@tafit.co