An emerging method called red light therapy (RLT) is showing promise in the treatment of wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and other ageing indicators. More clinical trials, according to several researchers, are required to demonstrate its efficacy as a therapy. Ask your doctor whether red light treatment is a possibility for your skin problem if you’re interested in it.
Who is suitable for red light therapy?
While many people use red light therapy devices for home therapy, red light therapy systems can be seen in many clinical and professional settings.
- Skincare expert. Hollywood stars including Kourtney Kardashian, Julia Roberts, and Emma Stone frequently use red light therapy for skin maintenance. Leading skin care professionals such as dermatologists and beauticians use red light therapy to help boost collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and treat skin conditions.
- Health practitioners. All professional health practitioners are incorporating red light therapy into their practice. Dentists use it to reduce inflammation, doctors use it to treat mental health conditions, and oncologists use it to treat the side effects of cancer.
- Natural Health Specialist. Red light therapy is heavily endorsed by prominent figures in the health and wellness sector including Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, Ben Greenfield, and Dave Asprey. Paleo and Keto health experts such as Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, Luke Story and Dr Anthony Gustin also supports red light therapy.
- Sports Medicine Specialist. The National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) uses red light therapy to treat sports injuries. Top coaches and doctors, including Dr. Troy Van Biezen and Dr. Ara Suppiah, use red light therapy to treat their athletes.
- Elite professional athletes. Professional athletes around the world, including NFL stars like Patrick Peterson, UFC champion Anthony Pettis and gold medal gymnast Sonny Weavers use red light therapy to improve performance and speed recovery.
- Fitness and training. World -renowned fitness trainers, including Lacey Stone and Jorge Cruise, use red light therapy to improve athletic performance and muscle recovery.
- Cancer Supportive Care. The Multinational Society for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) recommends red light therapy for oral mucositis (OM), a common symptom of cancer treatment.
Reduce symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects 5 percent of Americans, especially during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. SAD is sometimes referred to as the winter blues or seasonal blues.
Many people treat SAD symptoms with bright white light therapy that mimics the rays of the sun every day. However, researchers recommend natural light treatments, such as red light therapy, to help with low light. In recent years, doctors have recommended psychotherapy and medication alongside red light therapy.
What is Holistic Medicine?
We mentioned red light therapy as a holistic treatment regimen, but what does that mean. Holistic medicine is a systemic approach to health care. By focusing on the body, mind and soul, the body receives the comprehensive support and care it needs to function optimally .
The basics of holistic medicine
The following ideas form the foundation of holistic medicine.
- Optimal health is a combination of emotional, mental, spiritual, social and physical health.
- The focus is on prevention first, then treatment.
- A disease or condition is not caused by a single site, but the entire body.
The goal of treatment is to find the root cause of the disease, not just to treat the symptoms.
Sources and reference lists
Klepeis N., Nelson W., Ott W., Robinson J., Tsang A., Switzer P., Behar J., Hern S., Engelmann W. “National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): An Assessment of Environmental Pollution exposed resources”. Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology 2001.
Hamblin M. “Light-modulated anti-inflammatory mechanisms and applications.” AIMS Biology 2017.
LED lights are used in plant growth experiments for deep space missions. NASA.
Gál P, Stausholm MB, et al.
Should open incisions and sutured incisions be treated differently? A review and meta-analysis of animal wound models following low-level laser therapy. Medical Laser. August 2018.
