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Writer's pictureKubby

The Science of Red Light Therapy: How It Works and Its Benefits for Health and Wellness

Updated: Aug 17, 2023


red light therapy


Red Light Therapy

A study by National Library of Medicine found that red light therapy reduced anxiety levels by 63.1% at 2 weeks post-treatment with 92% of patients showing a dramatic reduction in depression symptoms - NLM


Red Light Therapy has a lot of hype right now. But why?


As a life coach specialized in innovative wellness, I continue to see a massive hole in the world of wellness and therapy. An outdated mindset where highly effective modalities are not being combined.


That is why Wide Awake Life Coaching incorporates a unique combination of modern tools in our method, such as the incredible gift of Red Light Therapy.


In this blog post, we'll introduce you to this fascinating therapy, explain how it works, discuss its scientifically-backed benefits, and share how we at Wide Awake Life Coaching uniquely use red light therapy with our clients.



 



teen life coach, child therapist, family therapy







What Is Red Light Therapy?




Red light therapy, or RLT, is a therapeutic technique that uses red and near-infrared (NIR) light wavelengths to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing.


The therapy involves exposing the skin to low levels of red or NIR light, which penetrates the skin and is absorbed by cells.


This absorption triggers a series of biochemical reactions that can lead to various health benefits. The concept of using light for therapeutic purposes dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, who recognized the healing properties of sunlight.


However, it wasn't until the 20th century that scientists began to understand the mechanisms behind light therapy and develop devices for targeted treatment.




HoW Does Red Light Therapy Work?




The key to understanding how red light therapy works lies in the interaction between light and our cells.


When red or NIR light penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by a specific cellular component called the mitochondria.


These tiny structures, often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, are responsible for producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).


The absorption of red and NIR light by the mitochondria stimulates the production of ATP, which in turn provides cells with the energy they need to function optimally.


Additionally, red light therapy has been shown to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a crucial role in cellular signaling and the regulation of various physiological processe.




The Roles Of Chromophores


Chromophores are light-absorbing molecules found within cells that play a crucial role in the effectiveness of red light therapy.


The most well-known chromophore involved in RLT is called cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a key enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain responsible for ATP production.


When red or NIR light is absorbed by CCO, it leads to a series of biochemical reactions that ultimately result in increased ATP production, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced cellular function.


This process, known as photobiomodulation, is the primary mechanism through which red light therapy exerts its therapeutic effects.








fit man under red light therapy






Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Health and Wellness



Red light therapy has been extensively researched and has been shown to provide numerous health benefits.


Some of the most notable benefits include:





1. Improved Mental Health


Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness, and red light therapy has been shown to have positive effects on mood and cognitive function.


A study by National Library of Medicine found that red light therapy reduced anxiety levels by 63.1% at 2 weeks post-treatment with 92% of patients showing a dramatic reduction in depression symptoms.


Red Light therapy has improved depression remission rates in bipolar disorder patients by 68.2%.


RLT can increase the production of serotonin and endorphins, which are known to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.


Additionally, red light therapy has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including memory and learning, making it a valuable tool for clients looking to improve their mental performance.






2. Enhanced Sleep Quality



Quality of sleep is extremely underrated.


However, sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and red light therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality by regulating the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles.


By incorporating RLT into your life, you can achieve better sleep, leading to improved energy levels, mood, and overall wellness.





3. Improved Skin Health



One of the most well-known benefits of red light therapy is its ability to improve skin health.


RLT has been shown to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing, leading to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.


This makes it an excellent addition to routine focused on helping appearance and self-confidence.




4. Enhanced Muscle Recovery and Performance



Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can also benefit from red light therapy, as it has been shown to improve muscle recovery and performance.


RLT can reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to faster recovery times and improved performance in subsequent workouts.




5. Reduced Inflammation and Pain



Chronic inflammation and pain can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making it difficult to achieve personal and professional goals.


Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in various conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy.


By incorporating RLT into your life , you can overcome these challenges and live a more fulfilling life.




DISCOVER OUR PROCESS






How to Incorporate Red Light Therapy in Your Day-to-Day Life



Integrating red light therapy into your life can provide a unique wellness experience for people looking for innovative, science-backed solutions to improve their health and wellness.


Here are some tips on how to incorporate RLT into your life:





1. Invest in a high-quality red light therapy device


To provide the best possible results for you, it's essential to invest in a high-quality RLT device that delivers the appropriate wavelengths and intensity of light.


There are many versions of RLT devices online, be be careful.



Many of them are low quality and could be more effective. While these high quality lights can be expensive, their results will be much more outstanding.


In our sessions, we will use a Hooga, one of the highest quality RLT brands on the market and our personal favorite.






2. Create a consistent routine



Develop a consistent routine for using your red light therapy device, such as using it for a set amount of time each day or incorporating it into your morning or evening routine.


If you find developing a routine difficult check out our post Overcoming Procrastination.








3. Combine RLT with other wellness practices



Maximize the benefits of red light therapy by combining it with other wellness practices, such as meditation, cold plunges, regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management techniques like breathwork, and our personal favorite TAMBBER.


We offer our very own app that includes personal development masterclasses, online community, habits tracker, guided breathwork, hypnotherapeutic meditations, and TAMBBERs.






How Wide Awake Life Coaching Uniquely Incorporates Red Light Therapy





At Wide Awake Life Coaching, we recognize the power of red light therapy and have integrated it into our coaching practice to provide our clients with a comprehensive approach to wellness.


However, while RLT is a great tool it is by no means a magic bullet.


That is why we have put years into testing and researching to find the best and most effective personal development and wellness practices and combined them into one life-altering experience.


A transformation that can be customized specifically for you and your needs to elevate your body, mind, and spirit to an entirely new level.



wide awake life coaching

At Wide Awake Coaching, we are a boutique wellness and life coaching company specialized in innovative methods to help find:


where you are, where you would like them to be, and how to get to these goals as effectively as possible.


We work delicately along side you to make sure we are always on the same page as we create optimal acountability in reaching our collective goals.


WIDE AWAKE LIFE COACHING OFFERS GUIDANCE BY HELPING CLIENTS:



Clarify and achieve personal and academic goals


Increase confidence and self purpose


Create life / relationship / business / education plans + next steps


Work to improve communication + social skills


Learn tools to reduce stress + anxiety


Achieve a school/life balance


Expand consciousness + connection + spirituality


Identify Roadblocks + build bridges to success


Start your new life or grow the one you’re in


Turn the page to the future you desire





THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE In WIDE AWAKE COACHING?



One of the biggest differences in our Life Coaching method is that we combine both Life Coaching and Traditional Therapy.


Through years of researching, certification, and practicing the leading methods of therapy and coaching; we sought to combine the best of the best practices in an all encompassing experience that can be customized for you.




WIDE AWAKE COACHING

Typical Therapy

Typical Life Coaching

​Life Coaching

Mindset Coaching

CBT

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Hypnotherapy

Music Therapy

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Neuro Linguistic Programming

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EFT Tapping

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T.A.M.B.B.E.R

Breathwork Therapy

Red Light Therapy

No Time Limit Sessions

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​Online Masterclasses

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Bio Identical Hormone Therapy

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​Cryotherapy

Infrared Sauna Therapy

Himalayan Salt Therapy

Nutritionist

Play Therapy (out of the office - hiking, surfing, fishing, walking, kayaking, etc.)

​Modern Success Psychology Tools (Joyride Journal, Nightingale Notepad, guided meditations)

​❌



wide awake life coaching


If you want to see how our innovative coaching can dramatically improve joy, confidence, and clarity in your Life, simply apply here:










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