Light therapy is an emerging treatment for depression and other mood disorders. It’s well-studied, with several large-scale studies showing that light therapy is effective at reducing symptoms of depression.
Red light therapy devices has also been shown to help people suffering from seasonal affective disorder (a type of depression that occurs during the darker months), as well as those who are experiencing postpartum depression.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that uses red light at different wavelengths to treat a variety of conditions. It is also known as photobiomodulation, because it helps your body by stimulating cellular activity in the mitochondria, which are found in all living cells.
There are many different types of red light devices; some include blue and/or infrared rays, while others may not use any additional colors at all. Devices that emit only red light are usually more affordable than their counterparts that also have blue and/or infrared components (although there are some exceptions).
The most common uses of red light therapy include helping to reduce pain, inflammation and stress. It can also be used to treat skin conditions like acne or eczema, as well as joint and muscle problems like arthritis. Some people even use it for weight loss because of its appetite-suppressing effects.
The medical community is still trying to determine exactly how red light therapy works. However, most experts agree that it stimulates cellular activity in the mitochondria, which are found in all living cells. This can help reduce inflammation as well as pain and stress levels.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy devices work by using the body’s own energy to promote healing. Red light therapy devices emit a specific wavelength of red light, which is absorbed by the skin. The absorbed energy is converted into heat energy in the area of your body where you have applied the device.
This heat energy increases blood flow to that area, which helps remove toxins and improve circulation. Increased blood flow also helps to heal damaged tissue faster than usual, making red light therapy an effective treatment for many common ailments like acne and rosacea.
The combination of red light therapy and infrared sauna can be a powerful tool for detoxifying the body. Infrared saunas use infrared heat to penetrate deep into the skin, causing your blood vessels to expand. This helps the body eliminate toxins more quickly by increasing circulation and sweating.
What Are the Differences Between Light Devices?
It’s important to understand the differences between light devices, as well as their applications and costs.
- Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are generally used for cosmetic purposes, while infrared laser devices are used to treat medical conditions.
- Power intensity refers to how much energy is being emitted by a given device—the higher the wattage, the greater its power intensity will be.
- The power intensity of a given device is determined by the wavelength, as well as its wattage. The shorter wavelengths tend to be more penetrating, but they may not be the best choice if you have sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve been able to give you a good overview of red light therapy and how it can be used in your home. This is a growing field with new studies coming out every day, so you’ll want to stay on top of what’s happening in the world!