How exactly does red light therapy work?

The sun’s spectrum carries many different wavelengths of light. Two of these are red (visible) and near-infrared (invisible) light. They both have a therapeutic effect on the body.

There are a few different explanations about how they work:

• Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by a protein called cytochrome c oxidase. This is found in the mitochondria (engines) of our cells. By absorbing the light, nitric oxide is knocked out from the mitochondria, allowing more oxygen in. The more oxygen available to the mitochondria, the more ATP (energy) it will produce and the cells will function better. This is a widely cited and accepted explanation. However, this theory has been questioned because studies have found that re dand near-infrared light is also beneficial for cells that do not contain the cytochrome c oxidase protein.

• Another suggestion is that red and near-infrared light make the water inside our cells thinner so that cellular processes such as ATP production, happen easier, with less friction.

• Low levels stress (hormesis) creates cells that are stronger. Temporary stress like exercise is good for us because the body adapts and responds to it with improved blood flow, activating our antioxidant system, reducing inflammation and leading to growth in mitochondria. Similarly, red and near-infrared light create a state of hormesis, encouraging our cells to be more resilient.

Give it a try and find out the benefits for yourself.