RED LIGHT THERAPY
- Mark Playne
- Aug 18, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 3, 2023
HEALING FREQUENCIES OF RED AND INFRARED LIGHT AKA PHOTOBIOMODULATION
The claimed healing effects of red light are far-ranging.
* Fight skin ageing, wrinkles, and cellulite and look 10 years younger
* Lose fat (nearly twice as with diet and exercise alone)
* Rid your body of chronic inflammation
* Fight the oxidative damage that drives ageing
* Increase strength, endurance, and muscle mass
* Decrease pain
* Combat hair loss
* Build resilience to stress at the cellular level
* Speed up wound/injury healing
* Combat some autoimmune conditions and improve hormonal health
* Optimize your brain function and mood
* Overcome fatigue and improve energy levels
Red and Infrared Light Therapy therapy have become mainstream and have now earned the more scientific name tag of Photobiomodulation i.e. controlling our biology with light.
The work of Tiina Karu in Russia was instrumental in putting the mechanism [of redlight in infrared light therapy] on a sound footing by identifying cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial respiratory chain as a primary chromophore, and it introduced the concept of “retrograde mitochondrial signalling” to explain how a single relatively brief exposure to light could have effects on the organism that lasted for hours, days or even weeks SOURCE
Scroll down for more information on:
If you want to cut to the chase, these are the recommended machines.
(The owner has given us a special discount for NOTB members too - read on for details)
WHICH FREQUENCIES DO I NEED? RED OR INFRARED?
To understand the machine's suitability there are a few factors
RED LIGHT (suitable for skin)
Red light therapy involves exposure to fairly strong sources of visible red light in the 610-700nm range.
Most of the studies and interest towards these frequencies relate to skin conditions, but there are many other applications.
The absolute optimal single wavelengths are 620nm and 670nm as can be seen on the dark line on the graph which relates to The Cytochrome absorption - i.e. how the cells react to that frequency.
Graph showing this light’s spectral output & red absorption peaks in cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria (T. Karu et al., 1995-2008) SOURCE
The Red shading on the graph indicates the light that the RED LIGHT MAN's Pure red light machines give.
The red shading has 4 blended peaks due to the four frequencies used.
610nm – 25% – Orange-Red
630nm – 25% – Red
660nm – 25% – Deep Red
680nm – 25% – Far Red
If you only want a machine to treat skin-deep issues then this RED LIGHT MACHINE that covers the twin peaks with four frequencies is perfect.
NEAR INFRARED (deep tissue penetration)
Infrared light refers to photons with a slightly longer wavelength than red, being just outside of the human eyesight perception range.
There are 3 types of infrared; Far, Mid and Near-infrared.
We are only interested in near-infrared for the purposes of light therapy.
Infrared light therapy works on a very similar mechanism to visible red, however infrared cannot be seen by the human eye.
Infrared actually passes further inside the body than red, so it can reach muscles, bones, organs, and even the brain.
As can be seen on the graph below, the green line shows how the 830nm and 760nm are absorbed more efficiently by cells than other wavelengths.
COMBO - RED LIGHT AND INFRARED - suitable for skin and deep tissue
I personally chose a combo machine to gain the full range of the benefits of red light and Infrared.
Red light is useful for skin conditions or for reducing subcutaneous fat
Infrared is useful for deeper penetration into tissues
Using a device with Red light and Infrared frequencies means it is useful for tackling skin issues and penetrating deeper tissues.
The graph below shows how the use of four frequencies within the RED INFRARED LIGHT COMBO unit follows the frequencies found to be most effective in studies.
620 25% – Orange-Red
670 25% – Deep Red
760 25% - Near Infrared
830 25% - Near Infrared
HOW MUCH COULD THIS COST ME?
FREE
The primary basic option is exposing as much of the body to the sun's rays at sunrise and sunset.
This God-given resource is free and best done naked!
PAID
The next option, which enables higher doses, as and when desired, comes via manmade light machines.
Red light and Infrared machines vary from £15 to over £100,000
BOTTOM END - Cheap torches and handheld devices
Most low-cost machines are ineffective and too weak.
Be warned, when coming across red light therapy for the first time, many at first buy red lights that are weak and ineffective, later upgrading and wasting money in the process.
TOP-END - PHOTOBIOMODULATION BEDS BY PRO THERAPISTS.
The larger £100,000 machines are like sun beds that enable both sides of the body to have an even dose.
These machines are great.
These beds are perfect for therapists offering clients 20-minute sessions.
The cost is about £50-£100 per 20-minute session.
However, the same benefits from the same frequencies and same power output can be achieved with the home solution below.
THE MIDRANGE SOLUTION
During my research, I came across the devices below.
They are powerful and affordable enabling frequent sessions for all the family.
i.e. once bought they offer unlimited free sessions for the price of the electricity used.
They are:
Powerful (enabling higher concentrated doses than the £100k machines,)
Affordable.
Portable
Durable
I can also recommend this manufacturer due to these basics.
Super fast free shipping worldwide
Designed and produced by a small independent UK company
Great support - The designer & company owner will answer your questions personally
I have personally tested and approved THE REDLIGHT MAN devices.
THREE STYLES OF LIGHT FROM THE REDLIGHT MAN
These light machine styles are available in three styles
1 - Handheld TARGETTED TREATMENT AREA
2 - Desktop TARGETTED TREATMENT AREA (high power)
3 - FULL BODY TREATMENT
Each of the three styles above are available in three versions, each offering different ranges of light.
RED LIGHT ONLY
INFRARED ONLY
RED AND INFRARED
Due to the multiple uses of the combo lights, which will treat the skin and deeper tissue issues, I have concentrated on the 3rd option of Red and Infrared models as shown below.
1 - TARGETTED TREATMENT AREA - Red-Infrared Combo Mini - £ 144.00 - Shop
2 - TARGETTED TREATMENT AREA (high power) Red-Infrared Combo Light - £ 300.00 - Shop
3 - FULL BODY TREATMENT - Red-Infrared Combo Bodylight 2.0 £ 720.00 - Shop
A complete combination light therapy device, made with 12 near-infrared and red LEDs of specifically chosen wavelengths. The power output of this device has been doubled recently to improve on the light intensity of the original Combo Mini (18w vs 9w).
At maximum range, this product can cover a circular area with a diameter of 40cm.
OptimIsed spectrum of red/infrared light.
620 ◦ 670 ◦ 760 ◦ 830 nm
Combines best of red & infrared light therapy
Hand-held or easily mountable.
Narrow beam angle for high penetration.
(currently on sale at £240 & sold out - new stock arriving next week! Preorder at £240 and get your additional member's NOTB discount!)
Intense beam of therapeutic red/infrared light.
620 ◦ 670 ◦ 760 ◦ 830 nm
All of the best of red & infrared light wavelengths.
Hand-held, hangable, tabletop
Via the special lens on the front of the box, there is a unique beam angle for high penetration.
FULL BODY RED and NEAR RED LIGHT TREATMENT
Full body panel of therapeutic red & near-infrared light.
620nm + 670nm + 760nm + 830nm
The four peak red & near-infrared light wavelengths.
Door/wall mounted, hangable, stand alone.
Our most powerful light therapy device, covers every cellular absorption peak. Capable of covering an area the size of a full body, head to toe, at once.
FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Standard delivery is free everywhere in the world!
There are faster delivery options available at extra cost.
We offer delivery to any country in the world using a variety of international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and so on.
We have years of experience with international couriers. Just select a product and proceed to the cart page to see the options for your country.
Get in touch if you want something not available by default and we will do our best to accomodate.
We ship from the UK, but still offer next-day delivery to most major countries such as to the USA, Canada, most of Europe, etc.
We aim to dispatch all items on the same day if they are ordered before lunchtime.
All orders will definitely be dispatched on the next working day otherwise. During holiday periods such as Christmas/New Year, this may be delayed by a few days, but we will warn you.
FAQ
Do you ship to Europe, the USA or Australia?
Yes, delivery is available worldwide. Free Shipping is now available worldwide - anywhere in the world!
What are the costs for faster delivery?
What payment methods do you accept?
How long will delivery take?
How secure is shopping on RedLight Man
What happens after ordering?
Will I get an invoice?
DISCOUNT
LASOR OR LED?
LEDs are far safer for home use.
New technology enables a much stronger concentration of LED lights meaning LEDs are a long-lasting effective and durable solution.
THE REDLIGHT MAN is at the forefront of these technical advances, hence the incredible power/effectiveness/price ratio.
DOSAGE - HOW OFTEN? FOR HOW LONG?
The closer the unit is to the body the stronger the dose.
The longer the device is kept by the body the stronger the dose.
To work out approximate doses we first need to know the strength of a machine.
Then a set of calculations using strength and time can be used to work out the length of exposure.
Light therapy dose is calculated with this formula:
Power Density x Time = Dose
Fortunately, most recent studies use standardised units to describe their protocol:
Power Density in mW/cm² (milliwatts per centimeter squared)
Time in s (seconds)
Dose in J/cm² (Joules per centimeter squared)
Power densities over about 200mw/cm² are not typically indicated for skin treatment as they are quite powerful. However thigh power densities sin the skin can be used for short periods when targeting deeper tissue.
Power densities in the 500-1000+ range offer excellent penetration, useful for muscles, joints, brain tissue, etc.
(as you read on you'll see I have chosen powerful machine meaning lower times to achieve deep tissue healing)
FURTHER RESEARCH
If you need more info before buying, I recommend this book below
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Is Red Light Therapy a Miracle "Drug"?
If there were a pill that was scientifically proven to help you look 10 years younger, lose fat, improve hormonal health, fight pain and inflammation, increase strength/endurance, heal faster, improve your brain health and increase your energy levels, it would be a billion-dollar blockbuster drug.
Doctors all over the world would call it a "miracle drug," and millions of people would be told to start taking it.
Here's the crazy part: That "drug" exists.
But it's not a pill.
It's red light therapy!
Did you know that light has the power to heal your body and optimize your health?
Of course, everyone knows about the importance of vitamin D from sunlight (from UV light). But few are aware that there is another type of light that may be just as vital to our health - red and near-infrared light.... read more and buy here
ARTHRITIS
Some sources of near infrared and red light have actually been used clinically for the treatment of arthritis since the late 1980s. By the year 2000, enough scientific evidence existed to recommend it for all arthritis sufferers1 regardless of cause or severity. Since then there have been several hundred quality clinical studies trying to refine the parameters for all joints that can be affected.
Ensuring penetration to the joints
The two main things affecting tissue penetration are the wavelengths and the strength of the light hitting the skin.
In practical terms, anything below the wavelength of 600nm or over the wavelength of 950nm won’t penetrate deeply.
The 740-850nm range seems to be the sweet spot for optimal penetration and around 820nm for maximum effects on the cell.
The strength of the light (aka power density / mW/cm²) also affects penetration with 50mW/cm² over a few cm² area being a good minimum. So essentially, this boils down to a device with wavelengths in the 800-850nm range and greater than 50mW/cm² power density such as this machine.
SKIN WRINKLES
WEIGHT LOSS
The mechanism of red light therapy for weight loss is quite simple – it increases metabolic rate. As mentioned in our descriptions of red and infrared light, light therapy stimulates our mitochondria (the cell’s power source) to increase glucose oxidation.
This is because light between 600nm and 1000nm stimulates a key copper enzyme in our cells. This inevitably results in more ATP, or cellular energy, being produced.
More glucose burned efficiently means less stress, and healthier cells, which results in a stronger metabolic rate – ultimately leading to fat loss. This effect can be seen in muscle tissue, as well as fat.
Red-Infrared Combo Light from Red Light Man being used for belly fat reduction
BRAIN INJURY
This study uses lasers.
LEDs are safer for home use and are of the same frequency.
"...Not only may new brain cells be formed after LLLT but the existing brain cells may be encouraged to form new synaptic connections in the process known as synaptogenesis or synaptic plasticity. If these processes can be reliably shown to occur after transcranial LLLT it opens the door to the treatment being applied to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and many diverse psychiatric disorders...."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5379852/
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Many people experience relapses and recurrent infections, so finding a long-term solution is crucial. Both of the above potential effects (healing without inflammation and sterilising the skin of harmful micro-organisms) of red light may lead to a downstream effect – healthier skin and better resistance to future infections.
Low amounts of candida/yeast are a normal part of our skin flora, usually causing no negative effects. Low levels of inflammation (from any cause) actually promote the growth of these yeast organisms specifically, and then the growth leads to more inflammation – a classic vicious cycle. The tiny increase in inflammation quickly escalates into a full-blown infection.6
MEN'S HEALTH
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly common problem, affecting pretty much every man at one point or another. It has a profound effect on mood, feelings of self-worth and quality of life, leading to anxiety and/or depression. Although traditionally linked to older men and health issues, ED is rapidly increasing in frequency and has become a common problem even in young men. The topic we will address in this article is whether red light can be of any use to the condition.
Many researchers note that vasodilation is stimulated by light therapy (and also by various other physical, chemical and environmental factors – the mechanism by which the dilation comes about is different for all the different factors though – some good, some bad). The reason that improved blood flow helps erectile dysfunction is obvious, and is necessary if you want to cure ED. Red light could potentially stimulate vasodilation through these mechanisms
Nitric Oxide
As mentioned above as a metabolic inhibitor, NO actually has various other effects on the body, including vasodilation[3,7]. NO is produced from arginine (an amino acid) in our diet by an enzyme called NOS. The problem with too much sustained NO (from stress/inflammation, environmental pollutants, high-arginine diets, and supplements) is it can bind to respiratory enzymes in our mitochondria, preventing them from using oxygen. This poison-like effect prevents our cells from producing energy and carrying out basic functions.
The main theory explaining light therapy is that red/infrared light might be able to photodissociate NO from this position, potentially allowing mitochondria to function normally again.
BONE HEALING
Red light therapy is a type of treatment that utilizes low wavelengths of red light in various forms of healing. It infiltrates the surface of the skin deep into the bones producing several functions including:
Healing of bones
Increasing mineral density of bones
Reduces swelling and inflammation
Reduces osteoporosis
Improves general bone health
Making bones stronger
Pain attenuation
Neural function restoration
Immune modulation
Bone repairment and remodeling
Mechanism of Red-Light Therapy
The mechanism of red-light therapy is simple; it works on stimulating the mitochondria, also known as 'the powerhouse of the cell' to produce more energy.
After the light penetrates the skin, light energy is soon converted into biochemical energy, initiating a cascade of events resulting in many physiological changes. Most importantly, oxygen release, ATP production (extra energy), and DNA replication.
This extra energy in the form of ATP goes into reducing oxidative stress, regeneration, and healing.
This is particularly beneficial in the case of broken bones, where subjecting them to red light therapy can prove advantageous in rejuvenating the healing process by expanding blood circulation, collagen formation, and decreasing inflammation.2
REFERENCES
Hawkins D, Houreld N, Abrahamse H. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an effective therapeutic modality for delayed wound healing. In: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Blackwell Publishing Inc.; 2005. p. 486–93.
Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Vol. 32, Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013.
Quirk BJ, Sannagowdara K, Buchmann E v., Jensen ES, Gregg DC, Whelan HT. Effect of near-infrared light on in vitro cellular ATP production of osteoblasts and fibroblasts and on fracture healing with intramedullary fixation. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma. 2016 Oct 1;7(4):234–41.
Hawkins DH, Abrahamse H. The role of laser fluence in cell viability, proliferation, and membrane integrity of wounded human skin fibroblasts following Helium-Neon laser irradiation. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2006 Jan;38(1):74–83.
Fujimoto K, Kiyosaki T, Mitsui N, Mayahara K, Omasa S, Suzuki N, et al. Low-intensity laser irradiation stimulates mineralization via increased BMPs in MC3T3-E1 cells. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2010 Aug;42(6):519–26.
What is the best nir device a person can buy and use independently of a physician. There has to be scam equipment that does nothing