Novaa Oral Care Pro Review, Light Therapy That Helps Gums and Teeth Heal Faster

What is Red Light Therapy and How Does it Work?

Red light therapy is a type of therapy that uses red or near-infrared light to treat a variety of conditions. During a red light therapy session, a person is exposed to a specific wavelength of red or near-infrared light that is delivered through a light-emitting device. The light penetrates the skin and reaches the cells within the body with a range of therapeutic effects.

Red light is a type of visible light, Its wavelength falls between approximately 630 and 700 nanometers (nm) on the electromagnetic spectrum. Red light is often used in light therapy treatments for the skin, as it has been shown to have the most beneficial effects on skin cells and collagen production.

Near-infrared (NIR) light, on the other hand, has a longer wavelength than visible red light and falls between approximately 700 and 1200 nm on the electromagnetic spectrum. NIR light is not visible to the human eye, but it can penetrate deeper into the skin and other tissues than visible light, making it useful for a variety of therapeutic applications ranging from wound healing to inflammation reduction or to improve circulation, among other benefits.

Different Red Light Therapy devices usually deliver slightly different wavelength ranges that research has shown to be the most effective for the concern they are being recommended for.

Red Light Therapy (RLT)  strengthens the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse, where cell energy is created. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the critical energy-carrying molecule that is found in all living organisms. By optimizing the function of the mitochondria, more ATP is produced and with increased energy cells can function optimally.  

This scientific breakthrough resulted in scientists discovering Red Light Therapy’s ability to stimulate and speed up tissue repair and growth. Red Light Therapy is now widely used for maintaining a healthy complexion, speeding up muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, improving sleep, treating neurological conditions, balancing hormones, treating pain, and even losing weight.

Research has also indicated that Red Light Therapy can help to restore cellular balance and alleviate the negative impact of blue light exposure. The prevalence of blue light in our society has become a growing concern as many individuals spend prolonged periods of time looking at screens on a daily basis.

A Brief History of Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy (RLT) has a long and rich history, dating back to the discovery of light therapy in 1896 by Dr. Finsen. Dr. Finsen discovered the therapeutic use of light to treat a form of tuberculosis called Lupus Vulgaris in 1896. He found that light therapy could successfully heal lesions associated with the disease.

This discovery of light therapy paved the way for future advancements in the field. Dr. Finsen's work in this area was so significant that he was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1903.

In 1960, the first laser was invented by Theodore H. Maiman despite Albert Einstein theorizing modern laser principles in 1917.

Since then, researchers and medical practitioners have continued to explore the potential of RLT in various fields. For instance, in 1987, NASA conducted research that found RLT to be an effective way to stimulate plant growth during space missions.

This research provided valuable insights into the benefits of RLT beyond human health. In the medical field, Endre Mester's work in 1967 using low-level laser therapy devices to test the effectiveness of treating the effects of skin cancer proved to be a crucial milestone in the history of RLT.

These devices later received FDA approval in 2002 for wound healing processes. In the 1990s, LED Light Therapy gained popularity due to the reduced production cost and increased efficiency of LED light bulbs, making it an accessible and affordable option for consumers.

Physical therapists also began using LED therapy for sports-related injuries, observing a rapid recovery time in their patients. Recent research has shown that RLT can reduce body fat in specific areas, such as the stomach, and promote weight loss through its effects on hormones like Leptin and Ghrelin. This breakthrough is an exciting development in the field of non-invasive treatments for weight management and reinforces the importance of light therapy in medical research.

RLT continues to make strides in the field of non-invasive treatments for a variety of conditions, with researchers exploring further its potential and clinical applications.