Every human has an important control center that makes the body function well: the brain. With more than 100 billion nerves, making consistent connections between them is the most complex organ in the anatomy. Unfortunately, talking about brain health, diseases are becoming more and more common. Research continues as more professionals are working on different options to help those affected with these challenges to improve their brain health and quality of life. This is how one of the most effective and innovative alternatives was introduced: Red Light Therapy
Also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM), this kind of therapy describes the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect tissue that has either been injured, is degenerating, or is at risk of dying [1] (Hamblin, 2016). The principal goal of this treatment is to improve the functioning of the brain to reduce the impacts generated by the conditions. This technique is proposed to treat diseases such as traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and age-related decline.
As you can see, Red Light Therapy is indicated to help three groups of brain disorders, starting with traumatic events, psychiatric disorders, and degenerative diseases. Some of the most common are global ischemia, dementia, Alzheimer ́s, Parkinson ́s, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Of course, this is a reduced list because, in compliance with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are more than 600 types of neurological diseases.
How It Works?
Fazard Salehpour and others (2018) express in their investigation that Red/NIR light is able to stimulate complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (cytochrome c oxidase) and increase ATP synthesis. Moreover, light absorption by ion channels results in release of Ca2+ and leads to activation of transcription factors and gene expression [2].
In general terms, the red light therapy beds increase the process of synaptogenesis (the transmission of information between neurons) and neurogenesis (the action when the neurons are formed). It also helps to expand the ability to respond in antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory, as well as the metabolic work of neurons.
In addition, this therapy has other benefits for patients, such as improving blood flow, reducing chronic inflammation, and accelerating brain oxygenation.
Red Light Therapy Success In Brain Health
Multiple cases have left evidence of the positive effect that this type of therapy has, considerably improving the well-being of people who receive it. There are many studies about the benefits that it can provide. For example, Michael R Hamblin (2018) reflects in his study that in healthy human volunteers (including students and healthy elderly women); PBM has been shown to increase regional cerebral blood flow, tissue oxygenation, improve memory, mood, and cognitive function [3]. Also, they tried the treatment with another group, explaining that clinical studies have been conducted in patients suffering from the chronic effects of TBI. There have been reports showing improvement in executive function, working memory, and sleep [3].
Both conclusions are clear examples of the effectiveness of Red Light Therapy. It ́s an optimal way to expand the ability of neural patients to change their lives. Technological advancement continues as well as medical application research. Red Light Therapy Beds are able to improve brain wellness, thereby, taking care of the human body.
[1] Hamblin MR. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clin. 2016 Oct 1;6:113-124. doi: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002. PMID: 27752476; PMCID: PMC5066074.
[2] Salehpour F, Mahmoudi J, Kamari F, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Rasta SH, Hamblin MR. Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy: a Narrative Review. Mol Neurobiol. 2018 Aug;55(8):6601-6636. doi: 10.1007/s12035-017-0852-4. Epub 2018 Jan 11. PMID: 29327206; PMCID: PMC6041198.
[3] Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation for traumatic brain injury and stroke. J Neurosci Res. 2018 Apr;96(4):731-743. doi: 10.1002/jnr.24190. Epub 2017 Nov 13. Erratum in: J Neurosci Res. 2019 Mar;97(3):373. PMID: 29131369; PMCID: PMC5803455.
