Photobiomodulation, or low-level light therapy, is a non-invasive therapy that uses light to stimulate the body to promote various positive effects. Using specific wavelengths of light that vary in color and strength, photobiomodulation can bring numerous unique benefits through pain-free technology. 

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How Does Photobiomodulation Work?

​​​​​​​​​Photobiomodulation describes the process of using various light sources on our physical bodies to produce a positive effect or benefit. Photobiomodulation works by stimulating the cells in our bodies, particularly the mitochondria in our cells. One of the primary responsibilities of mitochondria is to generate ATP, which is the main energy ingredient for the cells and, in turn, our minds and bodies. Red light therapy, a specific form of photobiomodulation, nourishes and boosts the health of the mitochondria, thus increasing energy levels in our daily lives for the short and long term. This is important because, as the Cleveland Clinic describes in 2021, "With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, such as repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation." It doesn't stop there; the benefits of light therapy or red light therapy are immense. Between giving the cells more energy to function and reducing pain, the list goes on and on. Other effects of red light therapy include anti-aging benefits, wound healing abilities, pain and inflammation reduction, muscle recovery and performance enhancement, joint health and arthritis management, mood regulation and positive effects for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, stimulates healing, increased antioxidants, improve blood flow and oxygenation, and even hair growth stimulation. 

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Different Forms / Devices of Photobiomodulation:

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Light therapy comes in many different colors and devices. With the health and wellness market booming, various devices and treatments have emerged using light to maximize daily life, performance, longevity, and overall health. While many devices and treatments within photobiomodulation exist, we will only cover a few here. To start, handheld devices can be used involving red light therapy that is utilized for a targeted effect on a specific area of the body. Whether that means using a small light therapy device on the face to reduce wrinkles or using it on your knee to relieve inflammation and pain, the small devices tend to have a more specific desired effect. Just a little bit bigger in size, there are panels of light that one lies underneath or stands in front of, allowing access to a broader area of the body, providing greater desired effects. In addition to skin health, a common beauty device emerging today is using face masks that include light therapy. These face masks can include the colors of blue, red, green, yellow, and even purple. Each color provides a different result or effect but still remains non-invasive and pain-free during treatment. And the more commonly misunderstood light device is the infrared sauna. Infrared saunas produce heat via a different form of light than red light therapy. Saunas use infrared light wavelengths that non-invasively penetrate the body, promoting relaxation, detoxification, and other benefits. 

 

One form of red light therapy not mentioned in the paragraph above is red light Intranasal Devices. At Better Brain & Body, we utilize an intranasal red light therapy device called the Vielight X-Plus, a non-invasive photobiomodulation device that employs red or near-infrared (NIR) light (600-1100nm). The Vielight has a red light attached to a nasal clip that goes slightly into the nostril. The nasal tissue then absorbs red light, stimulating blood flow, oxygenation, and other effects throughout the body. What distinguishes the Vielight from other forms of red light therapy is that it also utilizes infrared light, as used in the sauna. Infrared light penetrates deeper into the body, allowing for maximum benefit. This process also releases nitric oxide, which can positively impact the blood microcirculation in the body. This helps to improve oxygen delivery to tissues, which helps improve overall mind-body wellness. 

 

Top 5 Benefits of Using the Vielight Brain Photobiomodulation Technology:

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1. Cognitive Enhancement:

Focus, concentration, mental clarity, and memory have been reported to improve. Similarly, this may help individuals with brain fog, cognitive decline, or if you are simply seeking cognitive improvement. 

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2. Improvement in Neurological Conditions:

Vielight can be used alongside current therapies treating a neurological condition. Vielight has studies on their website that include completed studies of the effects of Vielight therapy on conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and Traumatic Brain Injury. The Vielight can also benefit those with auto-immune disorders. While research is ongoing, red light therapy does indicate having a neuroprotective effect on the brain, which makes treating neurological conditions with non-invasive therapies relevant. 

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3. Energy Levels:

Some people report increased energy levels and sleep quality after using the Vielight. Current and completed scientific studies show that light therapy or red light therapy has a positive impact on the Circadian Rhythm, the 24-hour day and night schedule our bodies biologically follow. 

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4. Mental Health & Mood: 

The Vielight intranasal light therapy has shown improvements in symptoms for individuals with depression, anxiety, and SAD; offering a drug-free addition to treatment for such conditions. 

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5. Brain Performance & Health:

The Vielight can heal damaged brain cells and regenerate damaged brain cells, surfacing to become a top treatment in addressing brain function. The Vielight can also be used to optimize brain performance with the potential to increase current cognitive abilities, creative endeavors, or athletic performance.