Today I would like to talk to you about photobiomodulation – a word that I recommend you learn because it’s all the rage and not without reason!
If we analyze it as a compound word, it is easy to understand:
photo – light in all its waves-
bio – our biology, cells, tissues, chemical reactions which support life
modulation – modify, change, control or enhance according to what is needed at the moment.
Yes! You got it right. It’s all about how light affects and modulates our biology. And why am I, as a nutritionist, getting into this topic? Because I have always been fascinated by the theory of the origin of Life on our beloved Earth. Several hypotheses persist but we are not 100% sure. What we do know is that it probably started in the sea and that the first life forms were phytoplankton nourished by sunlight. The fascinating thing about all this is that, even today, all Life on this Earth relies on these beings that feed directly from the sun. If the sun were to suddenly go out, we would not last much longer. Directly or indirectly, Life is sustained by sunlight.
Surely you are aware of how good sunbathing feels, but did you know about its healing powers? The science of photobiomodulation studies the effect of different wavelengths (visible colours and other wavelengths invisible to our eyes) on our cells. I have been studying this subject out of curiosity and now I see that it is another way to nourish ourselves. Yet another one! Above all, I am deepening in the theory and practice behind the therapy with red and infrared light (the one we do not see but we feel “warmth”).
Well, a session of red and infrared light is much more than the bright red light and warmth we notice. It has been scientifically proven to have a multitude of benefits such as stimulating collagen formation (no more wrinkles!), tissue regeneration (wound healing) and reduction of inflammation (and thus pain relieving). It has effects on the nervous system helping with relaxation (direct effect on the vagus nerve), improving eyesight, digestion and energy levels (with direct effect on the mitochondria). Many people use its red and infrared light lamp to accelerate post-workout recovery. It is being used to treat cases of acne and effects on metabolic regulation have been observed…and the list goes on!
Just for information, the other visible light waves have their therapeutic indications, too. Blue light therapy seems to be very good for killing bacteria on the skin when there are severe acne issues and green light is being used to improve circulatory problems as well as to balance certain neurotransmitters. All this is what is encompassed under the term PHOTOBIOMODULATION.
Do you want to feel these effects at home? Like any booming fad, devices of dubious quality appear on the market to quickly fill a growing demand. It is important to choose a device that ensures the correct wavelength (the most studied red waves would be between 630 and 660nm and infrared 830-850nm) and a sufficient potency to penetrate your tissues without having to expose yourself for hours. Infrared light penetrates deeper and red light is more superficial but each has its unique effect on the body. The devices are usually composed of several LED lights and you will find that they are interchangeable between each desired wave or if you want to enjoy both at the same time. There are larger plates, smaller plates, more flexible plates, pointers, single bulbs, mats…and prices vary greatly.
I have done the research for you and I am delighted with my purchase – well, actually it was a birthday present ;-). (I consider myself a novice in this world so if you already have experience and want to give me some recommendations I’m all ears!) I am enjoying my Hooga plate ¡each morning for about 5 mins, and sometimes, if I’m feeling a bit anxious, 5mins in the evening as well,. With that dose feel more than satisfied. I drink my chai tea and meditate in front of my red light and I start my day on a great note! (Let me know if it shows in my wrinkles!!). It can be programmed from 5 minutes of therapy to 15 and you can regulate if you want only red, only infrared or both frequencies.
If you are intrigued and would love to purchase a red-light panel to enjoy from the comfort of you home, I have a gift for you. If you enter the online store with this link, you will have a 12% discount on any purchase from the Hooga website. Otherwise, go directly to their website, and use my discount code to get a 12% deduction on anything from their shop. I would love to hear your feedback!
Discount code: nklkazaxol