Science Behind Light Therapy

Whole Body friends, please note that hundreds of clinical studies have been completed across several decades, so this is by no means an exhaustive list.It is sample summary of the science backed research conducted to validate  efficacy, and myriad benefits of Light Therapy.

My very favorite, is the information provided by Dr. Andrew Huberman of the Huberman Lab and Huberman Podcast, below. He shares some serious science from episode 68.  

Research and Scholarly Publications

Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health, Huberman Lab Podcast #68. Apr 18, 2022

Huberman describes the mechanisms by which different wavelengths of light impact the cells, tissues and organs of the human body, and how specifically timed light exposure of specific wavelengths can be used to improve sleep, enhance alertness, modulate hormone levels, and improve mood. He also  explains the use of ultraviolet and infrared phototherapies to relieve pain increase testosterone and estrogen levels; improve skin health, appearance and wound healing; and how red light can be used to offset age-related vision loss and provide neuroprotection. Throughout the episode, he describes the mechanisms of light-based therapies and actionable tools that people can use positively impact mental and physical health. 

Optimize Health, Therapeutic application of light and electromagnetic fields to reduce hyper-inflammation triggered by COVID https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19420889.2021.1911413?scroll=top&needAccess=true&role=tab.

The beneficial effects of red and infrared light in the treatment of inflammation have been well known since the time of Niels Finsen, who received the Nobel Prize in 1903 for his demonstration that a human autoimmune disease, lupus vulgaris, could be successfully treated and cured by application of visible light [2]. In subsequent years, illumination of patients with red or infrared light, known as Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM), was proven clinically effective against a variety of human diseases including Achilles tendinopathy [3], Alopecia Areata [4–6], psoriasis [7–9], thyroiditis [10, 41], and arthritis [11–13]. 

Artificial Light and Cancer - Mal Illumination https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454613/

Artificial Light and Obesity  https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/180/3/245/2739112

Light at night and metabolism, https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/35/4/648/2354673

History, Mechanism, Dose, Mitochondrial Impact, Anti Inflammatory. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28232927 

Collected Publications Regarding Light Therapy

 

Skin Problems and Anti-Aging Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) in Skin: Stimulating, Healing, and Restoring https://www.scmsjournal.com/article/abstract/low-level-laser-light-therapy-lllt-in-skin-stimulating-healing-restoring/

March 2013, Asheesh Gupta, PhD | Daniela Vecchio, PhD | Magesh Sadasivam, MTech | Michael R Hamblin, PhD | Nadav Pam, MD | Pinar Avci, MD | Zeev Pam, MD

Abstract: low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function. Although skin is naturally exposed to light more than any other organ, it still responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths. The photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells. Consequently, electron transport, adenosine triphosphate nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species increase, and diverse signaling pathways are activated. Stem cells can be activated, allowing increased tissue repair and healing. In dermatology, LLLT has beneficial effects on wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and healing of burns. LLLT can reduce UV damage both as a treatment and as a prophylactic measure. In pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo, LLLT can increase pigmentation by stimulating melanocyte proliferation and reduce depigmentation by inhibiting autoimmunity. Inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and acne can also be managed. The noninvasive nature and almost complete absence of side effects encourage further testing in dermatology.

Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Jared Jagdeo MD, MS, Evan Austin BS, Andrew Mamalis MD, MS, Christopher Wong BS, Derek Ho MD, Daniel M. Siegel MD, https://www.scmsjournal.com/article/abstract/low-level-laser-light-therapy-lllt-in-skin-stimulating-healing-restoring/

Lee SY, Park KH, Choi JW, et al. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and split-face clinical study on LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation. J Photochem Photobiol B 2007;88:51-67.

Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, Fligiel SEG, Kang S, Fisher GJ, et al. Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin. The American Journal of Pathology [Internet]. 2006;168:1861–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1606623/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215870/

History, Mechanism, Dose, Mitochondrial, Anti Inflammatory, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215870/ 

Comparison of Red and Infrared Low-level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22615511

Mental and Emotional Benefits Recent studies show the use of LED Red Light has significant benefits for mental and emotional wellness, however the majority of research with Light Therapy for mental health has been conducted with Bright Light Therapy. During Bright Light Therapy, one would sit or stand by a light therapy box, which can range in size and emits a specific wavelength similar to natural sunlight. Using the right frequencies and exposures has been shown to significantly increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, the chemicals in your brain that play a role in mood regulation.

Used To:

To Treat:

Sunlight Incidence, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Alzheimer's Disease., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454613/ 

Depression Long term study, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556873/

Study on psychological benefits with documented results 2 and 4 weeks post treatment with near infrared light to the forehead, 10 patients with major depression and anxiety, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444