Does Infrared Light Therapy Really Work?
The jury seems to still be out regarding the efficacy of infrared light therapy, so I not only gave it a try but researched it. I have a chronic bad back and acid reflux so made an appointment with my acupuncturist and had her try the light. I believe that my back felt better for about a week so I am concluding that I will need more than the one treatment. No change in my acid reflux but, to be fair, that probably requires additional treatments as well.
Recently a cousin and I were on a road trip. She has had a problem with eczema her entire life and it reared its ugly head while on our journey. Suddenly, for no reason that we could ascertain, her lower face broke out in an eczema like rash. Luckily we have a nephew that has a Chinese medicine clinic, which happened to be along our route. He took one look and got out his infrared therapy light and applied it to her face. When the treatment was completed she said her face felt much better and it looked a great deal better. By the next morning the eczema was gone without a trace. Just sayin’….
Red light therapy is an emerging treatment that appears to treat wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and signs of aging. It uses low wavelength red light and goes by the following additional names:
– Low level laser light therapy
– Non-thermal LED light
– Soft laser therapy
– Cold laser therapy
– Biostimulation
– Phototherapy
Red light therapy works by acting on the mitochondria in your body’s cells. With more energy cells can do their work more efficiently. Certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work. The light emitted by RLT penetrates roughly five millimetres below the skin’s surface.
Other conditions that are said to benefit from this therapy include:
– improvement in wound healing
– reduce stretch marks
– improve facial texture
– improve hair growth in people with alopecia
In other studies red light therapy seemed to assist in the following ways:
– Dementia. People with dementia got regular infrared light therapy on their heads and through their noses for twelve weeks, resulting in improved memories, better sleep patterns, and less anger.
– Dental pain. People with temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome had less pain, clicking, and jaw tenderness after RLT.
– Osteoarthritis. The control group found that the therapy cut osteoarthritic pain by more than 50%.
– Tendinitis. One study suggests that infrared light therapy lessens inflammation and pain in Achilles tendinitis sufferers.
There have been numerous clinical studies and laboratory studies conducted and there is evidence to suggest that this therapy may also have these benefits:
– reduce the side effects of some cancer treatments by using the light to activate another medication.
– build collagen to diminish wrinkles.
– mend sun damage.
– prevent recurring cold sores.
Infrared light therapy is safe and is not associated with any side effects. It is not toxic, invasive, or harsh. Proper eye protection is required in some instances. As for most things, it is always best to consult your medical professional before taking the treatment. Often it is promoted at beauty spas and salons, gyms, and wellness centers. Check their credentials carefully.
Here are some commonly asked questions:
1. Is RLT covered by insurance? Not usually but you should call your health insurance company to find out for sure.
2. How many treatments will I need? This varies with the condition being treated.
3. Will I achieve the desired results? Results can vary from one person to another and the wavelength of the red light source will affect your result.
4. Are there other similar treatment options? There are other light-based therapies available such as laser treatments, blue or green light therapy, sauna light therapy, ultraviolet light B and A.
RLT devices can be purchased online and used at home but it is best to get the proper information regarding your condition from your health care professional and get a recommendation from him/her as to the proper, safe device that would work best for you.