Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and red light therapy (RLT) utilizes calibrated infrared light waves to treat various illnesses and support the well-being of the human body. PBM therapy can help tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance energy creation in the body.
The therapy is met with skepticism by people. Let’s suppose you’re also concerned about its efficacy and safety. In that case, you can go to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and learn about many studies and research studies that scientists have been conducting to demonstrate the benefits of PBM therapy for a variety of diseases. And it’s nothing new; light has always had an impact on our bodies in various ways. For example, we obtain vitamin D from sunlight, which is good for our bones; we get energy from sunlight, which makes us feel alive and warm, which is essential for our body and mind to work properly; and we can see and understand things with the help of light.
How Do Photobiomodulation Therapy Treatments Work?
Photobiomodulation therapy uses light waves to activate cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) and clear the blockages by driving out the reactive oxygen species (ROS), free radicals, and other harmful molecules that are responsible for keeping oxygen away from the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation process. ATP is the molecule that provides our body with the energy it requires to function healthily. The food that we eat and the oxygen that we breathe power the powerhouse of our body cells called mitochondria to generate ATP. CCO is an enzyme that is responsible for binding oxygen in the generation process of ATP. Sometimes during the process, free radicals and other types of molecules, including ROS, take the place of oxygen and drive it out, thus blocking the ATP generation, which is referred to as oxidative stress. It can also cause cell death, early aging, tiredness, and many other health issues, including cancer.
PBM light therapy can be beneficial because it doesn’t work superficially; it solves the problems in the cell without even introducing any type of chemicals. Moreover, if light is one of the forces behind the successful evolution of an entire species, isn’t it possible that it can also have more benefits if used smartly?
Let’s have a look at the advantages of Photobiomodulation therapy treatments.
Use Photobiomodulation therapy as an Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
The anti-inflammatory effects of PBM have been proven by Michael Hamblin’s studies, and the treatment improves blood circulation in the body by diminishing the production of inflammatory proteins. It can be really beneficial for joint disorders, reducing spinal cord inflammation, traumatic injuries, lung disorders, and the brain.
Skin Rejuvenation and Reversing Oxidative Stress
According to a research paper in NCBI, PBM therapy is beneficial in reducing acne scars, wrinkles, hypertrophic scars, and burn treatment and healing. Infrared light can re-energize the skin cells and support collagen production. Furthermore, Photobiomodulation therapy also reduces UV damage when used as a precautionary measure or a treatment.
Oxidative stress happens during the process of the generation of ATP in the cell due to the presence of ROS. Typically, reactive oxygen species are required for several chemical reactions in the body and are also responsible for cell death, i.e., apoptosis. In a healthy body, antioxidants like glutathione balance out ROS. However, when there is excessive stress, the balance can get disturbed and can be harmful to the human body. PBM therapy can activate the antioxidants and support the reduction of ROS.
Encourage Energy Production and Faster Healing
PBM light therapy aids in increasing the production of ATP, which provides energy to the body. With the increased energy, you feel less tired, accomplish more tasks, and enjoy your life more. Also, your body can carry on day-to-day cell repair, cell production, and cell metabolism at a much faster rate.
Photobiomodulation therapy is also known for empowering the human body to speed up healing processes. From muscle tears and broken bones to burn wounds, PBM therapy can be helpful in many other healing processes. According to a research paper by Asheesh Gupta in The Journal of Biophotonics: “PBM light can penetrate deeper in the injured tissue and could allow non-pharmacological treatment for chronic wound healing.”
Image courtesy: The Journal of Biophotonics
Pain Management and Sleep Enhancement
According to a study published in Science Direct, low-level laser therapy’s effects on reducing pain through localized treatment, “[…] can alleviate pain and enhance joint health in chronic joint disorders like patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, and mechanical spine disorders.” Also, in many studies, PBM therapy has been shown to impact sleeping behavior in humans, from resetting the circadian rhythm in the body to decreasing oxidative stress in the hippocampus and improving alpha and beta brain waves.
PBM Heals Traumatic Brain Injuries & Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
PBM therapy has been shown to heal traumatic brain injuries and a variety of other brain ailments, including strokes, mental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and a variety of other traumatic conditions, according to a research report by Hamblin. Targeted PBM therapy offers the potential to alleviate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is incurable. Improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity can be seen right after the PBM therapy, and they continue for a year.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
The side effects of PBM treatment have not been found yet, which means there are no known side effects. The therapy uses low-energy wavelengths and doesn’t have enough energy to cause any changes in an atom’s electron configuration (non-ionizing radiation). Nonetheless, precautions must be taken while using high-capacity lasers. If used carefully, there can be hazards like burning, soft tissue damage, and blindness. It’ll be best if you take consultation and treatment from the experts in the industry, and Hue Light is one such company.
