Red Light, PEMF, Infrared; what, where, why!?

Red light has been on an upward trend for a few years now, and for good reason. Between our phone/computer screens, TV, headlights, and LED bulbs replacing incandescent we are being inundated with unbalanced amounts of “blue light”.

Circadian rhythms and melatonin production are often the first things discussed with regards to this blue light shift. Blue light in the morning, which sunlight defaults to, helps us wake up and get our day going. As the day progresses, the spectrum of light produced by the sun shifts towards red. As it sets and disappears beyond the horizon we would historically only have fire (also red heavy) as a light source. This would set our biological clocks towards sleep and let us rest, reset, and recharge for another day. In our infinite human hubris we have discovered ways to fight against mother nature and rebel against millions of years of evolution.

Inflammation and tissue healing: Borrowed straight from AI which just pulled information from the National Institute of Health:

Key Benefits for Inflammation and Repair:

• Reduction of Inflammation: RLT modulates the inflammatory response, reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation markers in damaged tissues or chronic conditions.
• Tissue Repair and Regeneration: It stimulates fibroblasts, increasing collagen production essential for healing skin, muscle, tendons, and ligaments.
• Faster Healing: Studies indicate that RLT increases blood flow and cell turnover, speeding up recovery from surgical procedures, burns, and chronic wounds.
• Pain Management: By decreasing swelling and improving circulation, RLT helps manage pain associated with injuries and neuropathy

This is all with regards to red light therapy, aka RLT, or if you wanna get fancy you can call it photobiomodulation to impress your friends.

You’re so Vain: You probably think this post is about you, and it is! We all are. Which is probably why one of the most prevalent uses for red light therapy has been in masks to help with anti aging and wrinkles as well as caps for hair growth! What can’t red light do!? This article gets into the hair and skin details: Wrinkles and Hair

My red light spa has a light mounted on the wall pointed towards the head and face. Research has shown that longer wavelength light (read RED LIGHT) can improve eye function. Beyond just surface level effects on the eyes themselves, the exposure to a variety of light types and specifically 670 nanometer (DEEP RED) helps with an area of the retina dense with mitochondria. The mitochondria are the energy producers of the cells in all parts of the body. This study on mice shows great promise that red light exposure can help slow or in some cases reverse aging. There’s a lot of science currently and in the pipeline on this stuff, it’s one reason that I’m glad the ban on incandescent light bulbs has been reversed. Although they’re great for energy conservation, LEDs aren’t that great for us.

PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field. My red light room also includes a Healthy Wave Mat experience. These mats include red light, infrared light/heat, and PEMF. It was the PEMF that sold me on this option, I have a biomat at home and it’s wonderful but it’s only infrared. PEMF has been studied for years with the following benefits, again thanks to AI:

Immune System Support: Improves cellular communication and function, supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms. 

Pain Management & Reduced Inflammation: PEMF effectively reduces chronic pain and inflammation, particularly for conditions like arthritis, back pain, and post-operative discomfort.

Accelerated Tissue Healing: Stimulates cellular repair, increases collagen production, and enhances regeneration of muscles, tendons, and bones.

Improved Circulation & Oxygenation: Increases nitric oxide production and enhances blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues.

Bone Health & Repair: FDA-approved to aid in bone healing, reducing, and treating fractures and osteoporosis.

Enhanced Athletic Performance & Recovery: Helps athletes reduce soreness, improve endurance, and recover faster from workouts.

Better Sleep & Relaxation: Helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep quality.

I have a personal policy. I won’t sell or use anything in my clinic that I don’t advocate for myself. I selfishly wanted all of these toys as part of my daily/weekly longevity plan, and you get to benefit with me!

For red lights I like this brand: EMR-Tek

Again for the Wave Mat: HealthyWaveMats