It can be overwhelming to realize just how badly our food has been manipulated, adulterated, and in some instances concocted from things we would never knowingly put into our mouth. So, while delivering the bad news, I’ll intersperse it with some good news hoping to give you a ray of hope that all is not lost.

Perhaps the earliest use of red light therapy was by Danish physician, Dr. Niels Ryberg Finsen. He received a Nobel Prize in 1903 for finding that exposure to concentrated red light sped wound healing. File that away for future reference.

NASA has been researching uses of red light therapy for many years. Some of their more serious early work came from a man named Ron Ignatius who worked for a company associated with the NASA branch in Huntsville, Alabama. Earlier their research focused on the use of LED (light-emitting diode) technology as it related to plant growth.

Researchers noticed that “abrasions on their hands” healed more quickly than expected. This relates to a problem in space travel. Astronauts’ muscles and bones atrophied and wound healing was slow. So, they began to focus on the use of LEDs to overcome these challenges.

It was found that near-infrared laser light sped the healing of wounds. It boosted the “production of growth-factor proteins, collagen and blood vessels.” Although the length of time for dosing seemed important to prevent burning, the U. S. Navy began using LED devices to treat “training injuries.” Muscle injuries and lacerations healed much more quickly than traditional treatment.

The researchers began using it to treat such things as pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, arthritis, and muscle and joint pain.  spinoff.nasa.gov 

The Cleveland Clinic has a site, my.clevelandclinic.org that focuses on the use of Red Light Therapy (RLT). It's being used for skin issues from wrinkles, acne, scars, and redness. Commercial devices use lower levels of red light than in earlier experiments did. Other skin issues that have been helped include “skin cancer, psoriasis,” warts, and some other types of cancer.

It's also been used to improve hair growth (and to reduce hair loss), improve scars and sun-damaged skin, reduce stretch marks, and relieve pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis. It also helped prevent cold sores from recurring.

It's thought that one of the ways it works is by “increasing the production of mitochondria.” They are the little factories in each body cell that work to produce energy. It's thought that they can also enhance the repair of the cell because it increases the general function of the cell. webmd.com (Red Light Therapy: What is it?”

One very interesting benefit shows up in 10 studies of people with dementia. It seems to be beneficial to those with dementia. One study reported that five people with this condition had regular light therapy for 12 weeks. Their memories improved, they “slept better and were angry less often.”

verywellhealth.com mentions that RLT has been used to help with such dental issues as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). It's thought to reduce pain and increase the range of motion of the jaw. It appears to also reduce dental plaque buildup by reducing the bacteria related to plaque. For those troubled with recurring herpes cold sores, RLT may help heal them and prevent recurrence.

Help to the brain was clarified at this site. Apparently, in Alzheimer’s disease, formaldehyde becomes concentrated in the brain. Research indicates RLT can break down formaldehyde which can improve “cognitive functions” in those who are mildly afflicted. It also seems to reduce general anxiety. One way is by helping people sleep better after being treated.

A study from the Journal of Athletic Training indicated that RLT slows fatigue, lessens tiredness, and improves recovery from exercise soreness. This will be good news for those who are concerned with physical fitness.  healthnews.com "Red Light Therapy: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects".

Another unexpected benefit was in treating spinal cord injuries. A study was published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation which suggested that it could reduce “pain hypersensitivity and improve function.”

Dr. Josh Axe believes that part of the way RLT works is by increasing blood flow to body tissues and by stimulating the production of collagen. (Collagen could be called a cellular glue that helps hold body tissues together.)

According to an article on his site, a report was published in Annals in Biomedical Engineering suggesting that, along with other benefits, it lessened “inflammation, edema, and chronic joint disorder.” Plus it healed deep “tissues and nerves" as it was used “to treat neurological disorders and pain.” draxe.com,

So why am I sandwiching this article amidst others related to the toxins in our foods? I hope to prove that the toxins added, processes used in growth, harvest, production, and even methods of packaging and storing products all affect our bodies in detrimental ways.

Red light therapy can address some of the symptoms caused by the chemicals our foods are exposed to from toxins in our air, and water and the whole processing procedures they undergo. Not to mention the toxic buildup of chemicals the body has difficulty processing and removing.

There are many factors to explore if you’re considering purchasing a RLT device for home use. There are caps for those who suffer hair loss or baldness. There are wands, hand-held devices, face masks, and light boxes.

Sites for some information on devices include  mindbodygreen.com, goodhousekeeping.com, and everydayhealth.com. Many devices focus on face and skin-related therapy. These may include masks of various types, wands, and hand-held devices. Many of them can be quite pricey. So, consider what type of device you want to invest in. Look for reviews on them and any available safety information.

Some years ago, we invested in a lightbox suggested by Ari Whitten. He wrote a book, “The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy.” In it, he focused on such things as benefits, doses, how to choose your device, and a list of his recommendations. He wrote on such issues as brain optimization, anti-aging, muscle gain, performance and recovery, etc.

Based on his information we invested in a light box, RedRush 360. We’ve both used it in a variety of ways. It can be hung over a door, but we only stood it up on a stand when in use. It has both red light-and near-infrared lights. Near-infrared seems to penetrate bone and might be best suited for concerns within the skull or for long-bone help.

Some years went by and because the box was cumbersome, I ended up with an infrared heating pad. It uses semi-precious stones in a pattern. I’ve used it in desk chairs, soft chairs and even lying down on a floor pad. Some use it in bed at night for pain relief and thereby better sleep.

I’ve long believed in natural therapies, so, knowing some of how the body functions, the use of light therapy is important. Since the mitochondria make light/energy in the body, it’s a small wonder that a light device would help increase their proper function.

Staying healthy when there are so many factors against us takes more work than ever before. Life was much simpler in bygone days before our exposure to tens of thousands of chemicals and other non-health exposures.

If you do not want to invest in an RLT option, you might consider visiting a near-infrared sauna. That can also be helpful.

Stay healthy, my friends.

Nancy L. Pidutti, PhD in NHH, Nurse, Author, Health Teacher and Hospital Chaplain

I’ve even worn more hats than that!