I am SO excited to share with you that I will be using a new treatment therapy called Low Level Laser Therapy/Red Light Therapy.
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been around for many years but is still considered an emerging therapy. The medical community is continuously learning about the uses and benefits of LLLT, as am I. I first learned about the benefits of using red light therapy in conjunction with cosmetic acupuncture. Many of my colleagues started implementing it during treatment and have seen great results. As I started looking further into its uses, I learned that it has also shown very promising benefits for other health concerns.
The Orion device that I will be using has the most effective and clinically proven wavelengths of red, at 660 nm, and near-infrared, at 850 nm, light for full-body health benefits. The difference between red and near-infrared light is in its ability to penetrate the skin.
Red Light
Among many health benefits, red light is known to increase collagen, and energy production, and improve sleep.
Near-Infrared Light
Near-infrared light uses a longer wavelength to reach deeper tissues for benefits such as improving muscle and joint pain, reducing inflammation, fertility, and more.
The health benefits of red light therapy are driven from 3 different mechanisms: (1) Increased mitochondrial function (2) Improved blood circulation (3) Decreased oxidative stress
Mitochondrial Function
Red light therapy boosts our energy production at a cellular level, specifically in the mitochondria—the ‘powerhouse’ of the cell. Natural red and near-infrared light from red light therapy enhances the cellular respiration process that creates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy, often called “the energy currency of life”. Our bodies are constantly creating ATP to fuel everything we do. The more ATP our cells can produce, the better our bodies can heal, feel, and perform.
Blood Circulation
Blood circulation is a vital function. It delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to our brain and body. Red light therapy improves blood flow by stimulating the cellular production of Nitric Oxide (NO), which aids blood circulation and thereby enables our cells to take in oxygen and nutrients more easily. As a result, one might experience improved skin health, wound healing, and reduced muscle soreness and inflammation. This also supports the uterine lining.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in our body. Free radicals are harmful molecules, that are naturally produced through metabolic activities (like digestion and exercising). Antioxidants play a central role in offsetting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Uncontrolled levels of oxidative stress can accelerate aging and lead to cell injury. Red light therapy upregulates the production of antioxidants – reducing oxidative stress and preventing further damage to cells.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
The short-term (10-30 minutes) addition of red light therapy during your acupuncture treatment can provide the following benefits**:
Improve skin health and appearance (when used with Cosmetic Acupuncture)
Promote collagen production (when used with Cosmetic Acupuncture)
Facial Acne (when used with Cosmetic Acupuncture)
Hair growth
Eczema/Psoriasis
Reduce inflammation
Improve sleep & circadian rhythm
Reduce joint & muscle pain
For use with fertility support:
Enhance Egg Quality – promoting blood flow to the ovaries
Endometriosis – reduce pain & inflammation
PCOS – regulate cycles, reduce pain & inflammation
Uterine receptivity/Lining Issues – promoting blood flow to the endometrial lining
Enhance sperm quality
**Depending on our treatment goals, more consistent use of red light therapy may be indicated.
What to expect during your red light therapy session:
The red light is placed, as close as possible, over the area we are treating, for an individualized chosen duration of time.
We can use red light therapy with or without acupuncture. Greater benefits are, however, seen when combined with acupuncture. There are no side effects. While we are still in the infancy of understanding LLLT, I do know that it is another non-invasive tool to support you. It is important to note that, of course, you still need a balanced and healthy diet, adequate rest, moderate exercise, good sleep, stress reduction, the right supplements, and other self care efforts, to improve overall health.
Do you have questions?
I am so happy to answer any questions you may have about this treatment. Please contact me or book a free consultation with me. I treat patients in Toronto or Aurora or virtually.