Blog
How do I use red light at home to affect the cardiovascular system?
For at home use of red light therapy, the majority of products (especially the affordable ones) will use LED lights, rather than laser. While early light therapy research was done using lasers, LED lights have become much more popular over the last decade. In 2018, the world’s leading expert on light therapy concluded that LED lights using comparable parameters performed “equally well” to lasers. Also, researchers analyzing the scientific evidence on red light therapy and heart attacks in 2021 cited advantages to using LED’s, including safety and affordability. This suggests that LED powered red light therapy devices can likely be used to support cardiovascular health. Red light products on the market vary quite a bit in terms of their intensity (or power) and the specific wavelengths of light that they deliver. Studies vary in both parameters, and it appears that a range of wavelengths and intensity are beneficial. For maximum versatility, it is recommended to choose a multiwavelength device that provides both red and near infrared light, since each has some unique cellular effects. In terms of intensity, it may be ideal to mimic the intensity of the sun, which is around 24 mW/cm2 at the skin. This is described as the “sweet spot” between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. Although not the focus of intensive research, it has been shown that at least for the heart muscle, high intensity treatments are not beneficial, which supports the use of devices that target this sun-mimicking light intensity. There is some uncertainty regarding what body parts to target to support cardiovascular health. Animal studies have used several approaches, including inserting laser lights directly into blood vessels, shining laser light on the whole body, and targeting light to specific points on the abdomen. In humans, studies have applied light to areas away from the heart including the thighs, wrist, and head. While this may seem confusing, it has become clear in recent years that it is not necessary to directly target a specific body part with red and near infrared light to see a benefit. These “indirect” benefits from applying light therapy to somewhere on the body are increasingly being recognized, including for brain and cardiovascular health. Our recommendations are to target the brain to support recovery from stroke and to broadly apply light to areas including the upper chest and thighs to deliver light to as much of the body as possible for general cardiovascular health. We have a lot of blood vessels at the surface of the skin, all of which will benefit from the application of red and near infrared light. Light can be applied using a red light panel or wrap, such as a head wrap for the brain or a long wrap to go around the body. The Fringe red light panel can be used daily to deliver red and near infrared light to several areas of the body, including the head and neck, chest, and legs. Red light panels are versatile in their light delivery but do require you to be stationary during treatment. Fringe red light wraps are cordless and powered by rechargeable batteries, so you can move around during treatment. For stroke recovery and to support the blood vessels in the head, the Fringe red light head wrap is the best choice. For application of red light to the upper chest or thighs, the long wrap is the most appropriate option. Fringe provides consumers with options when it comes to choosing the device that is right for them. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
Learn more
How Does Red Light Therapy Help the Cardiovascular System?
All lifestyle interventions that support cardiovascular health work act to strengthen and support the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system consists of vessels and organs that rely on the efficient contraction of smooth muscle and flow of blood that carries vital nutrients. It requires a lot of energy to support the functions of the cardiovascular system, which is generated by mitochondria in cells that produce ATP. Red light supports cardiovascular health in the following ways: Increases Energy Production - Light is absorbed in cells by molecules called chromophores, many of which are found inside the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, which make the energy currency of the cell known as ATP. Through its effects on mitochondria, light therapy can increase cellular energy production. In the cardiovascular system, problems with energy metabolism manifest early in many diseases, and energy disturbances play an important role in disease pathology. Supporting energy production would yield benefits throughout the cardiovascular system. Decreases Oxidative Stress - Mitochondria are also involved in regulating the production of molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in normal cellular function but can be harmful in high amounts. This is known as oxidative stress. In the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress is recognized as a “major trigger” for cardiovascular disease and decreasing oxidative stress would be broadly beneficial. Reduces Inflammation - As described by Dr. Michael Hamblin, former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, “one of the most reproducible effects of is an overall reduction of inflammation”. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive nitrogen species and prostaglandins. Like oxidative stress, inflammation is recognized as being a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and decreasing inflammation would reduce disease risk. Increases Vasodilation – Vasodilation is widening or relaxation of the blood vessels. As already described, increased vasodilation reduces blood pressure. Vasodilation also increases the flow of blood throughout the body, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells. When red and near infrared light are absorbed by molecules in mitochondria, the process by which ATP production increases also has the effect of increasing levels of nitric oxide. Increasing vasodilation would have a wide range of cardiovascular benefits. Increasing Angiogenesis – Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is an important part of recovery from cardiovascular injuries that involve blockage of blood flow, such as heart attacks and stroke. Red light therapy has been found to increase angiogenesis after a heart attack in animal models, and might prove to be a useful tool to support cardiovascular tissue healing in humans. These effects may help in both the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, and although more research is needed to clarify the role of red light therapy in supporting cardiovascular health, preliminary evidence suggests that it could have many positive benefits. Because red light therapy has an amazing safety profile, and since benefits are expected to be across multiple body systems, there really is no downside to incorporating it into a regular wellness regimen. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
Learn more
Transcranial Photobiomodulation for The Management of Depression
Authors: P. Askalsky, D.V. Iosifescu Background: Depression is a major public health problem that affects 322 million people worldwide with a lifetime prevalence of 20%. Depression is widely treated with antidepressants, but some patients have a poor response and many experience side effects. A novel non-pharmaceutical approach to treating depression is the use of light therapy, called photobiomodulation. This is a type of “neuromodulation” in which the skull (cranium) is exposed to light at specific wavelengths. A 2019 article provided a comprehensive review of the research in this area, which is summarized here. Research Highlights: Studies have shown that near-infrared light penetrates the skull better than red light, although penetration with both is impeded by bone. Longer wavelengths (measured in nm) penetrate better and pulsed emission is better than continuous. Lasers penetrate more deeply than LED lights. 2. Mitochondrial function, which is responsible for energy production, is reduced in patients with depression, and improvement in function with light therapy is thought to be the primary mechanism of benefit. 3. Transcranial light therapy may also help by increasing blood flow to the brain, possibly via effects on nitric oxide, and by increasing brain antioxidant levels. 4. Research using animal models has shown that light therapy reduces anxiety and depression-like behavior, as well as cortisol and glucose levels. Most animal research used laser light. 5. Research in humans has shown that light therapy can improve mood and reduce depression. Benefits are seen immediately following treatment although longer treatments may be more effective. Some studies used LED lights while some used lasers. 6. Transcranial light therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Fringe Commentary: Although research in humans is still limited, evidence suggests that transcranial light therapy may be effective in the treatment of depression. Most high-quality home light therapy devices have both red and infrared settings, offering the near infrared light that is recommended for this treatment. Home light therapy devices also use LED lights, which although not as penetrating as laser lights have still shown therapeutic benefit. Light therapy appears to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for depression, which can be used safely by most patients. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31819453/
Learn more
red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance
Authors: J. Zhao, Y. Tian, J. Nie, J. Xu, & D. Liu Citation: Journal of Athletic Training (2012); 47(6):673-678 Background: Sleep is a critical component of athletic performance, both in terms of quantity and quality. Similarly, regular exercise is considered a “non-pharmacological” intervention for sleep disorders, and it is generally accepted that physical activity is good for sleep. This is a healthy symbiotic relationship, in which sleep supports exercise and vice versa. Combining exercise with other sleep supporting non-pharmacological interventions, such as light therapy, may be especially important in helping athletes sleep and perform better. Objective: This study investigated whether red light therapy improved the sleep quality and athletic performance of Chinese female basketball players. Who Was It? A total of 20 athletes participated in this study, 10 in the light therapy group and 10 in the placebo group. What Was Done? The red-light therapy group received 30 minutes of full body red light therapy for 30 minutes each night for 14 days. The placebo group lay in the red-light therapy device for the same time period but did not receive light therapy. Sleep quality, serum melatonin, and athletic performance were assessed before and after the two-week treatment period. What Happened? Some aspects of sleep quality improved with red-light therapy, including levels of daytime dysfunction. Serum melatonin was significantly higher following light therapy, and better sleep quality was correlated with higher levels of serum melatonin. Athletic performance after light therapy was more improved than in the placebo group. Fringe Commentary: This study demonstrated that the use of red-light therapy at night for two weeks improved measures of sleep quality, serum melatonin, and athletic performance in female basketball players. These results suggest that athletes, athletic therapists, and health care providers can use light therapy as a safe, non-pharmacological intervention to support sleep and physical functioning. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499892/pdf/i1062-6050-47-6-673.pdf
Learn more
Photobiomodulation and Pain Reduction in Patients Requiring Orthodontic Band Application:
Authors: M.F. Sfondrini, M. Vitale, A.L.B. Pinheiro, P. Gandini, L. Sorrentino, U.M. Iarussi, A. Scribante. Citation: BioMed Research International (2020), Article ID 7460938 Background: Light therapy, or photobiomodulation, involves the application of a light source such as a laser to an area of the body for therapeutic purposes. Light therapy works on the principle that cells absorb light which triggers chemical and physical reactions including stimulation of mitochondria, which produce cellular energy. One of the effects of light therapy is the reduction of pain. Objective: To determine if application of low-level light therapy would reduce pain associated with orthodontic band application in a randomized placebo-controlled study. Who Was It? Twenty-six patients requiring orthodontic band application participated in this study. They ranged in age from 7 to 20 years. What Was Done? Subjects were randomly assigned to the placebo group or the light therapy group. After application of the orthodontic bands, subjects received one session of light therapy to four points around the banded teeth. Researchers were blinded to what group the subjects were in. This study used laser light therapy, which is different from the LED light therapy used in home photobiomodulation devices. Although debated, LED light therapy is thought by many to be comparable or even superior to laser light therapy. The main difference between the two is the narrow focus of laser light, which makes it suitable for targeting a small area of treatment, as in this study. What Happened? The subjects who received light therapy had significantly lower pain at 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 12 hours after treatment as compared to the control group. Subjects in the light therapy group still reported experiencing some pain, which followed a similar pattern to subjects in the control group, albeit at a lower intensity. Fringe Commentary: As a mom of two kids with braces, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by this study. I know how much orthodontics can hurt, and to learn that pain can be reduced simply by the application of light therapy is quite remarkable. It is especially remarkable that pain intensity was decreased with a single session! Light therapy is proving to be extremely versatile, with applications for a range of different outcomes, as we will be exploring in our newsletter this month. Stay tuned next week as we explore the use of light to improve sleep quality. FYI: The technical definition of photobiomodulation is “A form of light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light sources, including LASERS, LEDs, and broad-band light, in the visible and infrared spectrum. It is a non-thermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical (i.e. linear and non-linear) and photochemical events at various biological scales. This process results in beneficial therapeutic outcomes including but not limited to the alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation, and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration.” (North American Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy, https://www.naalt.org). Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7273483/pdf/BMRI2020-7460938.pdf
Learn more