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In today's wellness world, red light therapy is stealing the spotlight. There have been a ton of devices that have come onto the market recently and with this surge in popularity, it's hard to know what to trust. In this article, I'll dive into the world of Red Light Therapy with help from Red Therapy Co's CEO Eric James to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and address popular concerns.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive form of treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to stimulate cellular function and involves exposing the body or specific areas to red and near-infrared light. Biochemically cells are stimulated by knocking out stuck nitric oxide from the mitochondria of the cells, which allows room for more oxygen and helps increase ATP production.
Who is Red Therapy Co?
Red Therapy Company is a top-of-the-line Red Light Therapy company, based out of San Diego California, that I have had the pleasure of working with. Over the last couple of years, Eric and his team have really dialed in and customized every aspect of their red light therapy device to make it one of the best on the market.
From bespoke lenses to tailored LED configurations, the latest advancements have elevated the efficacy and accessibility of red light therapy and promise a new and improved holistic wellness experience.
Key Features:
- Custom-Made Glass Lenses - In an attempt to move away from the low-quality plastic LEDs, Red Therapy Co uses custom-made glass lenses on their LED lights. This helps to prevent light loss while manufacturing light at the exact wavelength needed.
- Custom Wavelength - Research has shown that in order to get the benefits, red light needs to be shined at either 660 nm or 850 nm. Red light (660nm) is used for skin rejuvenation and surface smoothing while near-infrared (850nm) is used to aid tissues, joints, and muscles. Customers are now able to choose between the wavelengths by clicking 'N' or 'R' on the display panel.
- Pulsed Wave Technology - The Red Therapy Co LEDs are also able to pulse at 10hz (Alpha Wave), 20hz (Beta Wave), 40hz (Gamma Wave), or a continuous wave mode. This is in alignment with promising research that suggests pulsing red light at 40hz may lead to some strong potential cognitive benefits and additional research that suggests red light therapy may be more effective when pulsated.
- Built-In Timer - With the new on-screen timer feature, customers can sit back, relax, and soak in the red light without worrying how long they've been there. The timer is set to automatically turn off once the allocated time has been reached to prevent overexposure if one were to fall asleep.
- Quick Release Handle - Red Light Therapy co prides itself on the accessibility of their devices. Every device comes with a door-hanging kit, a wall-mounting kit, and an optional purchasable stand. With its quick-release feature, these new devices can be easily taken off the wall or stand and placed anywhere in the room.
- Full Body Coverage - Although Red Light Therapy competitors choose to stack their light panels, this isn't needed for the new Red Therapy Co devices. With 60-degree glass lenses, the devices have a great balance between radiance and width and allow light to spread out and cover the entire height and width of an individual.
- Dual Panels - If you'd like to shine a light on both the back and front side of your body simultaneously, you can buy a dual panel set and use Red Therapy Co's stands to stand between the panels for maximum benefit.
- 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee - Red Light Therapy helps stack minimal improvements day in and day out and can have a great long-term effect. If customers are unhappy with the results after the first 2 months, they're able to send the product back for a full refund.
Your Comprehensive Guide:
Wouldn't a cheaper device work as effectively?
Although cheaper devices are available on Amazon, what you sacrifice in price you also sacrifice in quality. Red Therapy Co's devices are higher in price to account for the high-quality components and consistency of their light output. As mentioned above their LEDs are glass and custom-designed so that the spacing and angle of diffusion are perfect for light coverage. When buying something off Amazon, the LEDs are more than likely plastic and the wavelength of light likely unspecified, preventing the health benefits you're searching for.
How long does it take for red light therapy to start working?
Individual responses vary, but many users report experiencing noticeable benefits, such as increased energy, improved recovery, and improved circulation within the first few sessions of red light therapy. Eric explains this phenomenon as due to the static nitric oxide being released from cells for the first time in a very long time.
Can red light therapy replace other wellness interventions?
While Red Light Therapy offers unique benefits, it is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive wellness routine and complemented with other wellness practices such as exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep.
Are there any potential side effects to red light therapy?
When used as directed, red light therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or irritation so it is crucial to follow guidelines and consult a professional if any concerns arise. Red light therapy has been shown to have different effects on different people, with some experiencing a detoxing effect instead of an uplift in energy. Those with high light sensitivity may also find it best to use the device in much smaller doses than on average.
How frequently should I undergo red light therapy sessions?
The frequency of sessions depends on individual goals and needs. Starting with a consistent schedule and adjusting based on personal response is recommended for optimal results. Additionally, it is recommended to start with smaller sessions of 2-5 minutes and increase up to 10-20 minutes over time, unless you're a light sensitive person in which minimal time is optimal.
Can red light therapy interfere with medications?
Certain health conditions and medications, such as Accutane, can make individuals more light-sensitive. It is therefore advised to consult your dermatologist and/or doctor if you have any health conditions or are taking medications and would like to start Red Light Therapy.
What's the difference between the red light therapy device and the infrared sauna?
In the spectrum of light, an infrared sauna is further into the non-visible and heat spectrum of red and infrared light which has complimentary but different benefits to a red light therapy device. Infrared saunas don't contain the same LEDs as red light therapy devices as would get too hot and overheat. Infrared heat often has cardiovascular benefits and would ideally be used in unison with a red light therapy device.
Can't we just go outside and reap the same benefits from sunlight?
Getting out into the sun can have incredible benefits but often puts you at risk of high UV exposure and skin burn. A red light therapy device is therefore able to provide the same benefits for those who don't have access to enough sunlight and are concerned about UV exposure.
Are there any dangers of high doses of EMFs?
EMFs (Electric and magnetic fields) are invisible areas of energy often referred to as electromagnetic radiation. High-frequency EMFs and long-term exposure to EMFs can lead to direct damage to cells and DNA. To prevent exposure to EMFs Red Light Therapy Co uses an EMF iron-blocking cage inside of their device to minimize all EMF exposure from the light. Small doses of EMFs will still be found at the joint where the plug is and the touch screen (like all electrical devices), as this can't be prevented.
Is it safe for our eyes? Is protective eyewear necessary?
Yes, it is generally recommended to wear eye protection during red light therapy sessions. While red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths and is considered safe for the eyes, exposure to intense light can still have an impact on vision. Protective eyewear therefore shields the eyes from the bright light and minimizes the risk of potential discomfort or visual disturbances.
What's the best time to use red light therapy with respect to exercise?
If you're using red light therapy for fat loss, Eric recommends using the device before exercise as some studies have shown an ability to move lipids out of the cells and temporarily place them in the bloodstream to help accelerate fat loss. In comparison, if you're trying to put on muscle you ideally want to use red light therapy after the workout so that you have an increased ATP production to heal and rebuild muscle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with its growing surge in popularity red light therapy has emerged as a strong contender in the realm of holistic wellness, offering a myriad of benefits for mind and body. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of wellness solutions, however, it is becoming increasingly important to research wellness strategies and devices to determine if they're right for you. I hope this post helped answer your questions and concerns.
For a complete guide to Red Light Therapy and to see my conversation with Eric James, watch the video here.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
This post contains affiliate links. Read the Wellness Daddy affiliate policy here.
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