As an acupuncture patient or prospect, you may have heard about LED light therapy – a treatment that has quickly gained popularity in the alternative medicine field.
But what is light therapy, exactly, and more importantly – how can it help you?
Excuse the pun, but we’re more than happy to shed some additional light on the subject:
- What is LED Light Therapy?
FDA-approved for pain, acne, and anti-aging purposes, Light Emitting Diode (LED) phototherapy – light therapy, for short – involves the direct application of light energy into tissue to improve cellular performance and obtain therapeutic benefits.
This non-invasive and virtually painless therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Phototherapy is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications. Research has shown that phototherapy can:
- Improve circulation.
- Expedite tissue repair.
- Minimize wrinkles.
- Ease Inflammation.
- Improve skin tone, texture, and clarity.
- Eliminate acne bacteria.
- Alleviate muscle and joint pain.
- How Does Light Therapy Work?
LED light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of colored light to penetrate the skin at various depths. The energy is absorbed by photoreceptors in the mitochondria, which stimulates the body’s compromised cells, up-regulating them and triggering the creation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These molecules, in turn, help to regulate inflammation, improve circulation and skin texture, and repair damaged cells.
Each wavelength color – red, blue, green, and yellow – penetrates the skin at different depths, with red being the deepest. And each offers its own unique benefits. Blue light therapy, for instance, can soothe inflammation and sensitive skin, while red light has myriad uses, from promoting cellular health to stimulating hair growth and more.
At Resilient Health Acupuncture, our light therapy treatments provide blue, red, and near-infrared light energy simultaneously. Each wavelength is absorbed by different molecules. This signals different cellular processes and assists in safely treating a wide range of conditions from reducing information, enhancing localized circulation, and eliminating bacteria.
- Benefits of LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy offers several benefits to positively impact and improve your overall health. As mentioned, light therapy helps to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, while also producing collagen, soothing pain and stiffness, reducing wrinkles and blemishes, and even enhancing your mood.
LED Light Therapy has also proven to be helpful to people with skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. By stimulating the production of blood cells, it also improves and accelerates the healing of wounds, cuts, scars, and more. It relaxes muscles, easing joint pain, and boosts the production of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers. LED light therapy can foster emotional well-being by helping you relax and reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Interestingly, red light therapy is being increasingly viewed as a potential tool to boost fertility in addition to enhancing in-vitro fertilization techniques. Research has shown that the mitochondria of aging eggs are not as efficient when it comes to producing the aforementioned ATP. Red light therapy boosts this mitochondrial energy and improves the chances of conception by:
- Improving ovary function
- Regulating hormones
- Bolstering the immune system
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Increasing blood flow to the uterus
- LED Light Therapy as a Complement to Acupuncture
Both light therapy and acupuncture support the body’s natural healing processes and can provide lasting results.
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s energy flow, or “Qi,” while LED light therapy improves circulation and reduces inflammation, resulting in a boost to overall wellness.
At Resilient Health Acupuncture, patients regularly add phototherapy to their cosmetic acupuncture sessions. Treatment three times per week, over 4 weeks, yields maximum healing results, including:
- Decreased inflammation and fewer breakouts.
- Reduced pain and inflammation in the shoulders, knees, neck, and back.
It’s important to note that you should always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any alternative therapies, particularly if you are undergoing any medication or treatment. Always seek professional advice to ensure the therapy is safe and suitable for you.
How does light therapy work as part of your wellness routine, you wonder? Maintaining your health and well-being is vital to living a thriving life and LED light therapy may be an excellent addition to your overall game plan. Consult with a qualified acupuncture practitioner at Resilient Health Acupuncture to learn more.