Red light photo-therapy is widely used for beauty care in professional and home cosmetic devices. Red light treatments contribute to skin regeneration, lead to better composure of the skin and smooth minor wrinkles.
In the medical industry, red light photo therapy has many uses. Research has shown that red light is related to metabolism in muscles, bones and other tissues. It has been suggested that astronauts can use LED blankets to prevent muscle and bone atrophy (degeneration of cells).
Used by NASA
NASA uses red light therapy as means to “improve the medical care that is available to astronauts on long term missions in space”. Research indicates that red light therapy can improve wound healing by energizing skin and tissue and increasing cellular activity; enhance regeneration of skin and tissue affecting growth factor synthesis; improve skin elasticity and integrity assiting the body in the production of collagen on its own.
What has red light phototherapy to do with stress and anxiety?
Well, to explain in simple words – a healthy mind in a healthy body means not only being healthy, but also feeling good. We all know about bad days and how compliments can improve our feelings. So, making our skin look and feel better is a great way to get those compliments going. More than a beauty characteristic, healthy skin improves your blood flow and moistures your tissues.
Research behind Red Light Photo-Therapy
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- Goel, N., Terman, M., Terman, J. S., Macchi, M. M., & Stewart, J. W. (2005). Controlled trial of bright light and negative air ions for chronic depression. Psychological Medicine, 35(7), 945
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Advances in Experimental Medicine & Biology 333,47-55 (1993). - Harry T. Whelan, Glenn A. Meyer, Brian Hodgson, Lisa Gould, Mary Kane, Gina Chen, . . . Joan Cwiklinski. (2001). NASA light emitting diode medical applications from deep space to deep sea. AIP Conference Proceedings, doi:10.1063/1.1357902
- Harry T. Whelan, Vita Cevenini, Helen Stinson, John M. Houle, Noel T. Whelan, Deborah L. Donohoe, . . . Glenn A. Meyer. (2000). The NASA light-emitting diode medical program—progress in space flight and terrestrial applications. AIP Conference Proceedings, doi:10.1063/1.1302454
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Journal ofPhotochemistry &Photobiology 12(3), 305-3 10 (1992). - Namni Goel, Michael Terman, Jiuan Su Terman, Mariana M. Macchi, and Jonathan W. Stewart (2005). Controlled trial of bright light and negative air ions for chronic depression. Psychological Medicine, null, pp 945955 doi:10.1017/S0033291705005027
- Salansky N., “Low Energy Photon Therapy for Wound Healing.” Intnl Med Instr, Canadian Defense Ministry, Personal
Communication. (1998). - Terman, M., Terman, J. S. & Ross, D. C. (1998b). A controlled trial of timed bright light and negative air ionization for treatment of winter depression. Archives of General Psychiatry 55, 875–882.
- Whelan H.T., Houle J.M., Donohoe D.L., Bajic D.M., Schmidt M.H., Reichert K.W., Weyenberg G.T., Larson D.L., Meyer, G.A., Caviness J.A., “Medical Applications ofad Space Light-Emitting Diode Technology-Space Station and Beyond.” Space Tech. &App. Int’l. Forum 458, 3-15 (1999).
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