Photobiomodulation
Cellular Biological Processes <->
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ATP production
HOW TO USECcO plays a crucial role in oxidative phosphorylation, where the proton gradient generated in the respiratory chain is used for the production of ATP. Red and NIR light increase the efficiency of this enzyme, facilitating electron transport and increasing ATP production. This results in more energy being available to the cell, promoting tissue regeneration and repair.
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Nitric Oxide (NO)
HOW TO USERed light and NIR can dissociate nitric oxide (NO) from CcO, which under normal conditions can inhibit the respiratory chain by competing with oxygen in the enzyme. By releasing NO, mitochondrial respiration is improved and ATP production is increased. The released NO can also act as a cellular signaling agent, promoting vasodilation and improving local blood circulation.
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Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
HOW TO USEStimulation by red and NIR light can also lead to a controlled increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although excess ROS is harmful, small amounts play important roles as signaling molecules, regulating cellular processes such as proliferation and repair.
How is it defined?
Red Light Therapy?
It is a process in which red and near-infrared (NIR) light is applied to various parts of the body. It is a completely safe, painless and natural treatment for a wide variety of diseases and physiological problems.
Red light therapy involves using a device that emits these wavelengths with specific LED bulbs. These specially designed light devices can range in size from handheld to large enough to emit light that covers your entire body. Depending on which part of the body needs treatment, different types of red light therapy devices are available. The variety of devices available means that the devices can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient and provide the best possible results.
How it works
What happens to the body when exposed to phototherapy?
The body’s cells improve their metabolism and experience reduced inflammation when effective red light therapy treatment is applied. Cells react to light therapy through a photochemical response. The application of red and near-infrared (NIR) light increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the treated area. ATP is produced in the mitochondria, often referred to as “the powerhouse of the cell,” as we learned in biology class.
When our cells are “stressed,” our ATP doesn’t work as well as it should. Nitric oxide molecules will bind to ATP, and as a result, our cells won’t perform as well. As light penetrates the cell’s mitochondria, the nitric oxide molecules that inhibit ATP break away from ATP and bind to oxygen molecules. As a result, the mitochondria and ATP start working efficiently again.
When our cells are “stressed”, ATP does not function optimally. In these situations, nitric oxide molecules bind to ATP, impairing its performance. When light penetrates the mitochondria, the nitric oxide molecules that inhibit ATP dissociate from it and bind to oxygen molecules. This allows the mitochondria and ATP to regain their optimal functionality. The release of nitric oxide molecules from the cells has a vasodilatory effect, which in turn stimulates blood flow to the treated site and surrounding areas.
In this way, communication between the cell nucleus and the remaining internal structures is optimized, resulting in an increase in cellular energy. Increased blood flow to the treated area contributes to the reduction of inflammation and pain, among other significant benefits.
Who can try it?
The benefits of Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy can benefit everyone as a painless solution to a wide range of health issues and mood disorders. It is ideal for those looking to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as those who want to increase the body’s ability to heal itself. Red light therapy is also an excellent option for those looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical or surgical treatments. It can even be performed before or after physical activity to maximize its benefits.
While the following list does not include every category of people who have benefited from red light therapy, it does include some of the groups of patients who have experienced success and health benefits after starting this type of treatment.
Final Considerations
