Holon offers cutting-edge red light therapy in Glasgow, using low levels of red or near-infrared light to help energise your cells. The light frequency emitted by our device can be absorbed by the mitochondria (the ‘power-houses’ in your cells) which affect important processes in your body’s energy production and ability to heal.
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, uses low-level wavelengths of 660nm and 850nm to stimulate cellular function. The therapy involves exposing the body to red or near-infrared light through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or low-level lasers. The red light LED therapy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by cells, triggering a variety of biological effects at the cellular level.
Red LED light therapy may enhance the body’s healing process by stimulating collagen production and promoting tissue repair.
Photobiomodulation therapy has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for skin or physical conditions involving inflammation.
The body responds to light absorption through the skin by increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy production and enhancing antioxidant processes.
Photobiomodulation red light therapy may help reduce pain by decreasing inflammation and improving blood circulation.
Red light therapy services are used in some skincare applications to promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles, scars and acne and enhance overall skin health.
Some studies suggest that LED red light therapy may be beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis.
Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within cells. Once absorbed, it can potentially increase cellular energy production through a process called cytochrome c oxidase activation. The improved energy production is thought to enhance cellular function and promote various healing processes.
Full-body red light therapy has been shown to improve blood circulation. This can lead to better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to tissues, which is crucial for tissue repair and overall health.
LED light therapy with red light may regulate the inflammatory response by influencing the production of inflammatory mediators. It has been suggested to decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Photobiomodulation treatment may stimulate the production of collagen, a key protein in connective tissues such as skin. This can support tissue repair and regeneration, making it beneficial for wound healing and skin health.
With LED light therapy, light exposure can activate cellular signalling pathways, such as those involved in cell survival, proliferation and anti-apoptotic (anti-cell death) processes.
Red light is present at all times of the day, just in different proportions. The majority of the rays emitted by the sun at sunrise and sunset comprises red light and near-infrared light. As the sun ascends in the sky, the proportion of red light/NIR decreases and other wavelengths like UVA and UVB increase.
There are some distinct differences between sunlight and photobiomodulation. A key difference is that photobiomodulation does not produce vitamin D when absorbed by the skin, but sunlight does. When receiving red light therapy as a treatment you’re exposed to controlled rays as opposed to when you’re basking in the sun, where your skin is exposed to other damaging rays. It is important to note that those taking medications that cause photosensitivity may need to be extra cautious when considering red light treatment.
It is possible to see immediate results from red light therapy, but it will likely take weeks or months for clients to see notable improvements.
Red light does not permeate through clothing or bandages. However, invisible near-infrared light can penetrate through clothes and many bandages and dressings. We recommend removing clothing during a red light therapy session for best results. Our LED light therapy sessions are hosted in private rooms.
Eye protection should be used when NIR mode (infrared) is active. One should not stare directly into the LEDs. People with epilepsy may need to take extra precautions due to the slight flickering of LEDs.
A UCL study showed that three-minute exposure to red light in the eyes (670nm) once per week could improve eyesight deterioration that occurs due to ageing.
The connection between red light and mitochondria lies in the process of photobiomodulation. This is a phenomenon where exposure to specific wavelengths of light, particularly red and near-infrared light, influences cellular function.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells and produce ATP — the primary source of the cell’s energy. Red light therapy harnesses this connection to positively impact cellular energy production and various cellular processes, primarily through interactions with the mitochondria.
RED LIGHT THERAPY INFLUENCES MITOCHONDRIA IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by a protein called cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria. This absorption leads to increased cell activity and the stimulation of cytochrome c oxidase, which helps support ATP production.
With enhanced ATP production, cells have more energy available for their functions. This can contribute to improved cellular metabolism, increased cellular repair, and enhanced overall cellular function.
Red light therapy is associated with increased cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair. These effects are partly attributed to improved mitochondrial function and the subsequent enhancement of cellular activities. This may lead to improved skin elasticity and advanced skin regeneration and combat the appearance of acne and wrinkles.
Red light therapy has shown promise in supporting neuronal health. By influencing mitochondrial function in neurons, this therapy may contribute to neuroprotection and potentially aid in the treatment of neurological conditions.
Holon is one of the first holistic wellness centres in the UK, offering cutting-edge technology to help clients reach optimal health and wholeness. In addition to red light therapy, our clinic in Glasgow collaborates with leading functional medicine practitioners to provide a range of wellness services, including comprehensive blood tests, ice baths, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and compression boots.
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