22 February 2020
Red Light May Offer Therapeutic Benefits
Dr. Gerard Muraida
The Doc Is In Dr. Muraida is a Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist.
T
he color red is associated with February’s cards and hearts and rosy sentiments of love. But for some, red light may be a beneficial healing agent useful at any time of year. Red light therapy (RLT) is a controversial and largely experimental therapeutic technique ANSWER TO #5137
that uses red low-level wavelengths of light to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds, among other conditions.
In the 1990s, red light was studied in space to determine if it could increase energy inside human cells. The researchers hoped that red light therapy could be an effective way to treat the muscle atrophy, slow wound healing, and bone density issues caused by weightlessness during space travel. RLT has many synonyms including low-level light therapy, soft laser therapy, bio-stimulation and low-power laser therapy. When combined with photosensitizing medications, RLT causes a photodynamic response. In this type of therapy, the light only serves as an activating agent for the medication. Commercially, red-light beds may be found at salons promoting reduction in stretch marks and wrinkles. Dermatologists have treated psoriasis, slow-healing
wounds, and even the side effects of chemotherapy with RLT.
So how does red light therapy work? The source of our body’s energy cell-wise is the mitochondria. It is thought that red light strengthens the mitochondria by inducing a biochemical reaction. The result of this reaction is the production of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Think of ATP as the wattage of a light bulb. The more ATP, the brighter the light, or in this instance, the more efficient our cells work and heal themselves. RLT travels beneath our skin approximately 5 millimeters. It causes regeneration without the controlled damage of laser light. RLT has not been shown to be more effective than other modalities and certainly research is ongoing. There is some evidence to suggest that RLT may be useful in the treatment of wound healing, hair regrowth, diabetic ulcers, minimalization of scars, and even pain syndromes.
PRIME TIME
The color red has been said to stimulate sensory nerves, helpful in deficiencies of smell, sight, hearing, taste and touch. Red activates the circulation of the blood. Red rays decompose the salt crystals in the body and act as a catalyst for ionization. RLT is particularly useful in the absorption of iron into the body. Red has also been known to strengthen the physical energy and the will of the individual. It can stimulate deeper passions, whether they be of sex and love, courage, hatred or even revenge. Red is useful in the management of stress. It also plays a key role in the health of the individual – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Red is a stimulating color, used to energize the root chakra (located in the pelvis). In short red is a vibrant, passionate and healing hue any month of the year.
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