There are a lot of myths and misinformation floating around the full body red light therapy industry. In this Appendix we will expose many of the most common myths and reveal the real science!
Myth: You need to be very close to the leds for them to be beneficial (or leds need to be close to the acrylic).
Science: At over 90 million miles from the sun, we can measure a similar irradiance to red light beds. The critical information that needs to be evalued is: What is the True Irradiance at the distance the light hits your skin. The proper way to measure this is with a lab calibrated spectroradiometer. Known as a near field measurement, it shows the exact mW/cm2 for each individual wavelength as well as the total of all the wavelengths.
Myth: The higher the irradiance the better.
Science: While its common for people to think that more is better, or that higher numbers equate to more effective, the opposite is true in photobiomodulation. Clinical research validates the physiologically beneficial ranges of irradiance and clearly shows that if it's too high, it can reverse or zero out the health benefits of a session.
Myth: RLT is only effective with special acrylic.
Science: While it's true that there are different clarities of acrylic, most range from 90 to 92% transmission. This means that around 90 percent of the light will pass through the acrylic. This is another reason why light irradiance measurements must be taken at the point the user is, so it measures the available irradiance after it passes through the acrylic. Frosted acrylic adds the advantage of blending the light which can be adventagous for a more uniform light field.
Myth: Higher wattage leds give you better irradiance and more effective therapy.
Science: The size and number of the LED is irrelevant when evaluating RLT devices. The key information is found in a near field test using a lab calibrated spectroradiometer.
Myth: You want your LEDs to be as close to the acrylic as possible to increase penetration depth
Science: What matters is the irradiance of light where the light hits the skin. This will be on the surface of the bottom part of a red light bed, and roughly 6-9inches above the surface. It makes no difference how close the LEDs are to the acrylic/surface, the ONLY thing that matters is the measured irradiance at the skin with a lab calibrated spectroradiometer.
Myth: Treatment protocols should be based around pulsing specific frequencies.
Science: There has been a growing trend around pulsing red light at specific frequencies to acheive a desired health outcome. While this sounds great, and can be effective with PEMF devices through resonant frequencies, there are very few clinical studies that show beneficial outcomes by pulsing the light. Each wavelengh has specific clinical research that shows uniuqe outcomes. The wavelenght is the frequency, and it's that specific frequency that provodes the health benenfit, not from pulsing a wavelenght. Good protocols should be build around specific wavelenghts, not around pulsing a wavelenght at specific frequencies.
Myth: You can't measure the irradiance of mixed wavelengths (blended light)
Science: While this may be true if cheap solar meters are used, lab calibrated and certified solar meters measure each individual wavelengh and clearly show the individual and total irradiance. This is the only accurate way to measure therapudic light.
Myth: Frosted is used by some companies because the LEDs were too hot for the user.
Science: If you notice around you, most light covers are made with frosted glass or coatings. The reason for this is that it helps to evenly blend and spread the light so there aren't hot spots or uneven lighting. The companies that choose frosted acrylic on their products do it intentionally to provide an even lgiht blend for a therapudically more effective session.
Myth: Having more LEDs is better to create more power
Science: The power or irradiance can only be known for certain by taking field measurements of where the body will be in a bed or panel. It is easy to create the same irradiance with less LEDs if you use higher powered bulbs. For example, if you have 100 LEDs at 3 Watts of power per bulb - assuming full power and the same wavelength - it will be the same irradiance as 300 LEDs at 1 Watt of power per bulb. That is you can have 1/3 the number of LEDs, but if each bulb has 3 times the power the irradiance will be roughly the same (at full power). However because most beds are not running their bulbs at full power the ONLY way to know the irradiance is with a lab calibrated spectroradiometer. More bulbs is PURELY a marketing gimmick with absolutely no basis in science, research and even common sense.
Myth: Having more LEDs creates a more uniform light distribution
Science: Not necessarily. You can have few higher powered LEDs that have a wider beam angle to create a near perfect blend of light if done right. The only way to verify this is why a detailed test of the irradiance over the whole bed. If a company cannot verify their uniformity of light with actual testing, than it is just marketing hype and baloney.
Myth: Companies saying they have a research proven blend of wavelengths that no one else has (for example 635,650,880 and 940)
Science: If they do not have randomized control trial studies showing their blend is better, then it is marketing hype. There is no evidence that any particular blend is better than another, but there IS evidence that certain WAVELENGTHS are better than others. Because light is linearly independent, the best strategy is to use as many research proven wavelengths as possible provided the light is able to be evenly distributed at effective irradiances.
Myth: Companies saying our bed is low EMF with no testing.
Science: Only if a test with an EMF meter of both electric and magnetic fields across the entire bed where the person will lay is evidence of low EMF. Many companies CLAIM low EMF but do not back up their claim with accurate or honest testing.
Myth: I have a far infrared sauna already so I don't need red light therapy
Science: Red light therapy and Sauna Therapy have many different effects
Infrared saunas have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. The wavelength of radiation administered by infrared saunas is usually far greater than the therapeutic range of near-infrared and imparts its therapeutic effects mainly through heat as opposed to interactions with respiratory enzymes like red and near-infrared light.
Far infrared saunas range in bandwidth from about 3000nm to 1mm.
While the most relevant wavelengths of red and near-infrared radiation for healing are between 600nm to about 1000nm, even the shortest wavelength of far infrared sauna's today don't generally fall below 1400nm.
Myth: Having a top and bottom cancels out benefits of the light
Science: You cannot cancel out light with light, it is only additive. When I first heard this one, I thought it was a joke, but one red light company that sells an open bed (bottom only) actually said that the light above you cancels the light below which is why you only want one side. This one wins the aware for the most ridiculous and unscientific claim.
Myth: You can get the same benefits of red light LEDs with heat lamps (used in near infrared saunas).
Science: Heat lamps have a much much smaller amount of the therapeutic levels of 600-680 and 800-850 than focused LEDs. The heat lamps have way too much middle infrared and creates too much excessive heat that lowers penetration depth. So the fact you are hot and sweating in a near infrared (red light) sauna might be good for detox, but it is not good for photochemistry and CCO activation to produce ATP. This is because the heating effects and sweat BOTH lower penetration depth which leads to less benefit. Our recommendation is if you want to sweat, get a good far infrared sauna. If you want red light therapy, use a full body red light therapy bed or panel.
Myth: Companies claiming to have a propriety blend of wavelengths
Science: Unlike lasers, Wavelengths from a LED include a broad range covering up to 100nm from tail to tail. Even the full width half maximum covers ranges from 20nm-30nm. Actually this should be a red flag if they do not share their wavelengths as it is CRITICAL to know the wavelengths in an LED bed. Also wavelength shifts with temperature - typically 0.3nm per 1 ºC (the diode temperature may rise in a treatment session 5 - 20º). We have measured as much as ten times higher than listed (for example 670nm instead of a reported 660nm in one case.
Myth: Less wavelengths works better
Science: Every LED has potentially millions of different wavelengths it emits limited by plancks constant E=hv. LEDs from tail to tail of the distribution cover up to 100nm. Even the full width half maximum is roughly 20nm for Red (600-680) and 30nm for near infrared (800-860).
So even companies claiming only one wavelength have millions (albeit in a fairly narrow range). Ideally you want MORE wavelengths to completely blanket the therapeutic ranges of 600-680 and 800-860.
Myth: Companies claiming no EMF/Electrosmog when their power supplies are in the bed.
Science: Unless they can show you third party testing, the only way to eliminate EMF is to separate the power supplies from the bed. At the time of writing this, only Spectra red light separates the power supplies from the bed.
Myth: Laser Photons are Somehow special and different the LED photons
Science: Photons are photons. There is no difference between a laser photon and an LED photon. LASERS and LEDs use different means to produce light but so does a campfire and a flashlight. Regardless of the light source photons of a given wavelength are identical in every way.
The bottom line to the science of full body red light therapy is this:
What matters is the wavelengths and the irradiance and from that you can calculate research proven therapeutic dosages (how long to do a session). It is important to have the different wavelengths of light to be spread fairly evenly especially when using multiple wavelength.
Science: At over 90 million miles from the sun, we can measure a similar irradiance to red light beds. The critical information that needs to be evalued is: What is the True Irradiance at the distance the light hits your skin. The proper way to measure this is with a lab calibrated spectroradiometer. Known as a near field measurement, it shows the exact mW/cm2 for each individual wavelength as well as the total of all the wavelengths.
Myth: The higher the irradiance the better.
Science: While its common for people to think that more is better, or that higher numbers equate to more effective, the opposite is true in photobiomodulation. Clinical research validates the physiologically beneficial ranges of irradiance and clearly shows that if it's too high, it can reverse or zero out the health benefits of a session.
Myth: RLT is only effective with special acrylic.
Science: While it's true that there are different clarities of acrylic, most range from 90 to 92% transmission. This means that around 90 percent of the light will pass through the acrylic. This is another reason why light irradiance measurements must be taken at the point the user is, so it measures the available irradiance after it passes through the acrylic. Frosted acrylic adds the advantage of blending the light which can be adventagous for a more uniform light field.
Myth: Higher wattage leds give you better irradiance and more effective therapy.
Science: The size and number of the LED is irrelevant when evaluating RLT devices. The key information is found in a near field test using a lab calibrated spectroradiometer.
Myth: You want your LEDs to be as close to the acrylic as possible to increase penetration depth
Science: What matters is the irradiance of light where the light hits the skin. This will be on the surface of the bottom part of a red light bed, and roughly 6-9inches above the surface. It makes no difference how close the LEDs are to the acrylic/surface, the ONLY thing that matters is the measured irradiance at the skin with a lab calibrated spectroradiometer.
Myth: Treatment protocols should be based around pulsing specific frequencies.
Science: There has been a growing trend around pulsing red light at specific frequencies to acheive a desired health outcome. While this sounds great, and can be effective with PEMF devices through resonant frequencies, there are very few clinical studies that show beneficial outcomes by pulsing the light. Each wavelengh has specific clinical research that shows uniuqe outcomes. The wavelenght is the frequency, and it's that specific frequency that provodes the health benenfit, not from pulsing a wavelenght. Good protocols should be build around specific wavelenghts, not around pulsing a wavelenght at specific frequencies.
Myth: You can't measure the irradiance of mixed wavelengths (blended light)
Science: While this may be true if cheap solar meters are used, lab calibrated and certified solar meters measure each individual wavelengh and clearly show the individual and total irradiance. This is the only accurate way to measure therapudic light.
Myth: Frosted is used by some companies because the LEDs were too hot for the user.
Science: If you notice around you, most light covers are made with frosted glass or coatings. The reason for this is that it helps to evenly blend and spread the light so there aren't hot spots or uneven lighting. The companies that choose frosted acrylic on their products do it intentionally to provide an even lgiht blend for a therapudically more effective session.
Myth: Having more LEDs is better to create more power
Science: The power or irradiance can only be known for certain by taking field measurements of where the body will be in a bed or panel. It is easy to create the same irradiance with less LEDs if you use higher powered bulbs. For example, if you have 100 LEDs at 3 Watts of power per bulb - assuming full power and the same wavelength - it will be the same irradiance as 300 LEDs at 1 Watt of power per bulb. That is you can have 1/3 the number of LEDs, but if each bulb has 3 times the power the irradiance will be roughly the same (at full power). However because most beds are not running their bulbs at full power the ONLY way to know the irradiance is with a lab calibrated spectroradiometer. More bulbs is PURELY a marketing gimmick with absolutely no basis in science, research and even common sense.
Myth: Having more LEDs creates a more uniform light distribution
Science: Not necessarily. You can have few higher powered LEDs that have a wider beam angle to create a near perfect blend of light if done right. The only way to verify this is why a detailed test of the irradiance over the whole bed. If a company cannot verify their uniformity of light with actual testing, than it is just marketing hype and baloney.
Myth: Companies saying they have a research proven blend of wavelengths that no one else has (for example 635,650,880 and 940)
Science: If they do not have randomized control trial studies showing their blend is better, then it is marketing hype. There is no evidence that any particular blend is better than another, but there IS evidence that certain WAVELENGTHS are better than others. Because light is linearly independent, the best strategy is to use as many research proven wavelengths as possible provided the light is able to be evenly distributed at effective irradiances.
Myth: Companies saying our bed is low EMF with no testing.
Science: Only if a test with an EMF meter of both electric and magnetic fields across the entire bed where the person will lay is evidence of low EMF. Many companies CLAIM low EMF but do not back up their claim with accurate or honest testing.
Myth: I have a far infrared sauna already so I don't need red light therapy
Science: Red light therapy and Sauna Therapy have many different effects
Infrared saunas have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. The wavelength of radiation administered by infrared saunas is usually far greater than the therapeutic range of near-infrared and imparts its therapeutic effects mainly through heat as opposed to interactions with respiratory enzymes like red and near-infrared light.
Far infrared saunas range in bandwidth from about 3000nm to 1mm.
While the most relevant wavelengths of red and near-infrared radiation for healing are between 600nm to about 1000nm, even the shortest wavelength of far infrared sauna's today don't generally fall below 1400nm.
Myth: Having a top and bottom cancels out benefits of the light
Science: You cannot cancel out light with light, it is only additive. When I first heard this one, I thought it was a joke, but one red light company that sells an open bed (bottom only) actually said that the light above you cancels the light below which is why you only want one side. This one wins the aware for the most ridiculous and unscientific claim.
Myth: You can get the same benefits of red light LEDs with heat lamps (used in near infrared saunas).
Science: Heat lamps have a much much smaller amount of the therapeutic levels of 600-680 and 800-850 than focused LEDs. The heat lamps have way too much middle infrared and creates too much excessive heat that lowers penetration depth. So the fact you are hot and sweating in a near infrared (red light) sauna might be good for detox, but it is not good for photochemistry and CCO activation to produce ATP. This is because the heating effects and sweat BOTH lower penetration depth which leads to less benefit. Our recommendation is if you want to sweat, get a good far infrared sauna. If you want red light therapy, use a full body red light therapy bed or panel.
Myth: Companies claiming to have a propriety blend of wavelengths
Science: Unlike lasers, Wavelengths from a LED include a broad range covering up to 100nm from tail to tail. Even the full width half maximum covers ranges from 20nm-30nm. Actually this should be a red flag if they do not share their wavelengths as it is CRITICAL to know the wavelengths in an LED bed. Also wavelength shifts with temperature - typically 0.3nm per 1 ºC (the diode temperature may rise in a treatment session 5 - 20º). We have measured as much as ten times higher than listed (for example 670nm instead of a reported 660nm in one case.
Myth: Less wavelengths works better
Science: Every LED has potentially millions of different wavelengths it emits limited by plancks constant E=hv. LEDs from tail to tail of the distribution cover up to 100nm. Even the full width half maximum is roughly 20nm for Red (600-680) and 30nm for near infrared (800-860).
So even companies claiming only one wavelength have millions (albeit in a fairly narrow range). Ideally you want MORE wavelengths to completely blanket the therapeutic ranges of 600-680 and 800-860.
Myth: Companies claiming no EMF/Electrosmog when their power supplies are in the bed.
Science: Unless they can show you third party testing, the only way to eliminate EMF is to separate the power supplies from the bed. At the time of writing this, only Spectra red light separates the power supplies from the bed.
Myth: Laser Photons are Somehow special and different the LED photons
Science: Photons are photons. There is no difference between a laser photon and an LED photon. LASERS and LEDs use different means to produce light but so does a campfire and a flashlight. Regardless of the light source photons of a given wavelength are identical in every way.
The bottom line to the science of full body red light therapy is this:
What matters is the wavelengths and the irradiance and from that you can calculate research proven therapeutic dosages (how long to do a session). It is important to have the different wavelengths of light to be spread fairly evenly especially when using multiple wavelength.
Q: Why should I invest in an expensive red light therapy bed if I can just go lay out in the sun?
Myth: Can't I just go in the sun? That is the same thing.
Pros of Sunlight:
Free
Full-Body Coverage
34% in Red to NIR range (600nm-900nm)
UV and Vitamin D benefits
Benefits of blue & FIR light (and other colors)
Bright Light Therapy benefits
No Flicker or nnEMF
Cons of Sunlight:
Modesty might restrict being fully naked outdoors
Lack of outdoor access or immobility for some people
Weather, Climate, Latitude, and Time of Day dependent
Sunburn risks will limit exposure time
Skin Cancer risks with excessive UV exposure
Hard to “control” the exposure for clinical trials
Skin reflection of light reduces penetration
Sweat and Sunscreens further reflect, absorb and prevent penetration
UV and Blue light associated with eye damage and aging [11]
Pros of LED Red Light Panels:
Specific Wavelengths Emitted
Known Intensity Emitted (if the company offers 3rd party data)
Used indoors in comfort and privacy
Can multitask indoors (potentially)
Can use any time of day
No UV damage
Extremely safe wavelengths
Better penetration depth
Cons of LED Red Light Panels:
Expensive for a Full-Body setup
Can be bulky and take up space
Risk of nnEMF and Flicker exposure
Some companies not accurately marketing intensity
No Vitamin D production (no UV)
[11] Shen J, Tower J. Effects of light on aging and longevity. Ageing Res Rev. 2019;53:100913. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2019.100913
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663583/
******END OF CHAPTER*****
NO MORE EDITING OR ILLUSTRATIONS PAST THIS POINT
Myth: Can't I just go in the sun? That is the same thing.
Pros of Sunlight:
Free
Full-Body Coverage
34% in Red to NIR range (600nm-900nm)
UV and Vitamin D benefits
Benefits of blue & FIR light (and other colors)
Bright Light Therapy benefits
No Flicker or nnEMF
Cons of Sunlight:
Modesty might restrict being fully naked outdoors
Lack of outdoor access or immobility for some people
Weather, Climate, Latitude, and Time of Day dependent
Sunburn risks will limit exposure time
Skin Cancer risks with excessive UV exposure
Hard to “control” the exposure for clinical trials
Skin reflection of light reduces penetration
Sweat and Sunscreens further reflect, absorb and prevent penetration
UV and Blue light associated with eye damage and aging [11]
Pros of LED Red Light Panels:
Specific Wavelengths Emitted
Known Intensity Emitted (if the company offers 3rd party data)
Used indoors in comfort and privacy
Can multitask indoors (potentially)
Can use any time of day
No UV damage
Extremely safe wavelengths
Better penetration depth
Cons of LED Red Light Panels:
Expensive for a Full-Body setup
Can be bulky and take up space
Risk of nnEMF and Flicker exposure
Some companies not accurately marketing intensity
No Vitamin D production (no UV)
[11] Shen J, Tower J. Effects of light on aging and longevity. Ageing Res Rev. 2019;53:100913. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2019.100913
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663583/
******END OF CHAPTER*****
NO MORE EDITING OR ILLUSTRATIONS PAST THIS POINT

The BIG Problem with Panels (unless they are full body panels.
You are ONLY getting any appreciable amount of light from area of panel
1) Get more panels or get a good full body panel or bed (recommended).
2) Spend time moving panel over each area of body
3) Spend more time further back.
Since you need 6 long panels to cover the average person, this would amount to approximately increasing session time to SIX TIMES.
Beam angle not helpful in panels.
How hard to come up with dosing protocols.
True body treatment, you need a full body panel.
Irradiance drops off so much.
https://youtu.be/woxhxZyUGao?si=PkbtOZ2y-Rz8I_vh
You are ONLY getting any appreciable amount of light from area of panel
1) Get more panels or get a good full body panel or bed (recommended).
2) Spend time moving panel over each area of body
3) Spend more time further back.
Since you need 6 long panels to cover the average person, this would amount to approximately increasing session time to SIX TIMES.
Beam angle not helpful in panels.
How hard to come up with dosing protocols.
True body treatment, you need a full body panel.
Irradiance drops off so much.
https://youtu.be/woxhxZyUGao?si=PkbtOZ2y-Rz8I_vh
Q: CAN INCANDESCENT, HALOGEN OR FLUORESCENT BULBS BE USED FOR RED LIGHT THERAPY?
Incandescent and halogen light bulbs emit as much as 35% of their total power output within the therapeutic range for light therapy.
In addition to using my red light therapy LED device daily, I’ve incorporated infrared heat lamps in my home as a way to enrich my environment and make it more conducive to health. Proper lighting is essential for the maintenance of human health. My cat, who falls asleep under them regularly, would agree.
Fluorescent bulbs are a different story. They emit some ultraviolet light but almost no red or near-infrared radiation, which is likely why many people experience unwanted side effects from exposure to these lights. Dr. Ray Peat has said the use of fluorescent lights in offices and workplaces is likely a large contributor to the disease epidemic currently taking place.
Incandescent and halogen light bulbs emit as much as 35% of their total power output within the therapeutic range for light therapy.
In addition to using my red light therapy LED device daily, I’ve incorporated infrared heat lamps in my home as a way to enrich my environment and make it more conducive to health. Proper lighting is essential for the maintenance of human health. My cat, who falls asleep under them regularly, would agree.
Fluorescent bulbs are a different story. They emit some ultraviolet light but almost no red or near-infrared radiation, which is likely why many people experience unwanted side effects from exposure to these lights. Dr. Ray Peat has said the use of fluorescent lights in offices and workplaces is likely a large contributor to the disease epidemic currently taking place.
Why Photobiomodulation therapy?
In traditional medicine issues that are generally caused by some sort of toxicity are often treated with toxic medications or invasive procedures. While the medication may reduce the symptoms and provide relief, it can also create a cascade of dysfunction in the cells which may create negative side effects.
Photobiomodulation detoxifies the cells of waste and free radicals, feeds the cells with nutrients, repairs and rebuilds arterial connections, nerve fibers, and the cellular mitochondria which provide energy that powers the cells. These significant changes cascade down into and affect nearly every tissue, organ, and system in the body.
Researchers suggest that the benefits accrue to nearly every system in the body.
Where does PBMt therapy fit into health and wellness?
Photobiomodulation therapy benefits span from aesthetics with skin and hair to performance with improved speed, strength, endurance and faster recovery to improved cognition with recovery from brain-related damage to wellness with improved health, reduced pain, and better overall energy.
What is Photobiomodulation used for?
How often can you use Photobiomodulation therapy?
Photobiomodulation is dose-specific and the dose is essentially intensity times seconds of time. Overdosing occurs with any combination of 3 factors:
Excessive frequency: Typically we recommend at least 1 day off in between sessions but most will benefit with as few as 1 treatment per week.
Excessive light intensity: Dr. Michael Hamblin suggests optimal dose is between 30 – 60mw/cm2 per wavelength and under 100mw/cm2 cumulative (ATP system is perfectly dosed
Excessive treatment duration: Different assessments have different dosing parameters and we recommend no more than 50 Joules per cm2 of surface area. A Joule is irradiance x seconds. Irradiance is energy on the skin, not off of the LED. The ARRC LED’s cumulative irradiance (the third party verified) is 83.9 on the bench and slightly lower on the canopy. 83.9 x 600 seconds is 50 Joules, which means the optimum dose for most conditions – no pulse added on the ATP system is 10 minutes. Pain relief can be higher and athletic performance lower (30 Joules).
Generally overdosing will not damage the cells but what will occur is the benefits lessen in relation to the amount of overdose. Point is, More is Not Better. Right is Right. ATP is perfectly dosed for 10-minute sessions continuous current.
Sauna Vs Red and NIR
RED and near use multiple chromophores - (EZ water, not bulk for 900-1200 no heating!
Middle and Far infrared use bulk water as a chromophore
NIR>FIR
A Case Against FIR Saunas (for creating EZ water)
I am a big believer in infrared saunas, but I am unsure how much they increase the liquid crystalline water in the body. This is not only because of how far they are from the 3000nm wavelength but also because they heat the body up, potentially destabilizing the existing exclusion zones (even though relatively speaking, they don't heat the body's core temperature very much). That said, I believe they most likely do because they improve circulation throughout the body, cause you to discharge positively charged sweat, and afterwards, typically leave the individual feeling much better.
Personally I would like to see a 3000nm LED Bed or Sauna for creating EZ.
Until then I like 980nm because of its beautiful balance between penetration depth and EZ water creation.
In traditional medicine issues that are generally caused by some sort of toxicity are often treated with toxic medications or invasive procedures. While the medication may reduce the symptoms and provide relief, it can also create a cascade of dysfunction in the cells which may create negative side effects.
Photobiomodulation detoxifies the cells of waste and free radicals, feeds the cells with nutrients, repairs and rebuilds arterial connections, nerve fibers, and the cellular mitochondria which provide energy that powers the cells. These significant changes cascade down into and affect nearly every tissue, organ, and system in the body.
Researchers suggest that the benefits accrue to nearly every system in the body.
Where does PBMt therapy fit into health and wellness?
Photobiomodulation therapy benefits span from aesthetics with skin and hair to performance with improved speed, strength, endurance and faster recovery to improved cognition with recovery from brain-related damage to wellness with improved health, reduced pain, and better overall energy.
What is Photobiomodulation used for?
How often can you use Photobiomodulation therapy?
Photobiomodulation is dose-specific and the dose is essentially intensity times seconds of time. Overdosing occurs with any combination of 3 factors:
Excessive frequency: Typically we recommend at least 1 day off in between sessions but most will benefit with as few as 1 treatment per week.
Excessive light intensity: Dr. Michael Hamblin suggests optimal dose is between 30 – 60mw/cm2 per wavelength and under 100mw/cm2 cumulative (ATP system is perfectly dosed
Excessive treatment duration: Different assessments have different dosing parameters and we recommend no more than 50 Joules per cm2 of surface area. A Joule is irradiance x seconds. Irradiance is energy on the skin, not off of the LED. The ARRC LED’s cumulative irradiance (the third party verified) is 83.9 on the bench and slightly lower on the canopy. 83.9 x 600 seconds is 50 Joules, which means the optimum dose for most conditions – no pulse added on the ATP system is 10 minutes. Pain relief can be higher and athletic performance lower (30 Joules).
Generally overdosing will not damage the cells but what will occur is the benefits lessen in relation to the amount of overdose. Point is, More is Not Better. Right is Right. ATP is perfectly dosed for 10-minute sessions continuous current.
Sauna Vs Red and NIR
RED and near use multiple chromophores - (EZ water, not bulk for 900-1200 no heating!
Middle and Far infrared use bulk water as a chromophore
NIR>FIR
A Case Against FIR Saunas (for creating EZ water)
I am a big believer in infrared saunas, but I am unsure how much they increase the liquid crystalline water in the body. This is not only because of how far they are from the 3000nm wavelength but also because they heat the body up, potentially destabilizing the existing exclusion zones (even though relatively speaking, they don't heat the body's core temperature very much). That said, I believe they most likely do because they improve circulation throughout the body, cause you to discharge positively charged sweat, and afterwards, typically leave the individual feeling much better.
Personally I would like to see a 3000nm LED Bed or Sauna for creating EZ.
Until then I like 980nm because of its beautiful balance between penetration depth and EZ water creation.
Notes on Nomenclature:
Unfortunately this subject has a lot of names (100-300 names).
Most people nowadays are familiar with laser therapy and even low level laser therapy LLLT, but probably have not heard of photobiomodulation (PBM). The reason the name was changed back in 2015. First, it turns out you don't need a laser, as there is nothing really magical about laser beams. Since the vast proliferation of LEDs researchers realized that there is nothing special about a laser and LEDs work just as good or BETTER because of the ability to use higher total power over a larger area of the body (more on this later).
The other issue with the name LLLT is "low level", which is not well defined and it is a relative term. And finally because some of the applications do NOT involve stimulation, they involve inhibition, like inhibiting pain signals for example. So "modulation" is a much more apropos term which we'll explore in detail through this book. But in PBM, research still uses low level lasers, LEDs are fast surpassing lasers as the device of choice in research studies, mainly because of their affordability, and ability to cover a much larger area for healing then lasers which are frankly too focused and localized for many conditions. Though they will always have a place for spot treatments of all sorts and laser acupuncture.
As we'll see, because near infrared and red light therapy work with the body's innate biological wisdom to create balance and homeostasis, photobiomodulation (PBM) is a perfectly chosen word and throughout this book we'll use interchangeably PBM and RLT and only refer to lasers when talking of lasers specifically.
Start with history of Red Light with Lasers and Serendipitous discovery
Why not just lay in the Sun? Peak Green, very little red and nir.
Penetrates deeper
It's essential for ATP and cellular energy/respiration.
Of ALL the frequencies from the sun that reach us on earth, 630-680 and 800-880 are the most essential!
Why? Because they literally drive our production of ATP and cellular energy!
Unfortunately this subject has a lot of names (100-300 names).
Most people nowadays are familiar with laser therapy and even low level laser therapy LLLT, but probably have not heard of photobiomodulation (PBM). The reason the name was changed back in 2015. First, it turns out you don't need a laser, as there is nothing really magical about laser beams. Since the vast proliferation of LEDs researchers realized that there is nothing special about a laser and LEDs work just as good or BETTER because of the ability to use higher total power over a larger area of the body (more on this later).
The other issue with the name LLLT is "low level", which is not well defined and it is a relative term. And finally because some of the applications do NOT involve stimulation, they involve inhibition, like inhibiting pain signals for example. So "modulation" is a much more apropos term which we'll explore in detail through this book. But in PBM, research still uses low level lasers, LEDs are fast surpassing lasers as the device of choice in research studies, mainly because of their affordability, and ability to cover a much larger area for healing then lasers which are frankly too focused and localized for many conditions. Though they will always have a place for spot treatments of all sorts and laser acupuncture.
As we'll see, because near infrared and red light therapy work with the body's innate biological wisdom to create balance and homeostasis, photobiomodulation (PBM) is a perfectly chosen word and throughout this book we'll use interchangeably PBM and RLT and only refer to lasers when talking of lasers specifically.
Start with history of Red Light with Lasers and Serendipitous discovery
Why not just lay in the Sun? Peak Green, very little red and nir.
Penetrates deeper
It's essential for ATP and cellular energy/respiration.
Of ALL the frequencies from the sun that reach us on earth, 630-680 and 800-880 are the most essential!
Why? Because they literally drive our production of ATP and cellular energy!
Near Field Measurements - Wavelengths..
Lightstim Baloney
Does acrylic diminish the wavelength penetration depth?
Do multiple wavelengths read differently on an irradiance test?
Acrylic surface
Can't measure light because blended.
When you blend wavelengths it lowers the measured irradiance.
Will not have accurate irradiance.
Does it matter how far the bulbs are from the glass?
Repurposed tanning beds.
Things blend... NO... Photons do not blend (so do not penetrate).
People falsifying documents to
Novothor to falsify documented, increased temperature
Of bed, so they could get approval. Burnt on bed to do
Frosted coating keep them from getting burned.
Coating scatters the light so no penetration depth.
50 studies Whelan are more accurate.
Patented propriety
Novothor
Claim best quality, proper dose and properly cool unit.
Claims others do not cool it properly.
Sprinkler...
10 garden hoses vs 1 firehose
Lightstim Baloney
Does acrylic diminish the wavelength penetration depth?
Do multiple wavelengths read differently on an irradiance test?
Acrylic surface
Can't measure light because blended.
When you blend wavelengths it lowers the measured irradiance.
Will not have accurate irradiance.
Does it matter how far the bulbs are from the glass?
Repurposed tanning beds.
Things blend... NO... Photons do not blend (so do not penetrate).
People falsifying documents to
Novothor to falsify documented, increased temperature
Of bed, so they could get approval. Burnt on bed to do
Frosted coating keep them from getting burned.
Coating scatters the light so no penetration depth.
50 studies Whelan are more accurate.
Patented propriety
Novothor
Claim best quality, proper dose and properly cool unit.
Claims others do not cool it properly.
Sprinkler...
10 garden hoses vs 1 firehose
HoursM-F: 10am - 10pm
Sat: 10am - 6pm |
Telephone1-941-928-0124
|
|