To understand why the evolving technology called red light therapy is considered an effective treatment for wounds, injuries, inflammation, and associated problems, it is important to first understand inflammation and how it affects our bodies.
What is inflammation?
Most of the time, the terms inflammation and swelling are used interchangeably, but these are two different phenomena. Inflammation is our body’s defensive response against injury or infection.
When a bacteria, virus or any sharp object damages our body, the white blood cells begin to provide certain chemicals to the blood that cause an increase in blood flow, causing redness and heat in the affected area. Also, damaged cells release certain chemicals that allow our blood vessels to leak some fluids into the tissues that can cause swelling.
This means that if any part of your body is injured or infected, inflammation can begin. Common signs of inflammation include redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or loss of function in the area.
Types of inflammation
The inflammation can be acute or chronic. Any inflammation that lasts for a few days is called acute inflammation and is considered beneficial for recovery. However, during the healing process, you may experience some pain in the area. But if the body’s inflammatory response is not normal or is prolonged for any reason, it can be chronic.
In chronic inflammation, your body can begin to damage healthy cells. This can lead to various other problems, such as cancer or certain autoimmune diseases, namely multiple sclerosis or dermatomyositis.
It is also essential to know that there are certain risk factors for chronic inflammation, such as age, stress, lack of sleep, and unbalanced sex hormones. In any of these cases, the condition can get worse or become difficult to manage.
How to control inflammation?
Long-term inflammation can harm our bodies in a number of ways. Constant body pain, fatigue, mood disorders, gastrointestinal problems, frequent infections, and weight gain can disrupt the functions of daily life.
To overcome these problems, your doctor may suggest treatment options that may include:
- Control pain with NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), or naproxen (Aleve) or with topical pain relievers and creams.
- Manage sleep disorders
- Stress and fatigue management
- Exercise to control obesity and improve blood circulation.
- Taking supplements to stay active in old age
- Control smoking
- Using hot or cold therapies to relieve injuries or swelling
Here comes the role of red light therapy because studies suggest that it is one of the safest modes of treatment for inflammation.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is considered the most effective non-invasive form of treatment to control inflammation and associated problems.
Also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy is a simple technique during which your body is exposed to the RLT device. This light panel emits red or near infrared light, which is absorbed into the skin and accelerates cellular functions. Once the cells of the body are soaked in the light particles, the cell’s mitochondria are activated, increasing ATP production. This helps cells improve their health and perform at their best.
This entire process is inspired by the natural phenomena of exposing your body to light energy without the influx of chemicals into your body.
Why avoid medications for inflammation?
Medications for inflammation can only temporarily control apparent symptoms, such as pain or swelling, and do not actually improve cell function or biological processes. This suggests that it is not a permanent solution or that it does not improve fitness over time.
That is why many people seek to opt for solutions that can produce lasting positive changes in the body. They watch their diet, try to exercise daily and expose themselves to natural light which is a way to cure bodily ailments.
Effects of red light therapy on inflammation and related factors
The results of RLT are multidimensional and all of them collectively contribute to minimizing associated problems and risk factors for inflammation.
Red light therapy promotes the healing process
Research suggests that red and near-infrared light can activate the cell’s protective mechanism. The energy that the cells receive from red light therapy products promotes the production of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which help speed up the healing process.
RLT control pain and swelling
For centuries, sunlight has been considered a source of cure for many ailments, from sleep disorders to controlling swelling and pain. The RLT is the same, but the only difference is that the light, in this case, is obtained from an artificial resource using state-of-the-art technology. Plus, it doesn’t have the harmful UVA / UVB rays found in natural sunlight.
One stage of inflammation is pain, which can last a long time in the case of chronic inflammation. Red light therapy is a proven way to improve blood flow and reduce pain from both acute and chronic inflammatory pain. In fact, there is evidence that chronic pain associated with Achilles tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of joint pain is treated with red light therapy.
RLT helps you get energized and energized
The RLT is helpful in activating your body functions and making you more energetic as it has better blood circulation. This level of activity keeps your body warm and, as a result, you feel less pain.
RLT helps control sleep disorder
Lack of sleep can cause your immune system to turn against healthy tissues and organs and, as a result, can trigger inflammation that damages tissues in your body. Red light therapy helps your body release a sleep hormone called melatonin. Once you have your sleep under control, you will have less chance of suffering from an immune disorder.
RLT helps balance sex hormones
Sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen can help control pro-inflammatory agents, and if you can maintain healthy levels of sex hormones, you are less likely to get inflammatory diseases. RLT has been shown to be an effective treatment for regulating sex hormones.
RLT helps manage stress
Stress, both physical and emotional, is associated with the release of inflammatory cytokines. Once you can control stress levels, you can even manage chronic inflammation. Red light therapy is said to activate the hormone of happiness in your body, called serotonin. This controls your mood swings and relieves anxiety. Also from this perspective, red light therapy is a practical option.
Minimize the effect of aging
Aging people begin to experience mitochondrial dysfunction, and with red light therapy, it is possible to promote energy levels in cells by activating these power plants once again. This will help control inflammation even in older ages because the body is active and working properly.
Conclution
Along with a healthy lifestyle, red light therapy can help you improve energy production and repair tissues and organs. This can have a long-lasting positive impact on inflammation in the body and eliminate pain, swelling, and redness in a reasonable amount of time.
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