Not All red lights are created equal

Not all light panels are created equal. Working with LightPath LED over the years has been a dream. Scott is such a wealth of knowledge and a leader in the red light arena - which has become a little saturated in recent years. I keep saying to clients - while I am so glad that we are in a wellness movement and that we have 100x more access to alternative wellness than we did even 10 years ago - the wellness world of social media can be a little overwhelming.

Anyway - the combo of red light & near infrared (NIR) is what really sets LightPathLED apart. (Along with panels being 6” wider than competitors and bulbs lasting thousands of hours longer.) Near infrared light are wavelengths that are just beyond what we can see with the naked eye. The combo allows for photobiomodulation (PBM) to occur — these are the varying light wavelengths that promote deeper healing when absorbed by the skin. These wavelengths have different rates of absorption, and therefor target different cells. This is what encourages greater production of ATP (cellular energy) in our mitochondria. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is what stimulates the lymphatic system, boots immunity, enhances the body’s natural collagen production + reduces cellular oxidation (skin beautification), helps with pain & athletic recovery and fights inflammation.

Listen up, men — red light therapy isn’t just for women. My longtime expert cardiology resource, Dr. Joel Kahn, has been recommending his patients exercise in front of red light (or just use it) for years. That’s because it helps to enhance blood flow - benefiting both the cardiovascular system & the neurological system. As men age, testosterone levels may begin to decrease. Is this “normal” / healthy? I’m not a medical doctor. Harvard Health writes, “In some men, testosterone levels remain high throughout life, but in most they begin to decline at about age 40.” Let’s read between the lines, shall we? The more active and wellness-forward you are, the farther away you stay from the Standard American Diet (also referred to as SAD, because it is - and not to be confused with seasonal affective disorder) and the greater amount of blood flow and enhanced cardiovascular activity that you have (I promised myself I would not dive into erectile dysfunction in this blog post!) - the greater the likelihood that your testosterone levels will fight the “normal” steady decline at 1-2% each year after age 40.

Let’s note that, while the majority of male testosterone is produced in the testicles and stays under the control of the body’s luteinizing hormone (LH), a percentage is also produced in the adrenal glands. If you are dealing with prolonged levels of stress, burnout, HPA-axis dysregulation & overall adrenal fatigue - this may be contributing to decreased testosterone levels. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a stress hormone and the precursor to testosterone.

*I test for stress hormone levels (cortisol & DHEA) in both Renew You & Authentically You programs, along with gut microbiome testing. Autonomic Response Testing (A.R.T.) is completed for personalized supplement & wellness recommendations.

A study on PBM & testosterone levels was published in the Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology - results showed that testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism increased by 120% after 6 red light sessions. ANOTHER study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology shows that healthy men using red light therapy saw their testosterone levels increase in just 2 weeks. Oh, and by helping to decrease inflammation, red light therapy has been shown to increase muscle mass. Less inflammation = greater ATP production. This allows cells to function more efficiently & increase muscle mass.

I use my LightPath LED panel in all energy work sessions. Clients benefit from the red light, near infrared light (NIR), photobiomodulation (PBM), as well as blue light (great for mood, SAD, skin & illness) + Nogier frequencies specifically targeting inflammation - all of which can be used together, depending on what clients have going on. You can read more about Nogier Frequencies by clicking here. Clients are typically under the light once weekly during energy work sessions, and the light is moved all around the body during their session for optimal support. Alternatively, monthly light memberships are offered for twice weekly full body sessions (~40 minutes per session) under the lights and on the infrared heated biomat.

Results are best seen if the light is used consistently as a supplement to your lifestyle wellness routine. Needless to say, again - not all red lights are created equal! If you are investing in a light panel for your home, or seeking out light support from practitioners - do your homework! You are investing in your health and deserve the greatest benefit from what you’re paying for.

Sources: Discover the Benefits of Photobiomodulation for Men's Health: The Link Between Red Light Therapy and Testosterone & Boosting Immunity with Photobiomodulation

The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Nutrition by Grace LLC recommends consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.