Blue Light Plus Red Light Therapy Equals Faster Healing!
By now you have likely heard or read something about red light therapy, whether it be an advertisement on social media or maybe you have a friend or family member who has shared the benefits of red light therapy from personal experience. In recent years, red light therapy has gained attention for it's ability to reduce pain and inflammation, most notably with the FDA writing draft guidelines for Photobiomodulation devices, which include red light therapy devices! Red light therapy devices have also become widely available to the public at an affordable price, making red light therapy at home easier than ever before! Many manufacturers are also submitting Premarket Notifications (510(k)) on their devices to the FDA, which demonstrates the safety of the device. We wrote a separate blog on this topic here.
NASA somewhat by accident discovered that red light wavelengths effectively stimulated cell growth and enhanced tissue repair while studying how red wavelengths of light stimulate the growth of plants. Researchers noticed positive impacts on their hands, which were under the light while working with the plants. So while NASA did not "discover" red light therapy, they have had a significant impact on it's advancement to date. Read more about it here.
Over time, research on other wavelengths of light, including the blue wavelength have led to the discovery that different colors of light have different biological effects on the body. So what is so special about the blue wavelength of light?
Blue light is known for its antibacterial properties and its ability to target and destroy harmful bacteria on the skin's surface (read the full study here), thereby reducing the risk of complications that can delay the healing process. Studies have shown that blue light therapy can be particularly effective in treating chronic wounds that are resistant to conventional treatments due to bacterial colonization. And when used in combination with red light, they can complement one another and create a synergistic effect that enhances the wound healing process! Red light therapy stimulates cellular activity and promotes the production of collagen, which is essential for wound closure and tissue regeneration. By improving circulation and reducing inflammation, red light therapy helps create an optimal environment for healing to occur.
By combining red and blue light therapy, both the underlying cellular processes involved in wound healing and the external factors that can impede the healing process can be addressed. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of combining red and blue light therapy for wound healing. A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology investigated the effects of combined red and blue light therapy on acute wounds in animal models and observed enhanced wound healing with reduced inflammation and improved tissue regeneration. Another study looked at the impact of blue and red LED light therapy on the healing process of full-thickness skin defects in rats, offering valuable insights into the potential benefits of this approach to wound healing. There are many more studies supporting the effectiveness of combining blue and red light therapy as a non-invasive and effective approach to promoting wound healing!
In conclusion, the combination of red and blue light therapy shows great promise in accelerating wound healing by stimulating cellular function, promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and eliminating bacteria. As a Certified Light Therapist, I have seen first hand how effective this combination can be for treating a variety of health concerns. As an adjunctive therapy to conventional wound care, red and blue light therapy can offer a safe and effective way to enhance the healing process and improve outcomes for anyone with acute and chronic wounds!
We currently offer a Handheld Torch featuring both blue light and red/Infrared light as well as pulsing and steady mode options, allowing you the opportunity to try it for yourself in the comfort of your own home at an affordable price! Plus, we offer complimentary access to our Managing Pain with Red Light Therapy eBook and our database of Photopuncture Charts, giving you guidance on how to use the Handheld Torch with various acupoints on the body to treat a variety of health concerns! Plus you are supporting a woman owned, U.S. company offering the best customer service in the industry! Thank you for your support!
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