Light has been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that we’ve begun to fully understand its potential. Whole-body light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, is a form of light therapy that involves exposing the entire body, or specific areas of the body, to specific wavelengths of light. This non-invasive and safe treatment option has been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including improving skin conditions, reducing pain, promoting sports recovery, improving mood, and boosting immune function.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the science behind whole-body light therapy , the conditions it can be used to treat, and what to expect during a session.
The Science of Whole-Body Light Therapy
Whole-body light therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. When specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by the body, they penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissures, where they interact with cells and trigger various physiological responses. These responses can include:
Increased circulation: Light therapy can improve blood flow, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Improved cellular function: Light therapy can enhance cellular energy production, which can improve cellular function and promote tissue repair.
Reduced inflammation: Light therapy can reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Increased collagen production: Light therapy can stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for healthy skin, bones, and connective tissures.
Improved immune function: Light therapy can boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells and enhancing their activity.
The exact physiological responses triggered by whole-body light therapy will depend on the specific wavelengths of light used, the intensity of the light, and the duration and frequency of treatment.
Conditions That can be treated with whole-body light therapy
Whole-body light therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Skin conditions: whole-body light therapy can be used to treat psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, it can help alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and flaking.
Pain management: whole-body light therapy can help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, it can help improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
Sports recovery: Whole-body light therapy can help athletes recover from injuries, reduce muscle soreness, and improve muscle function. By increasing circulation and promoting tissue repair, it can help speed up recovery and improve athletic performance.
Depression and anxiety: Whole-body light therapy has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By increasing serotonin production and reducing cortisol levels, it can help improve emotional well-being and reduce stress.
Cognitive function: Whole-body light therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and attention. By increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, it can help improve brain function and reduce cognitive decline.
Immune function: whole-body light therapy can help boost the immune system and promote overall health. By increasing the productin of immune cells and enhancing their activity, it can help the body fight off infections and diseases.
What to Expect During a whole-body light therapy session
A type whole-body light therapy session lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the specific conditions being treated and the intensity of the light. During the session, the patient will be asked to lie down on a bed or stand in a light therapy chamber, will the affected areas.