The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy (2) - Flipbook - Page 25
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The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy
A different research group reviewed 95 studies that evaluated RLT for brain conditions.
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Most of the studies
focused on near-infrared light due to its ability to penetrate into deep tissues. Early research suggests RLT
might be helpful for conditions like strokes, head injuries from trauma, Parkinson‘s disease, Alzheimer‘s disease,
and even depression. Studies so far haven‘t found any major side effects from this light therapy.
Several factors influence the effectiveness of RLT in treating brain conditions:
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Light wavelength:
Near-infrared light with a wavelength of around 800-850 nanometers (nm) is most
effective for penetrating the skull and reaching the brain.
Light pulsing:
Short bursts of light delivered at specific frequencies (10 or 40 times per second) may
be more effective than continuous light.
Light dose:
The amount of light energy used is crucial. There‘s a sweet spot (around 10-84 J/cm²
for humans) where too little has no effect and too much can be counterproductive.
Treatment duration and frequency:
These depend on the specific condition being treated.
Researchers are also exploring ways to improve RLT. They found that combining red and near-infrared light
treatments, either together or in sequence, might be more effective than using just near-infrared.
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Many RLT devices use small light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver the treatment. Some are designed to shine
light into the nose, while others are meant to be used on the head. The ability to use these devices at home
makes it much more convenient for patients to receive regular, ongoing therapy without frequent trips to a
clinic.
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While initial studies are promising, larger-scale research is needed to determine optimal treatment settings.
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Scientists are optimistic about RLT‘s potential for treating brain disorders, but stress the importance of
standardization to ensure safety and effectiveness. Future research may focus on refining the technology
and treatment plans to maximize its benefits.
