I don’t know if you’re a superhero aficionado like I am, but when I hear red light therapy, I picture Lex Luthor attacking Superman while shining red light on him. You see, Kryptonians get power from yellow suns, whereas they come from a planet from a red sun. So to make them non invincible, putting red light on them makes them just like anyone else.
But in the real world, red light is used as a therapy for various health issues, and mental health issues are starting to be treated with red light therapy by some practitioners though more studies still need to be done to prove its efficacy.
Red light therapy (RLT) isn’t just for glowing skin but also a precursor to better mood, more energy, and improved mental well-being. RLT basically utilizes various wavelengths of light to get deep inside the skin without causing any harm. So while you may have heard all about its skin magic, it is also a mood-lifter.
The wavelengths of red light are absorbed by mitochondria (known as the powerhouses of cells). Here they work to stimulate the production of energy. This stimulation accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and, perhaps most interestingly, improves brain function and mood.
At its core, red light therapy devices can enhance blood flow to the brain, triggering the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation and a sense of happiness. These are the incredible mental health benefits of RLT and how it’s making waves in the wellness world.
Relief From Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues that can be alleviated by RLT. The therapy stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help regulate mood. This can result in a decrease in the symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can help individuals feel much more positive and balanced.
Enhanced Mood And Cognitive Function
Research has shown that cognitive function is closely related to mood. RLT can enhance many cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, and thought process speed. It can also improve mood by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating endorphins.
It Enhances Neuroprotection
What does neuroprotection mean? The term refers to brain function and the preservation of nerve cells. The ability of red light therapy to reduce oxidative stress helps protect the neurons from damage. This neuroprotective effect can slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and boost brain health.
It Helps With Boosting Energy
We all know that mental health is very closely related to energy levels. RLT can boost energy by stimulating the production of cellular ATP, thereby increasing cellular energy. Higher levels of energy can lead to a boost in motivation, cut down the levels of fatigue, and enhance the overall level of mental health.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a prevalent issue that impacts the proper functioning of the mind and body. Red light therapy (RLT) can help lessen stress by reducing the levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. RLT also encourages a sense of calm, thereby helping people manage stress more effectively.
Stress often disrupts the proper functioning of the mind, leading to more mental disorders and physical diseases. The main benefit of RLT is that it can cause the mind to feel relaxed. The red light wavelengths go inside the skin tissue and help loosen up the body, dissolving stress levels. This is precisely why many people recommend combining red light therapy with other practices such as yoga or stretching.
It Leads To Improved Sleep
A good level of sleep is extremely important for the functioning of the human body. Lack of sleep or poor (disturbed) sleep can cause stress, fatigue, and various kinds of mental and physical disorders. This is where red light therapy comes in. As we all know, it can improve the quality of sleep by regulating the production of melatonin.
What is melatonin? It is the hormone that is responsible for the body’s sleep-wake cycles. Since red light can mimic natural sunlight, RLT helps to reset the body’s internal clock. This makes it much easier to fall asleep quickly. And most importantly, staying asleep. A better quality of sleep can significantly enhance overall levels of mental well-being.
Conclusion
Doctors often recommend red light therapy for treating various ailments, precisely for the reasons listed above. It is very helpful in decreasing stress levels and allowing a person to improve their mental health. Many people associate RLT with treating skin issues such as acne, wrinkles, burns, and sores, but it goes way beyond that. It’s no wonder that this form of treatment is finding more and more takers by the day.
However, one note of caution is important: Although RLT is very effective and highly recommendable, you should always seek an expert opinion and a doctor’s advice before you try it. You may have some condition or allergy that can deteriorate further by using Red Light, and you don’t want that. So it’s always good to proceed with caution.
