The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy (2) - Flipbook - Page 24
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The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy
Both red light therapies reduced inflammation in the brain and body.
RLT lowered inflammatory proteins and boosted a protein that fights inflammation.
These proteins are called cytokines.
Interestingly, the pulsing light seemed even more effective than steady light.
These
results
are
promising.
Light
therapy
could
become
a
safe
and
powerful
tool
to
combat
brain
inflammation, potentially leading to new treatments for various brain diseases. However, it‘s important to
remember this was a mouse study, so more research is needed to see if it works similarly in humans.
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Another study explored using light therapy to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI), or head injury from trauma, a
common problem for athletes that can cause headaches, memory trouble, and anxiety.
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There‘s no current
cure for TBI, so researchers are looking for new approaches.
This study focused on a single professional hockey player with a history of concussions.
29
For 8 weeks, he
used RLT devices at home. These devices delivered near-infrared light at a wavelength of 810 nm to his nasal
passages and head. The light pulsed at specific speeds, which scientists believe might help brain tissue heal.
After treatment, the player showed encouraging signs of improvement, as follows:
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Certain areas of his
Different brain regions
Blood flow in his brain
brain increased in
communicated better
improved.
size.
with each other.
He scored better
on tests measuring
thinking and memory.
While these results are interesting, it was just one person. More studies with many participants are needed
to confirm if near-infrared RLT is a reliable TBI treatment.
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However, since it‘s non-invasive and drug-free, it
could be a valuable option if future studies show it works for a broader range of people.
