What Are The Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN and Joanna Fearnley, LPN

Increased circulation. Better nerve sensitivity. Reduced pain. These are just some of the benefits of red light therapy. Unfortunately, they are also the needs of millions of people. Those with diabetes. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Those with chronic pain.

Poor sensation in the toes or feet is usually caused by a lack of blood supply or nerve damage. This condition can be symptomatic of a large number of diseases, disorders, or conditions that hamper blood flow (circulation) or cause injury to the nerves. This loss of sensation can be in one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). This condition almost always progressively worsens if not handled properly, and will never completely disappear. At best, it can only be managed. So how can red light therapy help?

Red Light Therapy Increases Circulation

As the infographic below illustrates, the key to both decreasing pain and increasing sensation is to increase circulation. One of the easiest and non-invasive ways to improve circulation is by using red light therapy. The diodes in the red light therapy device release photons of light of specific wavelength and intensity, which penetrate deep into the body and trigger a cascade of beneficial chemical reactions, especially the instant release of nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is the human body’s natural vasodilator, instantaneously widening the blood vessels and capillaries and allowing for improved circulation in the local area under the NIR Light Therapy pad. This improved blood flow brings nutrient-rich and oxygen-rich blood into the nerves and other tissues, which reduces pain. This increased flow of blood helps the body to operate in a state of homeostasis, or a stable equilibrium of physical and chemical conditions, thereby promoting optimal functioning where circulation is increased and pain is reduced.

Nitric oxide is also a messenger molecule that helps kick start the body’s own natural healing ability. Nerves become healthier and begin to fire more normally. And over time, nerves are able to transmit sensation again. So, by increasing the production of nitric oxide, NIR Light Therapy increases circulation, speeds healing, and relieves pain. And, as nerves heal and sensation is increased, balance is improved and falls reduce. This boost in local circulation and pain reduction produced by a twenty-minute NIR Light Therapy session can last for several hours after the treatment concludes.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy Infographic

This easy-to-understand infographic above illustrates the benefits of Light Therapy for increased circulation and pain reduction. The right half of the wheel tells how Light Therapy works, while the left half of the wheel illustrates the life-changing improvements that using Light Therapy can bring to you and those you love.

Start clockwise at the top right yellow segment, “Photon energy releases Nitric Oxide,” and by the time you reach the last dark blue segment at the top left, “Reduction in falls that are caused by lack of sensation,” you should have a good basic understanding of how Light Therapy works its magic within the body. This infographic is based on the solid science of thousands of peer-reviewed studies over the last several decades that prove how effective Light Therapy is in supporting the human body’s innate healing capabilities.

Many Advantages of Red Light Therapy

In addition to all the important benefits listed on this infographic — the reduction of pain and discomfort which leads to improved sleep, tissue healing, and healthier nerves firing more normally that eventually increase sensation —NIR Light Therapy offers many advantages when compared to other types of treatment.

Near-Infrared LED Light Therapy is:

• Non-invasive
• Painless
• Able to be used on any area of the body (except the eyes)
• An all-natural alternative to costly and potentially addictive drugs
• An all-natural alternative to costly and painful surgery
• A simple yet highly effective treatment modality
• Able to treat different areas of the body simultaneously by multiple pads
• Easy to self-administer in-home
• Increasing your circulation and reducing pain while you sit or lie comfortably and watch television, listen to music, read, talk on the phone, etc.
• Able to be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, PEMF, or electrical stimulation, and can potentially amplify their therapeutic results.

Red Light Therapy at Home

If you suffer from a decrease in sensation caused by a lack of circulation in your feet (or hands), or acute or chronic pain anywhere in your body, consider purchasing your own red light therapy devices from HealthLight. Owning your own HealthLight system for your convenient use at any time will bring you years of improved circulation and pain relief. Plus:

• The same pad(s) can be used to treat multiple issues affecting different body areas
• One system can be used by the whole family, boosting their health and well-being
• HealthLight Red Light Therapy systems are light-weight and can be easily packed and carried with you when traveling.

HealthLight offers a wide range of affordable red light therapy devices for every need and pocketbook. HealthLight’s Express At-Home line of easy-to-operate systems is user-friendly, with one-touch operation that runs an automatic twenty-minute program with automatic shut-off. For those seeking to improve circulation in their feet, HealthLight’s 131 Foot & Calf pad covers both the top and bottom of the foot. Their 122 Foot & Ankle pad also covers the top and bottom of the foot plus the Achilles tendon, and partially wraps around the ankle. Both of these pads can be purchased singly, or as a double pad package — allowing both feet to receive treatment at once. For those needing support in other areas, HealthLight’s Large 264 & Long 180 Pad Package can handle almost any therapy need.