LIGHT THERAPY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You've got questions, we've got answers
IS LIGHT THERAPY SAFE? ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS FROM REGULAR USE?
Red light therapy has been rigorously studied and tested for decades, from the labs of NASA to the leading medical research institutions in the world. In 2013, several of the world's leading researchers from Harvard Medical School, MIT, and a leading Indian research institute published a peer-reviewed meta analysis noting light therapy's "noninvasive nature and almost complete absence of side effects."
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?
It varies by person, their health and fitness challenges, how consistent they are with treatments, and what size device and coverage they use. Many users report acute energy, mood, performance, and recovery benefits with each use. Many see benefits like reduced inflammation and joint pain in a matter of days, or weeks. More full-body health benefits like skin health, fat loss, and other long-term improvements may take 2-3 months of consistent use.
CAN CHILDREN USE LIGHT THERAPY?
Red light therapy has been found safe, effective, and free of major side-effects in hundreds of clinical studies, including many involving teenagers or younger children, and we’ve never heard reports of problems with users and their kids. However, out of caution, we recommend you consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RED AND NEAR INFRARED LIGHT?
While both of these wavelengths have been proven to enhance cellular function, the main difference is that red light @ 660 nano-meters is visible to the human eye and is mostly absorbed by the skin. Near infrared light at 850 nano-meters is invisible to the human eye and penetrates much deeper into the body.
IS LIGHT THERAPY THE SAME AS SAUNA?
While both are very beneficial, light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) and heath therapy are very different in terms of their mechanisms of action. The goal of sauna is to increase core temperature resulting in heat stress whereas light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to enhance cellular processes.
SHOULD I WEAR EYE PROTECTION?
Eye protection isn't necessary, but it's not recommended to look directly into the light initially as it can be uncomfortable on the eyes until they are accustomed to the light. A good rule of thumb is to keep your eyes closed for the first few minutes to allow your eyes to get adjusted to the brightness before you open them.
CAN I SIT DURING MY LIGHT THERAPY SESSION?
Yes, sitting is permitted during your session. However, maximum absorption of light is achieved while standing due to consistent distance from the panels across the entire body.
WILL I SWEAT DURING MY SESSION?
While light therapy differs from sauna, the panels do put off a minor amount of heat. Everyone reacts differently, but it is common to break a sweat during your session. For this reason we provide towels just in case you need to dry off after your session is complete.
CAN I WEAR GLASSES OR CONTACTS DURING MY SESSION?
It is best to remove glasses or contacts prior to your session. Red light has been proven to support eye health and even reverse retinal damage, for this reason removing any items that could impede absorption of the light is optimal.
CAN PREGNANT OR NURSING WOMEN USE LIGHT THERAPY?
Dr. Michael Hamblin, one of the leading photomedicine researchers in the world, believes red light therapy may be very beneficial during pregnancy due to the prevalence of stem cells. However, there has been no clinical research with light therapy treatments on pregnant or nursing subjects, so we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
CAN I WEAR CLOTHING DURING MY LIGHT THERAPY SESSION?
To ensure the highest level of light absorption it is best to completely undress while engaging in light therapy.
WHAT IF I USE BOTOX?
Botox and other chemicals shouldn't be affected. However, light therapy is proven to increase your skin's natural collagen production, so you may find you no longer need botox injections.