As young children, we often can’t wait to grow up. We eagerly anticipate that next birthday and the added responsibilities that come with it. However, at a certain point, that excitement for time to speed up eventually turns into a desire for it to slow down and for the aging process to halt. While the fountain of youth has yet to be discovered, advances in technology continue to provide ways to slow or even reverse the signs of aging. One such advancement is that of photobiomodulation, or low-level laser therapy.
What is Photobiomodulation?
So what exactly is photobiomodulation? This type of therapy employs non-ionizing electromagnetic energy to elicit certain photochemical changes within the structure of the cell. This process typically employs low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LED’s) at a certain wavelength on the surface of the body.
Mitochondria found within the cell respond quite well to this type of treatment. This occurs because they contain an enzyme called cytochrome oxidase c, which is a chromophore that will receive photonic energy of a certain wavelength when not performing at an adequate level.
The Effects of Red and Near-Infrared Exposure
One of the most common photobiomodulation therapies involves using red or near-infrared exposure, specifically in the anti-aging process. First, this treatment affects the body at the cellular level. It helps the mitochondria create ATP, or fuel, within the body and allows it to use this fuel more efficiently.
In turn, this has a great impact on weight loss and even contouring of the body. In one study, individuals who underwent low-level laser therapy showed a significant decrease in inches around their waist, hips, and thighs. It has also been known to positively affect the production of collagen and elastin providing a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles and giving a younger-looking appearance.
Impacting the Brain
Studies are also beginning to show that low-level laser therapy may have an anti-aging effect on the brain. During a study performed on mice, researchers found that mid-infrared exposure provided improved learning and memory capabilities, improved gut microbiota, and reduced amyloid-B plaque on the brain.
Red-Red360
A form of low-level laser therapy rising in popularity to impair the aging process is that of Red-Red360. Red-Red360 is an LED-based light therapy that provides both red and infrared light through high-powered mount microchips placed on a soft pad. It is non-invasive, comfortable, and easy to use.
The pads form around any part of the body the client wishes to target and the session is quick and painless with no downtime. Like other low-level laser therapies, the Red light therapy stimulates the fat cell walls to become permeable so the fluids inside are able to be released. Thus, it leaves the fat cell fully intact to then continue to do its job to store fat as the body needs it. While the light is strong enough to promote these changes, it will not damage tissue like laser lights, freezing, ultrasounds, and radio frequencies used in other therapies.
Try a Different Approach
So if you have been looking to improve your appearance without going under the knife, it may be time to look at photobiomodulation. These procedures work from the inside out and rather than investing in temporary, harmful therapies treat your body to something that will provide positive, long-lasting changes.
