Blog #3 Let there be light! - Benefits of Red light Therapy

Let's start here, What is red light therapy (RLT)? The use of light as therapy has been around since the early 1900's We all know that feeling of stepping out in the sunlight and soaking up those delicious rays, for me it's almost pure bliss (as long as I have sunscreen on). We also know the benefits that sunshine can have on our minds, bodies and souls. Turns out that there are benefits to other types of light as well. Super duper benefits!

Red light therapy is FDA approved and used by doctors, physio therapists and health practitioners around the world. It consists of exposure of one specific part or the whole body to red light for a consistent and specific amount of time. The LED red light is administered via hand held device, wearable face mask or in my case a stand up chamber (think stand up tanning bed with red bulbs instead of UV). Unlike a tanning bed, you do not receive a tan from a red light session but you get soooooo much more.

#1 It's anti-aging!

Need I say more? Well I usually do, so why stop now? With continued exposure ( 3 - 12 minute sessions a week for 3 months) The red light can actually improve collagen levels in the skin, boosting firmness and lessening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. RLT can improve overall skin tone and reduce redness - all natural no chemicals, Yes please! It helps with reversing sun damage too.

#2 Promotes Hair Growth

RLT stimulates the follicle and can increase hair strength, length and fullness. Sound great because it is! Studies have shown regular exposure to red light will have your locks flowing in no time (not a direct quote from any of the studies). What it really does is keeps the follicle out of the catagen phase which means it keeps it alive and active.

#3 Reduces Inflammation

I know, it keeps getting better right!? This magical red light can increase our immune response to bacteria, so say bye bye to acne and break outs!

#4 Healing

Injuries happen and when they do recovery time can be such a downer, RLT can increase muscle and skeletal performance, speed up recovery time and even reduce pain! Have a cut, or a scar, enter RLT to amp up healing time and get you back to you.

As if these weren't enough reasons to try RLT, I have one more and this one is the most important to me - ready?

#5 It's Mood Boosting

For me this one is instant! Some days I don't feel like driving to my local gym to hop in a red light booth, but let me tell you, whooo hooo! When I walk in and the moment that booth lights up, I am smiling, like a real genuine smile. By the time I leave I am ready to conquer the world or vacuum and do laundry but to me they are one in the same. The rays truly do something to me from the inside out that feels like total body, mind and soul rejuvenation.

In conclusion - RLT is amazing. It is truly one of the parts of my holistic approach to life that makes a difference on a daily, weekly and long term basis.

Try it or don't, but you should really just try it!

-jody-