Photobiotherapy

Photobiotherapy is a treatment using a powerful multi-spectrum LED light emanation that has been researched extensively in recent years and found to be effective for arresting progression and even reversing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism and other nervous system problems. Photobiotherapy increases ATP (the cellular energy molecule) levels, decreases inflammation, speeds up healing and stimulates nerve function. The Photobiotherapy device is used in conjunction with the F-Scan, a measuring device that detects specific frequencies that require treatment, and then programs the light therapy device with the correct frequencies.

 

The Photobiotherapy Light Device utilizes multiple wavelengths of blue (3 each), red (3 each), and near-Infrared (2 each). It does not produce ionizing radiation.

 

• Blue light affects the skin surface and lymph drainage
• Red light penetrates tissue and is absorbed
  by the blood; penetrates tissue ~ 1 cm ≈ 3/8 inch
• Near-Infrared penetrates tissue up to 20 cm ≈ 8 inches
• For a given wavelength, the greater the light intensity,
  the greater the permeation depth of tissue

 

Extensive research has shown that photons have the effects listed below on the pathophysiology of the dysfunctional neurons of Alzheimer’s disease and very likely in other dementias. This summary was published by a noted researcher in the field of photobiomodulation, Michael Hamblin, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School, in the journal, Photonics:

• Increases blood flow by releasing endothelial nitric oxide
• Increases ATP production by injured cells
• Neuroprotective
• Decreases oxidative stress
• Reduces inflammation
• Attracts activated stem cells
• Increases lymphatic drainage
• Increases neurogenesis
• Increases synaptogenesis
• Stimulates gamma rhythms
• Improves cell membrane potential

 

It is easy to see how PBM’s ability to stimulate all these essential cellular healing mechanisms can help to restore function to diseased or damaged cells. These are the mechanisms of action that have made effective treatment with light possible in the following neurological conditions:

• Degenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic events: stroke and traumatic brain injuries
• Psychiatric disorders: depression, anxiety, and PTSD

 

In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, it has been shown that when even low levels of infrared light are applied to a tissue culture of mice neurons with Alzheimer’s disease, the classic pathological neurofibrillary tangles of the tau protein and beta-amyloid plaques begin to resolve within hours to days.

 

Effects on Tissues:  

Muscles: Numerous studies have shown that red and near infrared light affect muscle performance, recovery from exercise, and adaptations (i.e. enhanced strength, endurance, muscle growth, fat loss) to exercise.

 

Brain: red and near infrared light have been shown to benefit brain function. Studies have confirmed improvements in cognitive performance and memory, improved functioning after traumatic brain injury, improved mood, as well as improvements in certain neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Suggested mechanisms include enhancement of mitochondrial function, reduction of inflammation, and an increased level of Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF).

 

Nerves (Pain): Some studies have shown that red and near infrared light can dull pain by blocking conduction at nerve fibers. Anti-inflammatory activity, as well as blocking substance P could play a role.

 

Healing (Bones, Tendons, and Wounds): Numerous studies have shown that red and near infrared light can stimulate and accelerate healing of numerous types of injuries – from tendon/muscle/ligament tears to bone fractures, and skin wounds. This could be due to stimulation of local growth factors involved in cellular repair, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect.

 

Wound healing is a strong indication. In animals, increased connective tissue cell growth by 140-200% and epithelial cell growth by 155-171% was observed. In humans, healing time of soft tissue injuries soldiers was reduced by 40% and healing time of wounds was decreased by 20%.

Source: Whelan M. Effect of NASA Light Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing,
Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery 2001;19: 305-314.

 

Hair: Red and near infrared light are also used to stimulate hair re-growth. Numerous studies have shown it to be effective for this purpose. This could be due to local blood vessel dilation and an anti-inflammatory effect.

 

Skin: Numerous beneficial effects on skin wrinkling and laxity, cellulite accumulation, collagen production and other aspects of skin health have been observed. Anti-aging of the skin is one of the most common uses for red and near infrared light.

 

Fat: Numerous studies have shown that red and near infrared light can stimulate the release of fatty contents from fat cells, and ultimately lead to body fat loss.

 

Red and near infrared light benefits cellular function and overall health by means of at least two mechanisms:

1. Stimulating ATP production in the mitochondria through interacting with a photoreceptor called cytochrome c oxidase.
2. Creating a temporary, low-dose metabolic stress (known as hormesis, which is also a primary mechanism of why exercise works) that ultimately builds up the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cell defense systems of the cell

 

Source: The Ultimate Guide to Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy, by Ari Whitten