De-Stress with Red Light Therap
@pintrest
Red light therapy is all the rage over social media currently. Every biohacker hobbyist and those who follow wellness trends (like myself) are quick to purchase the latest additive and habit stack it to their regime, but the scientific discovery by NASA is actually grounded in 15+ years of research, with over 200 peer-reviewed journals. Proven effective in supporting cellular recovery and repair as well as increasing the cells energy output thereby enhancing health.
How does Red Light Therapy work?
Red light therapy delivers specifically chosen wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to your tissues, in which your cells Mitchondria absorb the light. The cells Mitochondria organelle is responsible for producing 90% of the primary chemical energy, converting nutrients and oxygen to ATP (Adenosine Triphospate) acting as fuel to signal DNA/RNA synthesis, regulating metabolism and maintaining overall cellular health. Mitochondia are also critical for managing cellular apoptosis (death), storing calcium and producing neurotransmitters and hormones.
Red light and near-infrared light therefore signal the Mitochondria (through a photoreceptor) to work more efficiently, by using oxygen more effectively, resulting in greater production of ATP and improvement in cellular signalling. When there is more ATP the cells have more energy to transfer to other bodily processes (synthesis, contraction, impulses).
How does this correlate to de-stress?
Red light and near infrared light don’t just energize the cell, but changes the way the cells communicate. With a boost in ATP production, the cellular energy is optimized: there is less emergency signalling and therefore the systems modulate inflammation resulting in less of a demand for the body to produce cortisol.
This also goes hand in hand with physical pain. An increase in ATP results in less physical pain/soreness/stiffness therefore the body is in a “relaxed” state which results in less cortisol output and chronic inflammation.
In addition, when the cells are signalled to rest, digest, repair and recover the nervous system downshift and regulates, naturally boosting the neurotransmitter serotonin and dopamine. When the body is flooded with these chemicals we are able to readily manage stress, regulate emotions and our quality of sleep improves.
How often should I use this therapy to de-stress?
Like anything, consistency is key: exposing yourself to the therapy more often during the week for shorter sessions is more beneficial as opposed to once or twice for a longer duration. Ideally 3-5 times per week for 10-15min sessions, in the evening to promote relaxation and calm the nervous system Ito transition the body for sleep. Regulating your circadian rhythms with this nightly practice will improve sleep quality and naturally balance your melatonin-serotonin levels, ensuing mental focus, emotional stability, reduced stress and stronger immunity.
To enhance the de-stress effect, pairing RLT with either a breathwork, soundbath or meditation will maximize the results.
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