Discovering the Benefits of Red Light Therapy and Why It’s My Preferred Healing Tool

To understand how beneficial red light therapy can be as a healing tool, we must first unpack what it is and when I see this healing tool be most effective in my personal practice.

What is red light therapy?

A treatment that emits low wavelength red light that is most widely recognized and discussed for its ability to improve skin’s appearance (reducing wrinkles, acne, redness, stimulating collagen, improving skin texture) and can also assist with other symptoms and conditions including skin cancer, psoriasis, cold sores, warts, improve scars, reduce inflammation in cells and pain, increasing blood circulation, helping with gum recession and more. This therapy is non-toxic and non-invasive and is also completely different from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun (sunlight is very beneficial with proper exposure but we know some can be sensitive to the sun/heat while healing) or tanning booths (not at all recommended and harmful to the body). 

The origins of this technology are said to be first discovered by NASA when experimenting with plant growth and to help heal wounds in astronauts. 

What types of devices are available?

Not all red-light devises are created equal. I prefer ones that have Low EMF exposure, and you should too. I really like red light heating pads, there’s also smaller pads that are specifically designed for knee pain or larger scale pads designed for back support. There are also handheld red-light devices available to target specific parts of the body as well as oral red-light devices on the market too. Fun fact, many biological and holistic dental clinics are now offering red light treatments during visits. Lastly, and most popular on the market, are red light face masks to target fine lines and speed up skin healing.

If you were looking at a red light device or were curious about the ones I use at home on myself and my family, Novaalab is currently having a holiday sale and for those interested you can apply code Kimberlyspair for 10% off. Vital Red Light is another brand I trust, and I also have a code Drkimberly15 to save 15% off of your order. My Aduro LED face mask is also on sale (this is the one I too use at home).

What does red light therapy and the specific devices mentioned do?

Heating pads can be used to ease discomfort during women’s cycles when and if cramps and abdominal pain arise, the knee and back pads can be used to target chronic inflammation and pain or speed-up the recovery from physical injuries, the handheld devices are particularly helpful for targeting certain pain points and can also be considered as an effective tool for speeding up the disappearance of cold sores, herpes, eczema and psoriasis flares, and other skin conditions such as acne. Finally, the oral red light device can be quite helpful for those struggling with gum recession, small cavities, yellowing teeth, tooth decay, gingivitis and more.

Many women in particular enjoy the benefits of red light for aesthetic reasons alone and is favored by estheticians and skin enthusiasts because it accelerates skin healing. It utilizes light energy in different electromagnetic spectrums to stimulate fibroblast growth factors. Red light therapy is a non-invasive way to stimulate collagen formation resulting in a more plump, smooth and glowing complexion. It can also improve the following:

• Wound healing.
• Fresh stretch marks.
• Wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
• Facial texture
• Scars.
• Sun-damaged skin.

Clients have also reported benefits since including red light into their routines for symptoms related to seasonal affective disorder, gum recession (dental), anti-aging benefits, chronic pain, and inflammation support.

I really enjoy the benefits of red light therapy and incorporate red light into my personal wellness routines. Watch some of my preferred red light products in the pelvic floor health reel, and women’s immune system reel here!

Remember that chronic inflammation and pain are symptoms and are not to be mistaken for root causes of any condition. There’s always more to the story with physical pain including the consideration of pathogens and viral loada, external toxins, heavy metals, radiation and unproductive foods can also play a role as well.

Here is a list of a few of the supplements that can be extremely beneficial for reducing or managing pain. For dosages, speak with your practitioner or learn more in my Empowered Wellness Circle Monthly Membership:

Alpha Lipoic Acid
California poppy
Curcumin
Lemon Balm
Magnesium
MSM
Nettle
B12 and B complex

Topicals to work with supplements or on their own:

Arnica
Comfrey
Magnesium

For kids specifically, my favorite go-to options include:

Magnesium, nettle, arnica (homeopathy), lemon balm, B vitamins, ginger and turmeric. Topically, frankincense, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, clove essential oils diluted into a carrier oil can be used (age and sensitivities permitting).

If you cannot tolerate supplements or supports taken orally, consider supportive topicals mentioned in this post, simply sipping on ginger tea, epsom salt baths, or using warm/cool therapy— switching from a warm water bottle to ice packs on the area in need.When in pain, the body is in distress, the adrenals are working harder producing stress hormones, and the liver is working to soak up the extra adrenaline. It is helpful to get pain under control while you keep working away at uprooting underlying causes.

If you are someone looking for pain management support or would like to Reset this January (starting TOMORROW!) by focusing more on your health and wellbeing, join me inside my monthly membership Empowered Wellness Circle, or join for an 8-day group cleanse in Empowered Reset. Here you will receive all the support without judgment, learn from teaching lessons and an uplifting community of other participant questions.