Infrared Insights: Unlocking the Science of Light Therapy for Healthspan and Lifespan
Join us for an in-depth, three-part course designed to provide a deeper understanding of the biological impact and application of infrared light therapy to help improve healthspan and lifespan. This course, offered by the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, brings together leading experts to explore the science of infrared light and heat that can positively impact well-being aging and age-related diseases.
Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a pioneer in functional medicine, will introduce the foundational concepts of light and its interaction with the human body. This section delves into the nature of light energy and its biological implications. Practitioners will gain a deep understanding of how to harness the power of infrared light, learning about its unique characteristics and the scientific basis for its health benefits.
Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten and a leader in light science, explores the differences between traditional and infrared saunas, characteristics of each wavelength and unique effects of each, as well as the importance of the technology behind replicating these for optimal health outcomes.
Dr. Will Cole, a functional medicine expert and gut and microbiome specialist, will conclude the course with practical applications of infrared light therapy. Through case studies, Dr. Cole will demonstrate how infrared sauna therapy is used to support gut health and overall well-being. This section emphasizes that infrared therapy is more than just heat; it is a powerful combination of light and heat that offers extensive therapeutic benefits.
By the end of this course, practitioners will be equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to integrate infrared light therapy into their practice.
Hourly Schedule
October 27, 2026
- 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- The Science of Light and the Human Body
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Speakers:
Jeff Bland, PhD
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Understanding The Full Spectrum of Infrared Light
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Speakers:
Connie Zack
- 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- Practical Applications and Case Studies
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Speakers:
Dr. Will Cole
- 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- Panel Discussion with all Faculty led by Dr. Jeffrey Bland
Speakers
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Jeff Bland, PhD
Jeffrey Bland, PhD, is a pioneering figure in the food-is-medicine movement and a leading expert in nutritional biochemistry. As founder of Big Bold Health, he now focuses on longevity through immune health, championing the concept of immune rejuvenation as a pathway to healthy aging. Dr. Bland’s work highlights the powerful role of plant polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids in supporting immune resilience. Widely known as the “father of Functional Medicine,” he has spent more than 40 years advancing nutrition science, regenerative agriculture, and personalized approaches to lifelong vitality.
Dr. Bland began his career in academia as a university professor. In the early 1980s, he became a protégé of two-time Nobel Laureate, Dr. Linus Pauling. Dr. Bland then spent decades as a natural products industry insider and entrepreneur, while also serving as a scientific advisor and mentor to dynamic founders and leading brands.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Bland has traveled the world many times over as a renowned speaker. In 1991, he and his wife, Susan, founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, they established another educational nonprofit called The Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, which brings together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to focus on new models of healthcare delivery, advancements in medical nutrition therapy, and exciting emerging science.
Dr. Bland is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life, as well as additional books and many research papers. His next book will be published by HarperCollins in March 2027. The Nourished Gene: Rejuvenate Your Immunity, Reverse Chronic Symptoms, and Activate Your Longevity is now available for pre-order from all major booksellers.
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Connie Zack
Connie Zack is the co-founder of Sunlighten, the global leader in infrared sauna and light therapy. Inspired by her brother’s health transformation, she and her husband, Aaron, left successful pharmaceutical careers to revolutionize the industry with science-backed innovations. Connie is a pioneer in infrared light technology, driving widespread education on its benefits through collaborative partnerships. She has shared her expertise on prestigious platforms like the YPO Wellness Summit, Gaia TV, and the documentary “Longevity Hackers.” Connie’s passion for holistic health drives her commitment to nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and infrared therapy, sharing light, hope, and expertise on how infrared impacts a healthy lifespan.
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Dr. Will Cole
Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world over a decade ago. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum and Gut Feelings.
