Infrared Light Benefit

How Does Infrared Light Benefit The Human Body?

Published On: October 15, 2024Categories: PLMI Blog

Light plays a pivotal role in modulating biological processes at the cellular, organelle, and organ levels in the body. Responsible sunlight exposure is crucial for modulating circadian rhythm and a host of regulatory functions for systemic and mood health. The profound biological impacts of the sun help us to better understand the mechanisms underlying infrared light and its implications for cellular health.

A Brighter Appreciation for Sunlight

Sunlight contains all visible and non-visible spectrums of light. Distinct wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum representing the full spectrum of light – such as ultraviolet (UVB), visible, and infrared (IR) light – penetrate the tissues of our body differently depending on wavelength and strength, thereby having varied influences on biological health (1-2).

Light from the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D, β-endorphins, and serotonin in response to UV-B exposure, promoting skin and mood health, while also having modulatory inflammation and immune functions. Visible light refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, including blue and green wavelengths. These primarily affect surface layers of the skin, while also modulating circadian rhythm balance.

Infrared Light & Wavelengths

Infrared light, representing an important portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, has gained increased recognition for its profound biological effects on the body. This type of light has distinct interactions with biological tissues with its infrared (IR) wavelengths, having diverse tissue-specific impacts.

Infrared light is categorized based on wavelength ranges, each of which interacts with distinct biological tissues, resulting in varied responses (3).

Near-Infrared (NIR): 700 nm to 1400 nm – NIR light is recognized for its therapeutic benefits, particularly through a process known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Research indicates that consistent NIR exposure enhances cellular function and ATP production (4). NIR light penetrates deeply into tissues, making it efficient for promoting wound healing and skin health, pain relief,  and a reduction in inflammation.

Mid-Infrared (MIR): 1400 nm to 3000 nm – MIR is particularly effective for deeper tissue treatments, offering pain relief and enhanced wound healing. Its capacity to penetrate deeper tissues makes MIR therapies beneficial for conditions requiring deeper penetration and sustained heat applications, such as chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

Far-Infrared (FIR): 3000 nm to 1 mm – FIR is known for its detoxification properties and its ability to improve circulation. This type primarily affects the surface layer of the skin, promoting physiological responses, including sweating and improved blood flow, which can aid in recovery and relaxation.

MECHANISMS OF ACTION BEHIND INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY
Cellular Mechanisms

Infrared light impacts living tissues from cellular to organ system levels. At the cellular level, it can modify cell membrane potentials, increase intracellular calcium levels, and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting nitric oxide (NO) synthesis – helping to counteract oxidative stress and enhance blood circulation (5).

The primary absorption site in cells is the mitochondria through cytochrome c oxidase, where light exposure can enhance cellular activity and ATP production. This oxidase serves as a key enzyme for cellular bioenergetics, particularly in retinal and brain neurons. The increase in ATP fuels cellular processes while also facilitating the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Advances in Red Light Therapy

Recent interest in low-level red light (LLRL) therapy stems from its capacity to enhance energy supply and cellular metabolism, accelerating metabolic repair processes. LLRL allows for high specificity in light life (bio)modulation and can be emitted by lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with lasers providing light patterns for deeper, precise tissue penetration. LEDs, while lacking this coherence, produce minimal amounts of heat, thereby minimizing thermal injury risks. Both of these methods have shown promise in stimulating cerebral blood flow, enhancing brain energy metabolism, and improving cellular repair capacity (6-7).

Photobiomodulation & Skin Health

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy utilizes red and near-infrared light to activate cellular processes. With its long wavelengths, red light therapy activates photoreceptors in cells, initiating biochemical reactions that enhance healing, collagen production, and overall cellular function (5). As emphasized, NIR light enhances mitochondrial ATP production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, while reducing oxidative stress.

Lee et al. investigated the effects of infrared radiation (IR) on photoaged skin in a study involving twenty patients with mild to moderate facial wrinkles. Over six months of daily far infrared radiation treatments, 51-75% of participants reported improvements in skin texture and roughness, while 25-50% noted enhancements in skin tone. A further study by Lee examined the efficacy of LED phototherapy in rejuvenating skin by treating 76 patients with facial wrinkles using three LED wavelengths (830 nm, 633 nm, or a combination) versus control. Over four weeks, significant reductions in wrinkles and increases in skin elasticity were exhibited. Histological analyses revealed increased collagen and elastic fibers, with activated fibroblasts observed. Immunohistochemistry indicated elevated levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, which have been shown to have growth-promoting properties amongst various cell types, while RT-PCR demonstrated favorable alterations in inflammatory markers post-treatment. Both wavelengths were demonstrated to be effective for promoting health and rejuvenation of skin, the body’s largest metabolic organ (6-7).

Improved Wellbeing

Exposure to doses of red and near-infrared (NIR) stimulation, referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been shown to be beneficial in various health conditions. A home PMB setup was shown to have significant benefits on overall wellness in a 2023 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled involving 56 healthy participants, demonstrating that daily exposure over four weeks of NIR yielded consistent benefits in well-being (4). These findings further underscore the importance of adequate exposure to NIR, especially during low sunlight conditions that can be beneficial for improved health and wellbeing.

Mood Regulation & Neurodegenerative Health

Infrared light therapy has profound implications for mental health and cognitive function. A randomized controlled study by Quah-Smith et al. reported significant reductions in depression scores among patients receiving laser therapy (8). Similarly, Schiffer et al. evaluated PBM’s efficacy in patients with anxiety and depression, finding enhanced outcomes with high-power NIR therapy compared to low-power alternatives (9-10). Notably, PBM can be effectively combined with other therapeutic modalities; for instance, laser therapy paired with attention bias modification has been shown to enhance cognitive improvements (11). A case study on a 76-year-old woman diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) with anxious distress showed consistent improvement following treatment (12-13).

In cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI), PBM therapy has demonstrated encouraging outcomes. Yang et al. (2019) highlighted improvements in cognitive functions and mood in TBI patients following laser treatment (13). A further study on eleven chronic TBI patients indicated improved learning abilities correlated with treatment duration (15). These findings suggest that NIR therapy may help restore regional cerebral blood flow, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety (16).

A subsequent study further investigated cognitive functional improvements and cerebral blood flow in 12 symptomatic military veterans diagnosed with chronic TBI (17). Saltmarche et al. reported cognitive enhancements and improved emotional regulation in five patients undergoing a 4-week PBM therapy regimen (18). A further study documented improvements in autism spectrum disorder in children following PBM treatment (19). PBM has been suggested to mitigate hypoxic-ischemic brain injury by preserving mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis (20-21). Photobiomodulation utilizes non-ionizing light sources – including lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and broadband light – to deliver ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths for therapeutic purposes. NIR-based PBM has found extensive applications in pain relief, inflammation reduction, immune modulation, wound healing, and tissue regeneration, particularly in neurotrauma, neurodegeneration, and neuropsychiatric disorders (22-23).

The biological mechanisms underlying NIR light’s effects on the brain include both intracellular and extracellular changes. Intracellularly, mechanisms involve cytochrome c oxidase, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and modulation of reactive oxygen species, while extracellularly, enhanced neuronal transmission and connectivity are observed (22-24). Further research in this area is important for establishing comprehensive treatment protocols that incorporate infrared therapies into mental health treatment.

Immune Function

Emerging evidence also suggests that PBMT may enhance immune function, particularly in combating viral infections. A recent study demonstrated that blue and NIR laser light effectively inhibited viral amplification in vitro, including SARS-CoV-2 (25). The biological mechanisms underlying this antiviral action include both thermal effects, which increase tissue temperature and blood flow, and non-thermal effects, where NIR light enhances mitochondrial function and reduces inflammation.

Additionally, FIR light has been explored for its potential to improve immune responses by promoting lymphatic drainage and circulation. The detoxification capabilities of FIR can support immune function by facilitating the removal of toxins and pathogens from the body.

Musculoskeletal Health

Infrared therapy has emerged as a promising complementary approach for various musculoskeletal disorders, including knee osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic low back pain. Studies have found infrared therapy to be associated with both clinical and perceptual improvements in psychosomatic symptoms associated with chronic pain.

The application of infrared therapy can be administered through light-emitting devices and infrared saunas. A systematic review assessing the effectiveness of infrared radiation in treating musculoskeletal conditions revealed significant improvements in pain reduction and functional outcomes across various studies (26-30).

Harnessing the Potential of Infrared Light Therapy

The biological effects of infrared light underscore its therapeutic potential relative to supporting various biological pathways in the body and mind. By improving cellular function and energy, mood health, modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune response, infrared light therapy is an encouraging complementary approach for a variety of health conditions. Light essentially makes our cells more efficient in many ways.

As modern lifestyles often increasingly restrict individuals indoors, understanding and incorporating appropriate light exposure – particularly from beneficial infrared wavelengths – into our daily lives can enhance overall health and mitigate the adverse effects of limited sun exposure. In conjunction with nutrition and lifestyle factors, the appropriate use of light therapy can support our overall health and well-being.

Join us for this thought-provoking and clinically relevant webinar, Infrared Insights: Unlocking the Science of Light Therapy for Healthspan and Lifespan, on October 29th from 5-7 pm PST. Thought provoking insights and applications of the science behind the full spectrum of infrared light and the human body will be explored with experts Will Cole, Connie Zack, and Jeffrey Bland.

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