The Red Light Report

Mechanisms of How Red Light Therapy Works

Apr 27, 2023

52:18

Did you know red light therapy is a hormetic stressor to our cells similar to exercise? This week on The Red Light Report, we are going to review some of the fundamentals of red light therapy that include the two proposed mechanisms of how red light therapy actually works. And while you may already understand some of the basic concepts, I think there will be plenty of new, in-depth information that will add some color to your current red light therapy knowledge.

Especially living in the Information Age, we hear/read/listen to so much information all of the time, that we rarely ingrain any of it. That's why repetition of the same information, particularly when its presented in different ways will lead to a deeper understanding and application of the knowledge.

In today's episode, I will cover the mechanisms for how red light therapy works; both the agreed upon mechanisms (boosting mitochondrial function and hormesis) and the theoretical mechanisms (water as a photoacceptor and chlorophyll metabolites in our blood leading to increased light absorption and energy production). All of it is very fascinating and speaks to the various ways that light, especially red and near-infrared light, can positively impact our physiology.

While listening to the information in this episode, consider what lifestyle changes you could make to further optimize your mitochondrial health (structured water and green veggies/supplements, anyone?). As always, light up your health and enjoy! -

Dr. Mike Belkowski discusses the following:

Intro: (0:00)
How red light therapy works: (1:54)
The ultimate guide to red light therapy - Ari Whitten: (4:35)
Two key mechanisms of red & near-infrared light therapy: (7:00)
Mechanism #1 - stimulating mitochondrial production: (8:05)
Where red light therapy does most "magic": (14:36)
How red light therapy really works: (15:23)
Red light therapy lets oxygen into the mitochondria: (22:41)
Mechanism #2 - The hormetic response: (24:34)
Red light therapy mimics exercise: (28:14)
Potential mechanisms: (29:16)
Capturing sunlight energy: (35:19)
CoQ10: (36:01)
Near-infrared penetrates deeper: (38:44)
Benefits of consuming chlorophyll: (41:48)
The scientific consensus: (43:55)