Red light therapy uses low-power red light to activate mitochondria, which are the cell’s energy generators. Most of the energy produced by the mitochondria is housed in a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which helps your body store and use energy.
Aging, illness, or lifestyle factors can make the mitochondria produce less ATP. Red light therapy triggers a reaction that helps reverse this decline.
Why Red Light?
Red light therapy uses light in the red or near-infrared region because this wavelength range best penetrates through tissue. It is more easily absorbed by the parts of cells that capture light energy.
More Research Is Needed
Medical evidence is growing in support of red light therapy. However, many studies include small samples, animal subjects or in vitro means (using a test tube or petri dish in a lab), and inconsistent standards. More trials are underway to confirm this treatment’s effectiveness.