UV (100-400nm) accounts for 90% of the sun's radiation that reaches earth. This light is also used in tanning beds with intense superficial interaction with the epidermis.
Red (~620nm - 750nm) & Near-Infrared (780nm+) Light with energy penetration deep into tissue & used in space telescopes to detect objects invisible to the human eye.
Different wavelengths of light penetrate to different depths of tissues as shown. Researchers and clinicians have concluded that there is what is commonly known as the therapeutic window between the Near Infra-Red and Infra-Red range (650nm – 900nm).
600nm – 660nm range is absorbed by the melanin in the skin as well as blood and is used for more cosmetic uses.
800nm – 860nm range is centered within the therapeutic window and shows the highest efficacy in causing the photochemical reaction that is Photobiomodulation Therapy.
900nm – 980nm range has been proven to help directly with increasing circulation, decreasing inflammation and is the standard for many pain control applications.
Biochemical Properties of NIR & IR Light
As light penetrates to the desired depth it is also driven into the cells of each tissue effected. Inside each cell, a photochemical reaction takes place in the mitochondria. The result of this is the mass production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the primary chemical used in virtually every bodily function, especially in the production of new, healthy cells. As these cells have an abundant amount of ATP available, your body is capable of restoring itself faster and healthier by way of process. This is described by many individuals as a sense of feeling younger, clearer, and generally happier. Photobiomodulation works on three levels within the body — at the intercellular, at the effected tissue, and the entire body level.
Tissue, Body, and Systemic Benefits
Dossage, Pulsing, and Custom Treatment Protocols
Light dosage, as emitted from an LED, is measured by its irradiance, the overall energy output. Generally, the more the dosage, the less time is needed for each treatment. This becomes the amount of light that penetrates into the cells of the effected tissue. Technologies are now available to minimize treatment time while applying the most optimized and safest dosage.
By blinking, or pulsing, harmonic and complex light fields are generated which essentially recalibrate the body, or portions of the body (similar to acupuncture). For example, people feel relaxed and clear when their brain is functioning in the Alpha state (8 – 12 Hz). During the day, we predominately function in a Beta state (12 – 30 Hz). By pulsing the light at 10 Hz, we can come to this state after a stressful day in a single session. This process is analogous to tuning an out-of-tune violin to a violin that is in tune.
