Although this treatment was once reserved exclusively for medical rooms and expensive luxury skincare clinics, near-infrared light therapy at home is now possible.
Allowing everyone and anyone to take charge of their health, near-infrared light therapy can accelerate healing on a whole new level - making it a perfect solution for gym goers, athletes, and people recovering from an injury or surgery.
As this form of treatment now extends beyond the four walls of treatment offices, more people than ever can enjoy the expansive benefits. This non-invasive treatment could be the way to go for those looking to manage pain, reduce inflammation, repair tissue, and improve well-being.
Let’s delve into the beauty of near-infrared light therapy at home while looking at how this can be seamlessly introduced into your daily life.
Understanding Near-Infrared Light Therapy
Firstly, let’s look at what near-infrared light therapy is: Near-infrared light therapy uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to beam a concentrated wavelength onto specific areas of the body.
The wavelengths are located within the invisible spectrum (barely visible to the naked eye) and deliver energy to the cells. Once delivered, this stimulates healing, relieves pain, and activates all the benefits that near-infrared light is known for.
One of the main standouts of near-infrared light is how deep it can penetrate to provide that much-needed energy, with wavelengths ranging from 700 to 2500nm.
For the skincare enthusiasts, you’ll likely have seen the various light therapy treatments on offer worldwide, along with the infamous portable face mask devices. Athletes and sports therapists will have seen the buzz too, with this being an incredible form of therapy for soothing the dreaded DOMs and sports-related injuries.
Aside from the skin benefits and the easing of tense muscles, near-infrared light therapy is very useful for the following reasons:
Wound healing: Decades of studies have gone into understanding the connection between light and wound healing. Through NASA’s in-depth research, high-intensity red and near-infrared light was found to accelerate the healing of oxygen-deprived wounds.
Tissue repair: Near-infrared light boosts cellular energy production, resulting in greater tissue repair.
Pain management and relief: This therapy promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It improves blood flow to the affected areas. This is particularly advantageous for people with chronic pain, muscle soreness, and discomfort.
The Science Behind Near-Infrared Light Therapy
Near-infrared light has the power to heal as it is absorbed by the mitochondria, thus increasing the levels of this in muscle tissues.
Mitochondria are tiny organelles found inside every cell in the body that generate the energy needed to function properly. This plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health while preventing cell damage. For those in the know, mitochondria often equal to superheroes for our insides.
The energy that mitochondria produce is stored in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is a source of energy that supports and drives the processes in living cells.
So once the mitochondria breaks down glucose and adds it to the adenosine triphosphate, this can be used like fuel for many other cellular processes.
The mitochondria and ATP go through the following actions: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and then the electron transport chain.
Which is Better - Infrared or Near-Infrared?
So we know the definition of near-infrared light therapy…
Near-infrared Light Therapy: Near-infrared light therapy uses a light-emitting diode to beam a concentrated wavelength (from the invisible spectrum) onto specific areas of the body.
But what about infrared light?
Infrared Light Therapy: Infrared light therapy also refers to the electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths - longer than those of visible light and shorter than radio waves - onto the body.
Both are similar and are forms of photobiomodulation therapy, but the difference lies in the wavelengths. Infrared therapy has a broader range of longer wavelengths often associated with heating and relaxation. Near-infrared, however, uses a specific range of shorter wavelengths which primarily prompt therapeutic benefits related to cellular function, pain reduction, and tissue healing.
The choice between these two depends on your health goals and the condition you are aiming to treat.
If you’re looking for therapeutic effects related to pain relief, tissue repair, and cellular metabolism, near-infrared light therapy could be most appropriate.
On the other hand, if you’re most focused on seeking relaxation, stress reduction, improved circulation or detoxification, infrared light might be a better choice.
Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you decide which is most suitable for your individual needs.
Benefits of Near-Infrared Light Therapy at Home
- Convenient
- Accessible
- Customizable
- Controlled
- Cost-effective
- Pain management
- Non-invasive
- Drug-free
- Holistic healing potential
While all of these aspects are incredibly beneficial for a range of people, simply taking control of your own treatment and care is hugely empowering.
There’s no longer the need to schedule appointments, travel to an unnerving clinical setting, and sit uncomfortably while a device is placed against your body. Near-infrared light therapy can be safely administered at home.
As it’s drug-free and non-invasive, it’s a very easy treatment to do at home. The only recommendation is to read the device manual and guidelines, which will provide any relevant safety precautions. But there isn’t an extensive list, so you can get started quite quickly after purchasing a near-infrared light therapy device.
Convenience and Accessibility
Due to modern advancements, the beauty of near-infrared light therapy is that it can be delivered at home - by you. You don’t need any qualifications or training, and it’s much more convenient than visiting a medical clinic every day.
Here at Kineon, we launched our much-loved Move+ Pro to allow anyone and everyone to access the powers of near-infrared light in the comfort of their own homes. This enables you to introduce this type of therapy into your daily routine.
With our device, you can target specific areas of the body, which provides an option for an accessible treatment that can reach your problem areas.
The ability to control the timing and duration of sessions provides flexibility, which is perfect for those with busy schedules. In fact, 5-15 minutes every day is much better than a longer and non-consistent approach.
Holistic Healing Potential
Going beyond just mere convenience, near-infrared light therapy holds major holistic healing potential as it spans skin, the mind, and our cells. It considers the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, all while improving mood, sleep, and energy levels.
As it can penetrate deeper layers of tissue, near-infrared light stimulates the production of collagen; this is a protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Increased collagen levels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Take one look at any skin clinic dotted around the world, and you’ll see many collagen-boosting treatments that include the use of near-infrared light.
It also improves circulation as it delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This increased blood flow results in a healthier complexion and a natural glow. A dream combination for skin enthusiasts.
This ability to reach layers deep beneath the skin makes this therapy beneficial for treating minor wounds, scars, and blemishes. As well as reducing inflammation and soothing pain symptoms.
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Approach
Near-infrared light therapy at home is completely non-invasive and drug-free. Unlike surgical procedures or pharmaceutical interventions, this therapy doesn’t require any needles, incisions, or medications.
Unlike other treatments, being non-invasive minimizes the risks associated with surgical treatments and even negates the potential side effects of drugs and any nasty complications.
Instead, it harnesses the power of natural light to stimulate cellular activity and promote holistic healing from within. Being non-invasive in nature makes for a safer and more comfortable option for many, allowing people to gain results without any long recovery periods that are usually associated with any form of pain treatment.
Incorporating Near-Infrared Light Therapy at Home
In their pursuits of optimal health and wellness, an increasing number of individuals are discovering the ability to treat their pain with near-infrared light therapy at home. To help soothe your chronic pain or discomfort, the below steps can help make this approach as impactful as possible.
Selecting the Right Device
Many devices are entering the market, but choosing the right one for you is important.
As this will be used on your body, and with any medical-related tool, trusting the device and company is paramount. Read through reviews and testimonials to see how people in the industry perceive the brand and device. This can be seen through third-party review sites, testimonials, or word of mouth.
Here at Kineon, our medical-grade laser device - called Move+ Pro - is trusted by top health experts and professionals worldwide. Our site has numerous testimonials from incredible athletes, competitors, nutritionists, and doctors.
Setting Up Your Home Healing Space
The beauty of our Move+ Pro device is that it’s lightweight, wireless, and completely portable.
Although each person will use the device when they feel ready, some people do set up a home healing space to create a positive environment before beginning treatment.
To create this dream location anywhere in your house. Firstly, find somewhere that is quiet and comfortable - where you can relax without interruptions.
Opening the windows or choosing a larger room will help keep the room well-ventilated and enjoyable for you, rather than being distracted by humidity.
To relax fully, soften the lighting, tidy the space around you, and put on soothing music to enhance the ambiance.
Similarly, if you’d prefer to be seated in your usual surroundings, consider reclining or snug furniture so you feel at ease. Dedicating a specific area in your home to near-infrared light therapy means you can create a peaceful sanctuary for your healing journey.
Ultimately, you can use your device anywhere and everywhere - whether that’s in your home office ahead of the work day or in your lounge in the evening. Find a place where you feel most comfortable.
Designing Your Home Therapy Routine
Having a set routine promotes regular usage, which is key with any type of therapy. Start by establishing a regular schedule that suits your lifestyle and helps you to meet specific goals.
Determine what time is best for you and set alarm reminders to help you form this habit. When you’re applying the device onto the relevant area, make note of the time and set another timer to stop after 15 minutes or whatever time you see fit.
Some say it takes 30 days to form a habit. If you’re enjoying the new addition to your routine, this means you’ll be more likely to keep on top of the extra activity.
Maximizing Benefits
There are a few ways to maximize the benefits of near-infrared light therapy; these include:
Consistency: One of the easiest ways to maximize the benefits is by being consistent in your approach. This shouldn’t be excessive, but just 5-15 minutes a day can make a world of difference. Near-infrared light therapy tends to deliver the most effective results when used on a regular basis, so create a dedicated routine and stick to it.
Directions: Another easy but important element is simply reading through the manual once your device has arrived. This provides all the information you need on how to use the Move+ Pro in the best way, along with the relevant directions.
Lifestyle: Complementing any form of therapy with a healthy lifestyle will be the most successful combination. Incorporate nutritious foods, regular exercise, and adequate sleep into your daily routine to support your body’s natural healing processes. Staying hydrated is also important as it can improve circulation and promote overall vitality.
Monitor Progress: Keep a journal to assess your pain over time to see how this changes. This will determine the impact of near-infrared light therapy and allow you to make adjustments where you see fit.
At Home Near-Infrared Light Therapy Precautions
There are very few risks associated with near-infrared light therapy. But to ensure your safety, it’s important to purchase your red light therapy device from a trusted company that uses high-quality materials and follows industry standards for safety and efficacy.
Another way to ensure maximum safety and comfort is by using eye protection as a precaution. This is particularly beneficial if using a full-body device or a facial panel, especially if you suffer from light sensitivity, epilepsy, or migraines.
This could be in the form of goggles, glasses, or even simple eye masks. These can help shield your eyes from the bright light emitted by red light therapy devices and prevent any discomfort or irritation from exposure to the light.
If you’re using a targeted device that won’t be directing light toward your eyes, eye protection isn’t as needed.
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