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Light Therapy for Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most popular topics in healthcare, and rightfully so. It is a hallmark of many diseases currently ravaging modern society, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and depression. Inflammation is also associated with acute diseases involving the heart, pancreas, liver, and other organs, as well as trauma and infection. The personal and economic burden of these diseases cannot be overstated. Treatment of inflammation associated diseases makes up the majority of health care spending in the US, costing billions of dollars annually. There are also indirect costs of illness, such as reduced work and productivity. The most common treatments for inflammation are pharmaceuticals, including prescription (such as Celebrex) and the over-the-counter drugs (such as Aspirin and Alleve). However, many of these drugs have serious side effects, such as hypersensitivity reactions and ulcers. Given these risks, many people are turning to non-invasive therapies to fight inflammation, some of which are highly effective and have far fewer side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts. One of these is treatment with red and near infrared light (also called red light therapy or photobiomodulation), which uses light waves at specific frequencies to decrease inflammation at a cellular level. Red Light Therapy The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both red and near infrared light, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. Infrared light can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. Red and near infrared light are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. Red light is part of this visible light spectrum, while near infrared light is not. While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. Inflammation The inflammatory process is mediated by the immune system, specifically the innate (or non-specific) component. Inflammation protects the body from injury and infection. There are many goals of the inflammatory response, including reducing the extent of injury, limiting the spread of infection, and restoring the body back into balance. While we mostly think of inflammation as being harmful, it’s actually a natural and essential physiological function. Inflammation becomes harmful when it is uncontrolled, lasts for a long time, or just generally occurs when it shouldn’t. There are three types of inflammation, which are mainly defined by their length. Acute inflammation is short term, lasting days. This is what happens when you sprain your ankle, and it swells up, becomes warm, and may show color changes. That response is designed to limit movement, which prevents further injury and allows the damaged tissue to heal. Sub-acute inflammation lasts from two to six weeks, and often follows acute inflammation as healing progresses. The response here is similar, but less intense, than acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation lasts for months or even years, and at this point, inflammation has ceased to be a normal (and healthy) response to a stimulus and has become pathological. Chronic inflammation is the type that is associated with most diseases. It is also associated with oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation is not associated with visible signs of inflammation (such as redness, heat, and swelling), so people often aren’t even aware it is happening. This contrasts with acute inflammation, which is usually visible and occurs because of trauma or infection. Red Light Therapy for Inflammation As described by Dr. Michael Hamblin, former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, “one of the most reproducible effects of is an overall reduction of inflammation”. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Light therapy has even been found to reduce inflammation in the brain, known as neuroinflammation. Red light therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the following conditions: Brain Disorders – Neuroinflammation is one of the foundational pathologies underlying a wide range of brain disorders. Light therapy has been found to decrease inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as to improve cognitive function. Several clinical trials have been published which have shown positive results. Most studies have exclusively used near infrared light, which has been found to penetrate more deeply into the brain. Light therapy has also been found to decrease inflammation and improve recovery after a stroke. When used to treat brain disorders, light therapy is usually applied to the head area, using devices such as hats and helmets. Traumatic Brain Injury - Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when there is a violent blow to the head. Approximately 17% of people with repeated TBI progress to chronic traumatic encephalitis (CTE), a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries. Concussions are another common type of TBI. TBI’s result in acute neuroinflammation, which can become a chronic problem if not treated properly. Research using light therapy (both red and near infrared) for TBI has looked at both immediate and chronic effects in animal and human models. Animal studies have shown a reduction in the size of the brain lesion when light therapy was applied to the head immediately following trauma, which correlated with the severity of neurological symptoms, which may be due (in part) to decreased inflammation. Depression – Neuroinflammation is similarly found in people suffering from depression, and it is thought to be a key factor and therapeutic target in depressive disorders. Several clinical trials of light therapy in depression have been conducted, all of which used near infrared light applied directly to the head. A 2022 systematic review concluded that light therapy “can be classified as strongly recommended for moderate grade of major depressive disorder”. Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis concluded that there is a “promising role of in the treatment of depressive symptoms”. Gut Disorders – Inflammatory gut diseases like colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases may benefit from red light therapy. Research has found that application of red light to the abdomen of rats with experimentally induced colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease) improved many markers of gut health, including reducing inflammation. There is interest in studying the use of light therapy to improve gut health in human subjects as well, with research currently ongoing to see if it helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease. When treating gut disorders, light therapy is usually applied directly to the abdomen. Pain - Pain creates a huge burden of disability, both personal and economic. There is evidence that red light therapy decreases many types of pain, including knee, neck, low-back, temporomandibular joint, and post-surgical pain. Red light therapy can also reduce pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia. One of the primary mechanisms of pain reduction by light therapy is by decreasing inflammation. Red light therapy also reduces pain by decreasing oxidative stress, reducing the sensitivity of neurons, and decreasing the transmission of pain related nerve impulses. Arthritis – In addition to reducing arthritis pain by decreasing inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy on arthritis also yields other benefits. Inflammation in arthritis is responsible for much of the observed pathology, including cartilage breakdown. Treatment with red light therapy may have a range of positive effects, such as preserving joint function, avoiding joint deformities, and reducing drug side effects and toxicities. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is pain that occurs in the muscles between 12 and 24 hours after a workout. DOMS is caused by tiny muscle tears that results in inflammation, which causes pain. Treatment with red light therapy to muscles after a strength training session has been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, as well as to improve other outcomes like decreased fatigue and increased protein synthesis. Injury – In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects on muscle tissue, including speeding recovery from post-exercise damage, red light therapy also reduces inflammation and speeds wound healing, such as from burn injuries. Red light therapy can also reduce inflammation and speed healing from injuries to bone, including fractures and more complex bone injuries that require the use ceramic materials. Tendon injuries also benefit from red light therapy. Skin Disorders – Many skin disorders are characterized by inflammation, including acne, psoriasis and eczema. Light therapies treat acne through anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and by decreasing the production of oil. Inflammatory acne is more responsive to light therapy than non-inflammatory acne, and studies have even found it to be superior to some medications. Red and near infrared light is also recommended in the treatment of psoriasis in part because of its anti-inflammatory effects. And in eczema, an inflammatory skin disease, treatment with near infrared light therapy has been found to decrease skin itching and lesions. Alopecia Areata – Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. This causes the hair to fall out, resulting in patches of baldness. AA can affect hair on any part of the body but is most common on the head. It is characterized by inflammation around hair follicles during the growth phase. The anti-inflammatory effects of light therapy may decrease this inflammation. In fact, treatment with red and near infrared light has been found to increase hair growth in bald patches. How To Use Red Light Therapy To Reduce Inflammation There is no single right way to use red light therapy to reduce inflammation. It all depends on what condition you are trying to treat and what your personal preferences are as far as treatment approach. The following are a few simple questions that can be used to guide you towards selecting the device that is most suitable for your needs: 1. What are your specific health concerns? Red light is usually applied to the affected body part, either directly in contact with the skin or at a distance of around 4 to 12 inches away. Some devices are location specific, such as knee wraps, head wraps or helmets, shoulder and neck wraps, or elbow and wrist red light wraps. Other devices are non-specific, such as square or rectangular light wraps, or red light panels. If you are dealing with a single, region-specific concern – such as knee arthritis or Alzheimer’s Disease - you may prefer to get a regionally targeted red light therapy device. However, if you are dealing with inflammation in more than one area of the body and want a device that can be used in multiple locations, a non-specific wrap may be preferable. Red light panels can also be used to address multiple body parts, although they may be difficult to position properly for some locations, such as the feet and ankles. 2. What are your preferred treatment conditions? Treatments using red light panels are most often done in a seated position, with the panel oriented towards the face, neck, torso, or other affected body part. They can also be done in a standing position, although this is not as relaxing. Lying down is possible if the treatment location allows it. Red light panels are wired and require the user to stay in the same position throughout the duration of the treatment. In contrast, treatments using red light wraps can be done in any position, including standing, sitting, and lying down. They can even be worn while moving around. Some red light wraps are wired, while others are wireless, with wireless models providing more flexibility. 3. What device specs should you look for? At home red light therapy devices almost always use LED’s as the light source. However, they do vary in other parameters, such as light wavelength(s) and intensity. When it comes to choosing the optimal wavelengths, you should look for light in the red and/or near infrared spectrums - but avoid the range of 700-780nm which has been found to be ineffective. Multi-wavelength devices including both red and near infrared light may be the most versatile. In terms of intensity, it has been found that it is ideal to mimic the intensity of the sun, which is around 24 mW/cm2 at the skin. This is described as the “sweet spot” between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. Many devices on the market are at a much higher intensity than the sun, so choose a sun-mimicking product and don’t overdo it when it comes to treatment frequency and duration. Conclusion Red light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may be used to reduce inflammation in a wide range of diseases, both acute and chronic. There are very few contraindications to red light therapy, and it can be safely used at home as part of a regular wellness regime. Choose a device that suits your needs and preferred treatment conditions, and which delivers both red and near infrared light at an appropriate intensity. Combine red light therapy with an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene for best results. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Top 10 Evidence-Based Uses for Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), may be used to support the health of cells and tissues throughout the body. Defined as the use of red and/or near infrared (NIR) light to influence biology, most modern PBM devices emit both types of light, which have similar effects but penetrate the body to different depths. Red light is visible to the human eye, while infrared light is not, although it can be felt as heat. While early research on PBM used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/NIR devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. There are many mechanisms by which PBM affects the body, with the most well-known being increasing the synthesis of ATP (the energy currency of the cell) through effects on the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. The link between PBM and improved mitochondrial function has been well established. This increased supply of energy can be used to do all kinds of cellular work, including healing, growth, maintenance, and repair. There are thousands of published studies showing the efficacy of PBM for a wide range of health applications, ranging from general support for healthy cells to improving brain function in Alzheimer’s Disease patients. Here, we will review the top 10 evidence-based uses for PBM, as supported by scientific research: Reduce inflammation: Red and NIR light have anti-inflammatory effects, and unlike anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAID’s), do not cause side effects. Studies have found that PBM affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. The ability of PBM to reduce inflammation suggests that it could have therapeutic potential in many chronic diseases that involve inflammation, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and depression. Improve skin health: Red/NIR lights are being widely used in spas and dermatology clinics for their effects on skin health, in addition to at-home use. As already mentioned, PBM can improve the appearance and healing of scars, and it is also helpful in the treatment of wrinkles, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, burns, and herpes. As well, PBM has been found to increase hair growth through stimulation of the hair follicle found in the dermis of the skin. Improvements in skin health are associated with increased collagen production in the dermis of the skin. Decrease pain: Pain creates a huge burden of disability, both personal and economic. There is evidence that PBM decreases many types of pain, including knee, neck, low-back, temporomandibular joint, and post-surgical pain. PBM can also reduce pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia. There are several mechanisms of pain reduction by PBM, including decreasing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress, reducing the sensitivity of neurons, and decreasing the transmission of pain related nerve impulses. Improve athletic performance: PBM has been found to improve athletic performance in several ways, including decreasing muscle damage associated with exercise, decreasing muscle fatigue, improving muscle capacity, and speeding post-exercise recovery. PBM increases ATP production, which is needed for exercising muscles. PBM also helps muscles through increasing the synthesis of antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and decreasing synthesis of lactic acid (although not all studies have found this effect). Animal research has also shown that PBM can reduce muscle loss associated with trauma. Reduce depression and anxiety: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent mental disorders, and currently available pharmaceutical medications have limited efficacy and associated side effects. PBM has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in both humans and animals, likely due to improvements in mitochondrial function, increased brain blood flow, and decreased neuroinflammation. A 2009 clinical trial found a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in as little as a single session of PBM. The effects of PBM on mental health are so compelling that a recent systematic review of PBM concluded that it is “strongly recommended” as a treatment for moderate depressive disorder and is “recommended” for the treatment of anxiety disorder. Studies of PBM and depression often apply PBM directly to the skull, while some use an intranasal approach. Improve cognitive function: PBM has been shown to improve cognitive function in both healthy and diseased patients. Clinical trials in healthy subjects have shown that PBM can improve outcomes including executive function, which consists of cognitive skills used for planning and performing tasks, as well as memory. People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke have also been shown to benefit from PBM, due to upregulation of brain repair mechanisms including the synthesis of new neurons. A recent systematic review similarly showed that PBM can help people with Alzheimer’s Disease by decreasing oxidative stress in the brain, reducing brain inflammation, and improving cognition. Speed healing from injury: It has already been mentioned that PBM has positive effects on muscle tissue, including speeding recovery from post-exercise damage, as well as on wound healing, such as from burn injuries. PBM can also speed healing from injuries to bone, including fractures and more complex bone injuries that require the use ceramic materials. Tendon injuries also benefit from PBM, with research showing that PBM increases the amount of collagen, which provides structural support during healing. Promote fat loss: A somewhat surprising effect of PBM is to promote fat loss. This is particularly true when combined with exercise. A study of obese women found that PBM combined with exercise resulted in a higher percentage of fat loss than when exercise was combined with a placebo light. Another study found similar results, along with changes in levels of a marker associated with increasing brown adipose tissue, which improves metabolism. When combined with treadmill training, PBM decreases the appearance of cellulite and increases metabolism in the thighs. In addition to effects on metabolism, PBM may also cause fat cells to release their contents into the blood, where they can be metabolized or excreted. Improve immune function: Although an in-depth investigation of how PBM affects the immune system specifically has yet to be done, there is strong evidence that PBM improves immune function, as evidenced by its beneficial effects in many immune-related disorders. For example, in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland), PBM improved levels of thyroid hormones and decreased the need for medication, probably due to a reduction in inflammation. Similarly, in multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system), PBM increased the regeneration of nerve cells and decreased markers of inflammation. PBM also improves immune function and inflammation in the oral autoimmune disease oral lichen planus. It has even been shown to improve outcomes of COVID-19 infections, likely by reducing inflammation and improving immune function. The process of inflammation is controlled by the immune system, and many disorders (such as autoimmune diseases), involve an impaired immune response. Improve sleep: Light is a primary regulator of the body’s circadian rhythm, so it is not surprising that PBM has effects on sleep. Application of PBM during wakefulness improves sleep quality in people with cognitive decline, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, fibromyalgia and stroke. Interestingly, sleep duration decreased with full body PBM in elite athletes, while other parameters such as exercise recovery improved. When PBM is applied during sleep, there is an increased clearance of waste products from the brain and improved flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which are required for optimal brain health. So, PBM is beneficial when applied when either awake or sleeping, and the benefits relate more to improving sleep quality and physiology, rather than to increasing sleep duration. This list of uses for PBM is not exhaustive. Research exploring the use of PBM is expanding into many areas of health, with exciting results being seen in areas including hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome, eye health, and fertility, to name but a few. Truly, the range of applications of PBM for improving health is incredibly vast and can be explained by the cellular and molecular changes induced by light exposure. If you’re interested in buying a home PBM device, you have many options. When choosing a device, first look for a one that emits both red and NIR light. Second, look at the power of the device. While many high powered PBM units are available (usually at a higher price point), research shows that when it comes to light, more is not necessarily better. This is because PBM treatment to many tissues has a “biphasic” effect, where lower levels are beneficial while higher levels are not. But you don’t want to go too low, or you won’t get the treatment effect. Many of the cheaper devices on the market are underpowered and provide very little irradiation. At Fringe, our PBM devices were designed to mimic exposure to the sun, with consideration of the range of light exposure used in scientific research. Lastly, consider the type of device that is most appropriate for your condition. PBM devices come in panels and wearable forms such as wraps, with wearables providing more flexibility in terms of application and panels being better for general irradiation of larger surfaces. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Red Light Therapy for Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has recently been proposed as being the common underlying cause of the “four horsemen of the medical apocalypse”, which are heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Inflammation has also been suggested as a biological cause of depression. And it is a hallmark of other diseases such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Not surprisingly, some of the most widely used drugs are anti-inflammatory medications, both prescription and over the counter. By 2030, the global market for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is projected to reach over 31 billion USD. However, many of these drugs have serious side effects, such as hypersensitivity reactions and ulcers. Red and near infrared light have anti-inflammatory effects, and unlike medications, do not cause harm. Studies have found that red and near infrared light affect levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, such as prostaglandins. The ability of red and near infrared light to reduce inflammation suggests that it could have therapeutic potential in many chronic diseases that involve inflammation, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and depression. Red and near infrared light therapy devices come in panels and wearable forms such as wraps. Wearable wraps provide more flexibility in terms of application while panels are better for general irradiation of larger surfaces. Fringe makes a 12x12 inch red light panel as well as a variety of light therapy wraps that are specific to certain areas (such as the head, knee, shoulder, or elbow) as well as small and large wraps that can be used on most parts of the body. Designed to mimic the intensity of the sun using LED light chips, these products are a great addition to an anti-inflammatory wellness plan. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Red Light Therapy for Depression
Depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting at least 21 million people in the US in 2021. Depression disproportionately affects young people, with considerably higher rates in people aged 18-25. In the United States, $71 billion is spent treating depression each year by individual patients, government, and insurance programs, and depressive disorders are the sixth most costly health condition overall. Depression tends to be chronic with high rates of recurrence and remission. Depression is widely treated with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), but some patients are unresponsive, and many do not achieve full remission. They are also associated with many side effects. In a large analysis of 131 randomised, placebo-controlled trials, it was found that while SSRI’s may reduce depressive symptoms, they increase the risk of serious and non-serious adverse events to the extent that the researchers concluded “the potential small beneficial effects seem to be outweighed by harmful effects”. While depression is associated with psychosocial factors such as trauma, there is also often an underlying brain pathology. In particular, depression has been associated with impaired functioning of brain mitochondria, brain inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which may be improved by treatment with red and near infrared light. Several clinical trials of light therapy in depression have been conducted, all of which used near infrared light applied directly to the head. A 2022 systematic review concluded that near infrared light therapy “can be classified as strongly recommended for moderate grade of major depressive disorder”. Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis of human studies concluded that there is a “promising role of in the treatment of depressive symptoms”. When using red light to treat depression, light can be applied to the head using a head wrap or helmet. Most commonly, near infrared light is used because it penetrates more deeply into the brain, but red light may also be helpful. The Fringe red light head wrap contains 450 LED chips that deliver two wavelengths of deep penetrating near infrared light along with red light to the forehead, sides, top and back of the head. Wireless, portable, and flexible, it is an ideal way to support brain health in the comfort of your own home. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Light Therapy for the Lymphatic System
What is the lymphatic system? Of all the systems of the body, the lymphatic system is probably the most underappreciated and misunderstood. Many people have never even heard of it, and of those who have, most don’t really know what it does. Even medical doctors report that their understanding of the lymphatic system is “suboptimal”, and that the teaching of this system and its associated diseases in medical school was insufficient. Anatomically, the lymphatic system can be thought of as a network of vessels and organs that carry a clear fluid called lymph. The system largely travels alongside the system of blood vessels in the body. The lymphatic system includes hundreds of lymph nodes, which can sometimes be felt superficially in regions like the neck, armpit and groin. The tonsils are considered lymph nodes, but due to their size are sometimes referred to as lymphoid organs. Other lymphoid organs include the bone marrow, spleen and thymus. Lymphoid organs produce cells called lymphocytes, which are immune cells. The lymphocytes are carried in the lymphatic fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic fluid (or lymph) is mostly produced by liver and intestines. In addition to lymphocytes, lymph also carries fat, proteins, and pathogens. It can also carry cancer cells, making the lymphatic system a potential route for cancer metastasis. This is why it is standard practice to biopsy lymph nodes near a tumor to determine if the cancer has spread. Lymph flows in one direction, upwards towards the neck, which requires the vessels to have one-way valves that prevent backflow and a pumping system that involves both extrinsic and intrinsic forces. Extrinsic forces include skeletal muscle contractions, while intrinsic forces involve contractions of lymphatic muscle cells. When pumping is impaired, lymph fluid will accumulate (usually in the extremities) and cause swelling, also referred to as edema. The lymph composition reflects the functions of the lymphatic system. These include: (1) carrying out many activities of the immune system (such defending against invading pathogens), (2) transporting and absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins, (3) maintaining fluid balance, and (4) removing cellular waste, which is recycled by the liver. These functions are essential to maintaining health, and impairment of lymphatic system function can cause a wide range of problems including (but not limited to) lymphedema (tissue swelling), autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The lymphatic system can ultimately be viewed as inseparable from the immune system, although it also has additional roles that make it distinct. It can also be thought of as a “subsystem” of the circulatory system, because it absorbs plasma that escapes from the blood and that contains important nutrients which are returned to the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels dump directly into the circulatory system through the venous system. This happens in the neck, where the lymph dumps into vessels such as the subclavian vein. Between 8 and 12 litres of fluid per day is returned to the blood through the lymphatic system. Although it was previously thought that the lymphatic system was not found in the brain, a network of brain lymphatic vessels was recently identified. These vessels are found in the meninges, which make up the outer three layers of the brain and spinal cord. Meningeal lymphatics drain cerebrospinal fluid (which surrounds the brain) into lymph nodes in the neck and help to clear waste out of the brain. It is also a “pipeline” for immune cells. The lymphatic system in the brain has been termed the “glymphatic system” and is especially active during sleep. This system has been linked to brain diseases such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s. There are many ways to support lymphatic system health, such as with exercise and massage, which support the flow of lymph. Lymphatic system health is also supported by minimizing the intake of toxins through food, water, and the environment. Another supportive tool is red light therapy, which has recently been identified as an effective way to optimize the health of the lymphatic system and can be done at home using devices including panels and wraps. What is red light therapy? The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both red and near infrared light, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. Infrared light can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. Red and near infrared light are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. Red light is part of this visible light spectrum, while near infrared light is not. While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. What is the evidence that that red light therapy affects the lymphatic system? Before we dive into looking at some of the general mechanisms by which red light therapy affects the lymphatic system, let’s look at some of the research evidence that specifically demonstrates the utility of red light in treating disease via lymphatic system modulation. While this is a very new area of research, many compelling studies have shown red light therapy to be helpful in improving the function of this important system. Glymphatic System – The glymphatic system of the brain is a key player in diseases of the brain, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The ability to clear waste from the brain is described as the glymphatic system’s “most central” function – which means that waste buildup will result when the system is impaired. Glymphatic system function declines with age and because of disease and trauma, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. It is critical to brain health to support glymphatic function. Red light therapy was recently described as “a non-invasive neuroprotective strategy for maintaining and optimizing effective brain waste clearance” via the glymphatic system. As evidence, near infrared light has been shown to activate the glymphatic system in the brains of diabetic mice. Similarly, in animal models of Alzheimer’s Disease, application of both red and near infrared light increases glymphatic system activity and results in clearance of amyloid, which is a toxic protein. Red light therapy has been shown to be improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in humans, and although these studies have not specifically looked at glymphatic function, it is likely that it is affected. Red light therapy has also been shown to improve glymphatic system function in brain injuries. In rats with experimentally induced intraventricular hemorrhage (which mimics stroke), application of near infrared light increases lymphatic drainage and speeds the rate of recovery. And in ex-football players suffering from chronic traumatic encephalitis, application of near infrared light caused lymphatic vessels in the brain to dilate, which would be expected to increase flow and clearance of waste from the brain. Since this system is particularly active during sleep, using red light therapy during sleep or in the evenings might be most helpful. Lyphedema – Lymphedema is swelling that occurs because of lymph buildup. This usually happens in the legs or arms, but it can occur in other areas as well. Primary lymphedema is a result of a problem present from birth, while secondary lymphedema is acquired, usually from an infection, cancer, or as a consequence of cancer treatment. The underlying cause of lymphedema is disruption of the lymphatic system, which prevents the proper flow and drainage of lymph. Lymphedema is usually chronic and progressive, and symptoms can greatly affect quality of life. Most research on red light therapy and lymphedema has focused on breast cancer patients. Breast cancer treatment often involves removal of lymph nodes from around the breast, and/or radiation, which can disrupt the flow of lymph out of the arm. In a review of nine studies using red light therapy to treat breast cancer related lymphedema, overall, both a reduction in size of the affected arm and pain was achieved. Eight studies used near infrared light while one used red light, and all but one study specified directing the light therapy to the armpit region. Three studies also targeted other areas on the arm. The observed reduction in arm size was expected to be clinically meaningful. Red light therapy may also reduce lymphedema of the head and neck. Lymphedema in this area is usually caused by radiation in patients with head and neck cancers. Lymphedema here can be very problematic, causing problems with eating and swallowing. Red light therapy may help to reduce edema in the area, as well as to improve the condition of the skin. Inflammation – Inflammation is a hallmark of many diseases currently ravaging modern society, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and depression. Inflammation is also associated with acute diseases involving the heart, pancreas, liver, and other organs, as well as trauma and infection. Treatment of inflammation associated diseases makes up the majority of health care spending in the US, costing billions of dollars annually. The lymphatic system plays a key role in regulating inflammation, and increased activity of the lymphatic system has been associated with reduced inflammation since it helps to remove excess fluid. Red light therapy’s ability to decrease inflammation has been well-established. As described by Dr. Michael Hamblin, former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, “one of the most reproducible effects of is an overall reduction of inflammation”. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Light therapy has even been found to reduce inflammation in the brain, known as neuroinflammation. Although the role of the lymphatic system in inflammation is well established, most studies using red light therapy to decrease inflammation have not specifically assessed its effect on the lymphatic system. However, when this relationship was investigated, it was found that application of near infrared light to lymph nodes caused a decrease in inflammation and related swelling. How does red light therapy affect the lymphatic system? Clearly, red light therapy has many positive effects on the lymphatic system of the body and the glymphatic system of the brain. Research on precisely how red and near infrared light mediate these benefits is not extensive, but there are several general mechanisms that have been identified. Relaxing Lymphatic Vessels – Red light therapy can induce the relaxation of lymphatic vessels. This happens through a process called vasodilation. When lymphatic vessels are more relaxed, the flow of lymph is increased. This has been observed experimentally to occur in the glymphatic system of the brain. In the brain, increased vasodilation may allow larger molecules (such as the amyloid protein) to pass into the lymph, improving the clearance of waste. Vasodilation may be due to increased production of nitric oxide, which could act on smooth muscle cells that are the “motor unit” of lymphatic drainage. New Lymphatic Vessel Synthesis - Lymphangiogenesis is the process of formation of new lymphatic vessels. In a mouse model of lymphedema, application of red light therapy induced lymphangiogenesis, suggesting that in conditions where lymph flow is impaired due to lymphatic system damage, red light therapy may restore function by supporting the production of new lymphatic vessels. Activating Mitochondria – Mitochondria are found in cells throughout the lymphatic system. Mitochondria are right in molecules called chromophores, which absorb light. Specifically, red and near infrared light stimulate cytochrome c oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme that produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This increases ATP synthesis which provides more energy to cells throughout the lymphatic system. Rd light therapy has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, which might improve the function of lymphatic system cells. Stimulating Lymphoid Organs – Lymphoid organs are affected by aging, which leads to impaired functioning of the immune system and increases susceptibility to illness. This primarily affects the thymus gland, which is found in the upper chest behind the sternum. Application of red light therapy to the thymus through the chest wall may support thymus health and decrease age associated changes and could perhaps support thymus function throughout the lifespan. Application of red light therapy to other areas, such as lymph nodes, may also support lymphatic system function through tissue stimulation. How do I choose a red light device to affect the lymphatic system? For at home use of red light therapy, the majority of products (especially the affordable ones) will use LED lights, rather than laser. While early light therapy research was done using lasers, LED lights have become much more popular over the last decade. In 2018, Dr. Michael Hamblin – the world’s leading light therapy expert – concluded that LED lights using comparable parameters to lasers performed “equally well”, which is very important because LED powered light therapy devices can be made at a fraction of the cost of laser devices. Laser powered devices are still a favorite in medical offices, which makes sense given their high cost and higher risk of adverse effects such as skin irritation. Red light products on the market vary quite a bit in terms of their intensity (or power) and the specific wavelengths of light that they deliver. Studies vary in both parameters, and it appears that a range of wavelengths and intensity are beneficial. For maximum versatility, it is recommended to choose a multiwavelength device that provides both red and near infrared light, since each has some unique cellular effects. In terms of intensity, it may be ideal to mimic the intensity of the sun, which is around 24 mW/cm2 at the skin. This is described as the “sweet spot” between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. When using red light therapy to support the lymphatic system, choose a sun-mimicking product and don’t overdo it when it comes to treatment frequency and duration. Red light therapy devices come in several forms, many of which can be used to support the lymphatic system. Red light LED panels can be used to treat most body parts, including the face, chest and back. Panels provide broad coverage but do require you to stay stationary and seated during the treatment. Panels are a good choice for directing light at the lymphatics in the neck and upper chest, around the thymus gland. If you would prefer to lie down while doing a treatment, you would do better with a portable LED wrap rather than an LED panel. Portable devices are also the best choice if you would like to have the option of moving around during your treatment. Portable red light wraps can comfortably be used on most body parts except the head and neck. Red light wraps that are specifically designed for the head are the best option for targeting the glymphatic system in the brain, although this system can also be supported with an LED panel. Every person’s needs are unique, but there are many different device options to choose from. Conclusion Red light therapy can be used at home to support the health of the lymphatic system. Research has demonstrated that it is a safe and effective treatment for a range of disorders, such as dementia, lymphedema, and inflammation. By improving the structure and function of lymphatic vessels, red light therapy increases the flow of lymph. This may be especially important in the brain, where waste buildup can cause serious illness such as Alzheimer’s disease. Choosing the right product is easy: Select a red light panel or wrap that delivers red and near infrared light, mimics the intensity of the sun, and fits into your lifestyle. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Red Light Therapy for Gut Health
The Human Gut The human gut, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), consists of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In simple terms, it is a tube or passageway for food that passes from the mouth to the anus. Each part of the gut has its own job to do, which is usually described as the digestion and absorption of food, and the excretion of digestive waste products. In recent years, however, a critical new role has emerged for the human gut, specifically the large intestine. As the last part of the GI tract, the large intestine receives food after most of the nutrients are absorbed and functions to reabsorb water and some remaining minerals. While this final step in the processing of food is essential, equally (if not more) important is the role of the large intestine as host to the gut microbiome, which is being described as a “major determinant of health.” The Gut Microbiome The human body contains over 150 times more genes from resident microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) than from its own human cells. With a total weight of just over 2kg, microbial cells outnumber human cells by around 10 to 1. Most of these organisms went unrecognized until the last two decades. However, we now know that the body is literally teeming with invisible inhabitants, which comprise what is referred to as the human microbiome. The combined human and microbiome genome is referred to as the “holobiome”. The term “resident” is an apt descriptor when it comes to the microbiome. These organisms live inside the body, from birth to death. They also reside on the surface of the skin. And while the germ theory of disease has conditioned us to believe that most microorganisms are pathological, in fact the human microbiome is one of the most important biological predictors of health. The opposite is also true: alteration in the microbiome is an important predictor of disease. The microbiome communicates with the body, and the body communicates with the microbiome. This crosstalk is essential for human health. The human microbiome can be broken down into several divisions, based on location. The microbiome that lines the mouth is the oral microbiome; the microbiome that lines the skin is the cutaneous microbiome; the microbiome that lines the vagina is the vaginal microbiome; and the microbiome that lines the digestive tract is the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the most well researched biome. The role of the gut microbiome is complex and spans a wide range of diverse functions. Gut microbes are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, and help to extract nutrients from food. In the gut, they produce useful molecules such as short chain fatty acids and vitamin K. Gut microbes also manufacture neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and through the gut brain axis, regulate many aspects of cognitive function. The microbiome is also involved in the metabolism of ingested drugs and toxins. The gut microbiome starts its development in utero and continues throughout the fetal period, with further colonization during delivery. Most gut microbes are acquired post partem, with breast milk as an important source in early life. A diet containing predominantly plants and whole foods is considered optimal to support the gut microbiome, with fiber being of utmost importance. Processed food, food that is high in sugar, and low fiber diets are bad for gut health. It has been recommended that dietary guidelines be revised to support a healthy gut microbiome. In addition to diet, there are several other factors that influence the health of the gut microbiome. According to the Canadian Digestive Health Association, non-dietary ways to strengthen the microbiome including: avoiding antibiotics, regularly sleeping for at least 8 hours per night, getting regular exercise, and engaging in stress reducing activities. Evidence is also accumulating that gut microbiome health can be supported by therapy with red and near infrared light. Light Therapy Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. The most common form of light therapy uses red light (RL), which is visible as the color red, and/or near infrared light (NIRL), which is not visible but can be felt as heat. The RL used in light therapy usually ranges from 600 to 700 nanometres (nm), with the unit nm referring to distance the light wave travels in one cycle. The NIRL used in light therapy usually ranges from 800 to 900nm. RL and NIRL are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. RL is part of this visible light spectrum, while NIRL is not. Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both RL and NIRL, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. IRL can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. How Does Red Light Therapy Affect Gut Health? Red light can affect gut health both through effects on the microbes in the microbiome, as well as on the gut cells of the human host. It’s hard to tease out precisely what is happening in this complex microenvironment, but one thing is clear: light therapy administered to the gut has a positive biological effect. Research has indeed shown that light can modify the microbiome. For example, when RL or NIRL was applied to the abdomen of mice, the composition of the microbiome shifted to include more of a bacterial strain that is associated with better health. Bacteria have also been found to respond to the direct application of RL. Light therapy also impacts human cells. Light is absorbed in cells by molecules called chromophores, many of which are found inside the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, which make the energy currency of the cell known as ATP. Mitochondria are also involved in regulating the production of molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in normal cellular function but can be harmful in high amounts. This is known as oxidative stress. Through its effects on mitochondria, light therapy can increase cellular energy production and modulate oxidative stress. Intestinal oxidative stress is associated with disease. Through effects on cellular metabolism and ROS production, as well as through reduction of other molecules such as reactive nitrogen species and prostaglandins, light therapy can decrease inflammation. Both RL and NIRL have anti-inflammatory effects, and unlike anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAID’s), do not cause side effects. Inflammation is a hallmark of many gut disorders, such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. By improving the health of the gut (both the microbiome and human gut cells), a wide range of positive effects are observed, including: Improving communication between microbiome and the rest of the body. Improving digestion of food and production of energy and nutrients. Decreasing inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species. Increasing production of short chain fatty acids involved in immune function. Improving the health of the gut lining. Gut Dysbiosis When the gut microbiome is dysregulated, there is an adverse effect on its human host. This is called gut dysbiosis. Poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyle, increased stress, and use of antibiotics (and other pharmaceuticals) can cause the gut microbiome to become unhealthy. This causes a loss of integrity of the gut lining, also known as leaky gut. In turn, the gut becomes permeable to things like microbes and food fragments, which activate the immune system and trigger an inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation ensues, and a vicious cycle is established in which the gut becomes increasingly compromised, which worsens the inflammation. Dysbiosis also impairs metabolism. Gut dysbiosis has been associated with an enormous range of human disease, including metabolic syndrome, neurological disorders, immune system disorders, autism, psychiatric disorders, obesity, systemic inflammation/autoimmunity, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and eye diseases. A 2021 article in The Guardian described that “The great opportunity – but also the great difficulty – of gut microbiome science is that poor gut health is associated with such a vast range of conditions.” This means that there is enormous potential to reduce human disease by improving the health of the gut microbiome, although it is important to acknowledge that our understanding of these relationships is still limited. Clinical Applications of Light Therapy to the Gut The use of light to improve health dates back thousands of years. Sunlight has been used in medicine since at least the time of the Ancient Greeks, to treat conditions such as tuberculosis, skin disorders, and bacterial and fungal infections. However, the practice fell out of favor during the 20th century as modern societies embraced the medical pharmaceutical model of therapeutics. Over the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in harnessing the power of light as a therapeutic, and a wide range of applications are being explored. Several studies have investigated what happens when RL and/or NIRL light is applied to the abdomen. Interestingly, the bulk of this research has been done using abdominally applied light to treat brain disorders, rather than for GI tract diseases. This is because of the important relationship between the gut microbiome and the brain, through a pathway known as the gut-brain axis (GBA), which involves bidirectional communication between the gut (including the microbiome) and the brain. The GBA plays an important role in brain, gut, and immune health. Alterations in the gut microbiome may be associated with disease through the GBA. RL and NIRL applied to the abdomen (as well as the neck, head and nose) of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients has been shown to modulate the composition of the gut microbiome, with a shift towards more “healthy” bacteria. Light applied to the abdomen and neck for 12 weeks also decreased symptoms such as impaired mobility in PD patients, with improvements lasting for up to a year. PD is a degenerative brain disease that causes motor symptoms (such as balance and gait problems) and non-motor symptoms (such as depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment). It affects around one million people in the US, and over 10 million people globally. Application of RL and NIRL to the abdomen (as well as the head) has also been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In a 2022 clinical trial of patients with mild to moderate AD, those receiving light therapy showed improved cognitive function relative to the control group. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a form of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disease that comprises 70% of dementia cases. AD affects 1 in 10 US adults over the age of 65, or 5.7 million Americans. It has been suggested that light therapy applied to the abdomen may be useful in reducing depression. The composition of the gut microbiome has been linked to depression, with depressive patients showing higher levels of certain bacteria that are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA. These neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of mood. Gut microbiome composition has been strongly associated with mental well-being. Given the associations between brain diseases and the GBA, it has been suggested that targeting the microbiome holds great potential in the treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodevelopmental diseases. In addition to AD and PD, these include diseases such as multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, migraine, post-operative cognitive dysfunction, and long COVID. According to researchers from Australia, many studies are currently underway “with the aim of restoring the microbiome and potentially altering the course of these brain conditions.” Light therapy may also be helpful in modifying the microbiome in diseases that primarily affect other body systems. For example, in a case report of a patient with breast cancer, application of NIRL to the abdomen was associated with increased diversity of gut microbes, which is considered to be a healthy change. The authors suggest that light therapy may be a way to improve gut health in patients with chronic disease. Most patients with chronic disease use medications which may adversely affect gut health (especially the microbiome). There is also great potential to use light therapy to treat gut disorders. For example, animal research has found that application of RL to the abdomen of rats with experimentally induced colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease) improved many markers of gut health, including reducing inflammation. There is interest in studying the use of light therapy to improve gut health in human subjects as well. Notably, a study using NIRL applied to the abdomen (as well as the front of both thighs) is currently underway to assess whether treatment reduces pain, fatigue, and depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Effects on the gut microbiome will also be measured. Using Light Therapy for Gut Health There are many light therapy devices on the market today that could be used at home to target gut health. With so many options available, how can you know which device is best for you? Here are five issues to consider. Style Preference: To treat the gut with light therapy, light should be applied to the abdominal area. Two types of devices are most appropriate for abdominal applications: (i) a light panel, or (ii) a light wrap. Your personal level of comfort with a device is important. Imagine yourself using it – Do you want to stand in front of the device, or would you prefer the flexibility of being able to lie down while wearing it? Do you want a device that is wireless, or can you commit to being close to an electrical outlet so that you can plug it in? Think about your personal preferences and choose accordingly. Laser vs LED: Light therapy is administered using either laser or LED lights. While early light therapy research was done using lasers, LED lights have become much more popular over the last decade. The research described in this article includes both types of light sources. In 2018, Dr. Michael Hamblin – the world’s leading light therapy expert – concluded that LED lights using comparable parameters to lasers performed “equally well”, which is very important because LED powered light therapy devices can be made at a fraction of the cost of laser devices. For at home use, look for a device that uses LED lights as safe and affordable option. Light Color/Wavelength – As described in this article, both RL and NIRL have been used in studies of light therapy to treat gut disorders. Positive results have been observed when these wavelengths were used either together or individually. So, look for products that use RL and NIRL either alone or in combination. Light Intensity – Light intensity refers to the amount of light being delivered by a device. It is also referred to as irradiance. The required intensity when using light therapy to impact gut disorders is unclear. There is variability in light intensity between studies, and no studies have directly compared different intensities. Since light is being delivered to the skin of the abdomen, it may be prudent to follow the advice given for light therapy to the skin, and mimic the intensity of the sun, which is around 24 mW/cm2. This is described as the “sweet spot” between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. Placing a high intensity device directly on the skin could be harmful. Choose a sun-mimicking product and don’t overdo it when it comes to treatment frequency and duration. Education – While light therapy education will not change the specific functionality of a device, it does have the potential to profoundly impact how someone uses the technology. When a company provides evidence-based education that teaches consumers why, how, and when to use a product, devices can be used to better support healing. Look for products with accompanying education and instructions for use, whether in printed and/or digital formats. You can also look for companies that provide support by phone or email to current or prospective customers. Conclusion Hippocrates is credited with stating that “All disease begins in the gut”. While today’s science does not yet support that level of conviction, we do know that gut health is intimately associated with the overall health of the human body. We also know that “what happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut”, but rather influences other organs and systems through complex communication networks. The gut microbiome is inextricable from our own human gut, and both are important for optimal health. When using light therapy for gut health, it’s important to also engage in other gut-friendly activities. These include eating a gut healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and limiting stress. It’s advisable to work with a health care provider with expertise in this area and who can provide appropriate support. Many questions remain about how light therapy can be used to support gut health, but preliminary pre-clinical and clinical evidence supports the use of RL and NIRL both to induce healthy shifts in the gut microbiome and to decrease inflammation. Since RL and NIRL also have other effects, such as increasing energy and decreasing ROS production, many other benefits are likely to be observed. This is certain to be an area of active research interest, especially given the amazing safety profile of light therapy and the increasing availability of at-home devices. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Red Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also known as the “winter blues” or “seasonal depression”. In the simplest terms, it is depression that follows a season pattern, usually occurring in the winter. SAD is considered a variant of Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder, rather than a distinct condition. It is recognized in the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and affects around 5% of US adults. January and February are the hardest months for people with SAD. The symptoms of SAD are similar to the symptoms of non-SAD depression, and include: feeling sad fatigue and loss of energy loss in interest or pleasure in activities changes in appetite and sleep (especially overeating and oversleeping) feeling worthless or guilty difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions physical aches and pains thoughts of death or suicide. SAD occurs at a specific time of year and the diagnosis requires that it recurs at least two consecutive years in the same season. Symptoms last for around 4 to 5 months, and there is full remission of symptoms when the season ends. SAD usually occurs in the Fall or Winter. Risk factors for SAD include being female, living at a northern latitude, a family history of SAD, and being between 18 and 30 years of age. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments have been identified as first line therapies for SAD. Pharmacological treatments include antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Non-pharmacological treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and light therapy. The goal of light therapy is to compensate for the loss of natural sunlight during the shorter and darker winter months, and most often involves exposure to bright white light. What is the relationship between light and SAD? The seasonal nature of SAD and its high prevalence during the winter months, along with resolution during warmer, sunnier seasons, suggests a causal relationship with sun and light exposure. Human biology is clearly linked with the rhythm of the sun, with people naturally following a sleep/wake cycle that is associated with night and day. This sleep/wake cycle is also known as our circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are the “physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences over a 24-hr cycle.” In addition to light and dark, circadian rhythms are also influenced by temperature, diet, exercise, stress, and social environment. Light, however, is the primary regulator, and it exerts this influence through effects on the brain. The influence of light on the brain starts with the eyes. Light enters the retina and activates cells called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. Retinal ganglion cells are active even in people who are completely blind, who show similar sleep and wake cycles to sighted people because of the response of these cells to light. Retinal ganglion cells show their greatest response to the blue light spectrum. Sunlight contains blue light, in addition to many other wavelengths of color. From the eyes, a signal is sent to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain. Known as the “master circadian clock”, the suprachiasmatic nucleus is the most important circadian regulator. The clock in turn sends out many signals that regulate a wide range of processes in the body, including controlling the expression of up to 10% of our genes. Light is the primary regulator of this internal clock, although there are other non-light influences on this rhythm too. Melatonin and cortisol are the main hormonal mediators of the circadian rhythm, and the synthesis of both is regulated by light. Melatonin is secreted in response to the absence of light, triggering sleep. Cortisol is secreted in response to the presence of light, triggering wakefulness. The synthesis of both melatonin and cortisol is controlled by signals that come from the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In the winter months, decreased exposure to light causes the circadian rhythm to shift later in the day, which results in a misalignment between the sleep-wake cycle and the circadian rhythms’ natural processes. Exposure to certain types of light on winter mornings pulls the circadian rhythm back into alignment. Different types of light are known to have variable effects on the circadian rhythm. Both bright white and blue light suppress the release of melatonin, which promotes wakefulness. Blue light exposure can cause the circadian rhythm to shift even when applied later in the day, unlike bright white light which is more effective at causing a shift in the morning. Red light does not suppress melatonin levels or cause the circadian rhythm to shift. These variable effects of different wavelengths (colors) of light have important implications for light therapy, which is the application of external light sources to affect biology. Exposure to light has been clearly shown to be associated with mood. A study of over 400,000 people showed that increasing exposure to daylight associated with reduced risk of major depression and greater happiness. This may be mediated by serotonin, which is known as a “natural mood booster”. Serotonin is a critical link and regulator of both the circadian rhythm and mood, and levels increase with sun exposure. In contrast to the positive mood effects of sunlight exposure, exposure to artificial light later in the day can have adverse effects. In simple terms, the naturally stimulating effect of white and blue light on wakefulness is helpful in the early part of the day but is harmful in the evening and at night. The associations between light and levels of melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin provide clues as to how the dark, short days of winter can negatively impact mood. And while more research is needed to clearly understand the pathology of SAD, its positive response to light therapy suggest that light is one of the most important mediators. How is red light therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder used? Light therapy is widely accepted as a first line non-pharmacological treatment for SAD. Usually, this involves treatment with bright light (called Bright Light Therapy, BLT), but dawn simulation is also used. Dawn simulation delivers light that gradually increases during the last half hour of sleep, while BLT delivers very bright light (most often white, but sometimes blue) shortly after waking. Bright light therapy has been shown to be more effective for people with more severe depression, but both are beneficial. As already described, retinal ganglion cells in the eye respond to light, particularly in the blue spectrum. White light contains all visible light frequencies, including blue, and both white and blue light promote wakefulness, in part through suppression of melatonin. This is why white and blue light are the main sources of light used in SAD light therapy. Light intensity is measured in Lux, and bright light is typically considered to be at least 10,000 Lux. Light intensity varies greatly, sometimes in surprising ways. Here are some light intensities under different conditions: Bright sunlight = 120,000 Lux Bright sunlight = 110,000 Lux Shaded area on a sunny day = 20,000 Lux Overcast day, midday = 1,000 – 2,000 Lux Sunrise/Sunset (clear day) = 400 Lux Sunrise/Sunset (overcast) = 40 Lux Moonlight (clear night) = 1 Lux Office lighting = 200 – 400 Lux Home lighting = 50 – 200 Lux In BLT, an external light source (usually called a “light box”) is used that delivers light at around 10,000 Lux. It is recommended to use BLT in the early morning shortly after waking for approximately 30 minutes. The person should position themself 60-80cm from the light box, with the light at eye level. Lower intensity light can be used (2,500 - 5,000 Lux) but with lower intensity light the treatment duration is extended to 1 to 2 hours. Treatment should be done until the season ends. Light used in BLT will be delivered by either fluorescent or LED lights. Fluorescent lights deliver white light, either warm or cool, while LED lights can deliver both white and blue light. White light is referred to as “colorless daylight” and is made up of all the frequencies in the visible light spectrum (including red, yellow, green, blue, etc.). White fluorescent bulbs and LED lights will also contain all of the visible light frequencies but they can vary in their spectral characteristics, such as the particular wavelength distribution and intensity. When the spectrum of light from bright light devices is analyzed, it varies depending on the light source. Fluorescent lights, both warm and cool, emit light that shows several peaks that correspond to different colors, including red. White LED diodes usually have a sharp blue peak, but they also contain wavelengths of different colors. The main difference between white and blue BLT devices is that white light contains multiple colors (called polychromatic), even though it appears white or colorless, while blue light is a singular color (called monochromatic). It is sometimes claimed that SAD light boxes provide a “hefty dose” of blue light. This is not entirely true. The spectral analysis of devices that use both warm and cool fluorescent lights reveals a mixture of wavelengths (yes, including blue), but their calculated “blue light hazard” level is actually quite low. Warm fluorescent light is a bit better than cool fluorescent light, which showed around the same blue light hazard as white LED light. It’s also important to note that blue light is “disruptive” to the circadian rhythm precisely because our bodies are naturally designed to respond to the blue wavelengths of light from the sun. When used in the morning, exposure to blue light (even artificial) provides a cue for the system to wake up. It should go without saying that bright light therapy devices should not be used in the evening. BLT has been found to effectively reduce the symptoms of SAD, although white light shows more effectiveness than blue light. A meta-analysis published in 2015 found that bright white light therapy was effective, although the effects were weaker at some time points. A meta-analysis of bright blue light therapy for SAD did not find it to be beneficial. How Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Relate to Different Wavelengths of Light? SAD is related to the lack of daylight, or sunlight, during winter months. Sunlight consists of solar radiation, which is energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. Although the amount of solar radiation is not constant, approximately 40% percent of the light from the sun is visible light, which can be divided by color and wavelength. Near infrared light waves lie just beyond the “red” end of the visible light spectrum, so we don’t see them. Near infrared light is part of the “infrared” spectrum, which consists of both near infrared and far infrared light. Infrared light makes up 50% of the solar radiation that reaches the earth. The remaining 10% of the light from the sun is also invisible, falling just beyond the opposite “violet” end of the visible spectrum to IR. This is called ultraviolet light (UVL). What this means is that BLT only partly mimics the natural effects of sunlight, since it delivers only visible light. Bright white light does not include light in the UV spectrum of the sun. This is done intentionally, since UV rays are the component of solar radiation that are the main culprits in causing skin cancer. Bright white light also does not include light in the infrared spectrum of the sun. This omission is less justified, since infrared light does not have harmful effects on the skin (quite the opposite, in fact), and infrared light makes up a significant amount of natural sunlight. BLT that uses blue light excludes not only UV and infrared light but also the non-blue wavelengths of light, including red, orange, yellow, green and violet. Does Red Light Therapy Improve Seasonal Affective Disorder? Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. The term “red light therapy” usually describes the use of both red and near infrared light, although only the red light produced by the device is visible to the naked eye. Infrared light can still be perceived by the body as heat when it contacts skin. Like BLT, red and near infrared light therapy does not involve the use of UV rays. The red light used in light therapy usually ranges from 600 to 700 nanometres (nm), with the unit nm referring to distance the light wave travels in one cycle. The near infrared light used in light therapy usually ranges from 800 to 1100nm. Interestingly, there are no clinical trials of red light therapy to treat SAD, but there are many that have been done looking at the effects of red light on non-SAD depression. All of the non-SAD clinical trials of red light therapy used near infrared light applied directly to the head. A 2022 systematic review concluded that near infrared light therapy “can be classified as strongly recommended for moderate grade of major depressive disorder”. Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis concluded that there is a “promising role of in the treatment of depressive symptoms”. These results demonstrate that red light therapy has positive effects on mood. Another challenging symptom of SAD is sleep disturbance, which is another issue that red light therapy has been found to help. Application of red light therapy during wakefulness improves sleep quality in people with cognitive decline, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, fibromyalgia and stroke. Interestingly, sleep duration decreased with full body red light therapy in elite athletes, while other parameters such as exercise recovery improved. When red light therapy is applied during sleep, there is an increased clearance of waste products from the brain and improved flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which are required for optimal brain health. So, red light therapy is beneficial when applied when either awake or sleeping, and the benefits relate more to improving sleep quality and physiology, rather than to increasing sleep duration. As already described, increased exposure to outdoor light is associated with reduced risk of major depression and greater happiness. Since outdoor light is a combination of visible light (including blue and red), infrared, and UV light, this contrasts with the light used in BLT, which includes only white visible light or blue monochromatic light. With so many studies showing a benefit to using red light therapy (especially infrared light), it is possible that the addition of red light in the treatment of SAD could be beneficial. Combining Bright and Red Light Therapy to Improve Seasonal Affective Disorder Red light therapy can easily be combined with BLT in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Since the rising sun appears red when first coming up over the horizon, exposure to red light followed by exposure to BLT is recommended. This is a practice that I’ve been doing for several years, following decades of winter seasons in which I suffered from some degree of seasonal depression. Initially, my doctor recommended that I purchase a fluorescent light box, which I used successfully for a few years. After gaining knowledge of red light therapy, I combined the two and now use them in tandem. My recommended practice is as follows: Shortly after waking, use a red light therapy panel (that delivers both red and near infrared light) for 10 minutes, sitting comfortably 6 to 12 inches away. If you prefer, or if it’s uncomfortable to keep your eyes open in front of the red light panel, you can close them – light still penetrates through to the retinal ganglion cells. However, it is safe to open your eyes as long as your red light panel is low to moderate intensity. The 10 minutes spent in front of the red light panel provides a great opportunity to work on breathwork or mindfulness, which have positive effects on mood. After 10 minutes of red light therapy, use a light box that delivers white light (preferably using warm fluorescent bulbs, which have a lower blue light hazard ratio) for 20 minutes. It is possible to do normal activities while in front of the light box, so people usually set them up in an office (so that they can work on a computer or read) or on a kitchen island. I recommend setting it up in an office space and spending that 20 minutes engaged in an activity that generates a positive mood. For most people, this means avoiding reading the news, but you can do things like sending emails to friends or reading something uplifting. Taking time to be calm and to orient your attention in a positive direction uplifts mood. Avoid bright light, especially blue light, at night. Exposure to blue light (especially bright blue light) is disruptive to sleep, which is why it is not recommended to use electronic devices (like iPads or e-readers) that emit blue light at night. Keep household lighting dim in the evening and at night. Red light therapy may also be used at night, although you should position yourself farther from the panel so that the light is less intense. Red light panels can even be used as a source of evening/nighttime illumination. Red LED light bulbs may also be used as a source of illumination at night. Conclusion We often hear the recommendation by health experts these days to “view morning sun” as a way to optimize health, including mental health. While it is no doubt ideal to have exposure to natural light in the morning, for people that live in cold winter climates this can be very difficult. Under these circumstances, light devices – both bright and red light - can be used to mimic sunrise and sun exposure. Although the combination of bright and red/near infrared light has yet to be subject to intensive research, there is strong evidence that both exert a positive influence on mood. Since daylight consists of a combination of light wavelengths, including near infrared light, there is good reason to believe that these two may work in tandem as a powerful tool in the prevention and treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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What is Earthing?
Earthing means connecting the body to the earth’s surface electric charge. Earthing is said to be a form of “electric nutrition” and a “universal regulating factor in Nature” because research has shown that it has a profound impact on human health (Menigoz et al., 2020). In fact, the simple act of regular contact with the earth has been shown to positively influence immune function, enhance muscle healing, improve bone health, reduce blood pressure, increase blood flow, enhance nervous system functioning, and improve sleep and mood. The earthing movement came out of Germany in the late 19th century and promoted sleeping on the ground outdoors and being barefoot outside as ways to achieve health (Just, 1903). In the 1920’s, Dr. G.S. White reported that sleeping on the ground, or connected to the earth such as by copper wire attached to grounded pipes, resulted in improved sleep (White, 1929). However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that these ideas gained traction, when Clint Ober (Ober, 2000) and Sokal and Sokal (Sokal & Sokal, 2011) in Poland confirmed through research studies that there were many health benefits to being grounded to the earth. Ober, who worked with cable TV, realized this association through his experience with electrical systems, which require contact with the ground in order to be electrically stable. When these systems are connected to the negative charge on the earth’s surface they are said to be “grounded”. The term “grounding” is used synonymously with the term “earthing”. There are two ways to connect to the flow of electrons over the surface of earth: (1) directly, by putting the body in contact with natural conductive surfaces such as grass, soil, gravel, stone and sand; (2) putting the body in contact with grounded conductive mats, pads, body bands, or patches (usually while sitting or sleeping). The earth’s electron flow comes primarily from lightning strikes, solar radiation, and other atmospheric phenomena. These electron sources are continuous and give the earth a natural negative electric charge, since free electrons are negatively charged. (Menigoz et al., 2020). Until quite recently, it was the natural human state to be grounded virtually 24 hours a day. Humans walked barefoot and slept on the ground for most of our evolutionary history. Even when we adapted to wearing footwear and using bedding, it was made from animal skins that when moistened with ground moisture or sweat were able to conduct electrons from the ground to the body. Only recently have we shifted to wearing footwear with synthetic soles, living primarily on top of concrete. In this way, we might be said to be disconnected from our “electric roots” (Sinatra et al., 2017). The theory of “electron deficiency syndrome” states that as a consequence of the loss of an electric connection to the earth, that a natural source of electron flow to the body has been lost, which will have significant adverse physiological consequences (Oschman et al., 2015). Following this, it is possible that the loss of electric connection to the earth, a relatively recent phenomenon, might underlie (at least in part) the rise in global illness of the 21st and 22nd century (Menigoz et al., 2020). Humans As Bioelectrical Beings The idea that electron flow from the earth may play an important role in regulating human physiology is consistent with our understanding of humans as bioelectrical beings. Internal bioelectric signals regulate the function of the cardiovascular, nervous, immune and endocrine systems. The measurement of the body’s electrical character is called electrophysiology. The flow of electrons over the surface of the earth can be transferred into the human body through direct contact. Electrons have a negative charge, and in the body, like to occur in pairs. These electrons can act to neutralize free radicals, which have an unpaired electron that makes them unstable. Some free radicals are also known as reactive oxygen species. Free radicals are readily produced in the body and can do damage to surrounding cells and tissues. The free electron of a free radical can be “quenched” by an electron donor, stabilizing it in a pair. This is how antioxidants work – they act as electron donors to neutralize free radicals. In this way, the earth is seen as a giant antioxidant (Menigoz et al., 2020). Probing into this mechanism more deeply, it has been proposed that the electron flow provided by earthing may be able to break through the “inflammatory barricade” that can slow the healing response. This barricade develops in response to trauma or infection and serves to wall off damaged tissues and prevent bacteria, pathogens, or debris that result from an injury from travelling to (and harming) nearby tissues. However, the barricade also prevents treatments like antioxidants from accessing the site of injury, which can reduce the rate of healing. Because the barricade is made of the connective tissue collagen, which is a semi-conductor, electrons are able to cross through and perform their healing antioxidant action at the site of damage. In fact, all proteins act as semi-conductors which could have profound implications for the movement of electrons throughout the body. This may be particularly relevant for chronic inflammatory diseases (Sinatra et al., 2017). The effect of earthing on the electrical potential of the body has been demonstrated in research. Measurements of the body’s electrical induced fields in the left breast, abdomen, and left thigh were measured while both grounded and ungrounded, and it was found that the measured voltage in the grounded state was equalized with the Earth’s electrical potential. This voltage stayed constant despite the application of an electrical field. In contrast, when ungrounded, the application of an electrical field to the three body positions resulted in a large increase in electrical potential at the surface of the body, which is thought to disturb the electrical charges of molecules inside the body (Applewhite, 2005). As described by Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman, when the electric potential of the body is the same as the Earth’s electric potential (which is what has been shown to occur during grounding), the body becomes an extension of the Earth’s electrical system in a phenomenon known as the “umbrella effect”, which results in the person being unaffected by electrical disturbances (Feynman et al., 1963). Earthing has also been shown to result in rapid changes in measures of body electrophysiology as measured by brain electroencephalograms (EEG’s) and muscle electromyograms (EMG’s) (Chevalier et al., 2006). This evidence clearly indicates that the concept of earthing affecting the electrical nature of the body is not merely theoretical. Effects of Earthing on the Body Immune System: The immune system regulates inflammation. Earthing has been shown to alter the inflammatory response to an injury, especially chronic infection. This is thought to be accomplished by passage of electrons through the inflammatory barricade previously described, which allows for healing following infection and injury. Inflammation has been shown through infrared imaging to decrease within 30 minutes of earthing, which is accompanied by metabolic changes that suggest tissue healing (Oschman et al, 2015). Earthing the human body has also been shown to speed up the immune response following vaccination. This has been demonstrated by measuring levels of immune markers in the blood following vaccination (Sokal & Sokal, 2011). Musculoskeletal System: Earthing helps muscles to recover from exercise. Three studies have shown that earthing is able to reduce delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) that occurs 24-72 hours after unusual or strenuous exercise. In the first study, 4 healthy men experienced a reduction in DOMS as well as pain and inflammation compared to a control group (Brown et al., 2010). In the second study, a larger group of 16 healthy men experienced similar effects (Brown et al., 2015). In the third study, subjects slept on an earthing sleep mat and compared to a control group, experienced positive effects such as a faster recovery, decreased inflammation, and less muscle damage (Müller et al., 2019). Earthing during cycling exercise has also been shown to significantly reduce the level of blood urea, which is an indicator of muscle and protein breakdown (Sokal et al., 2013). Based on these findings, it appears that earthing may be a simple and effective method to enhance recovery after exercise, which is important as very few interventions are known to help with DOMS. Bone health has also been shown to benefit from earthing. After a single night of sleeping grounded, subjects showed decreases in levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus in both the blood and urine, which suggest a reduced rate of bone loss (Sokal & Sokal, 2011). Cardiovascular System: Earthing has been shown to improve blood flow in adults. Specifically, earthing has been found to increase the Zeta potential of red blood cells. The zeta potential is an indicator of the strength of the negative charge on the surface of red blood cells that helps to maintain the spacing of the blood cells while in the blood, which reduces the “viscosity” or thickness of the blood. When the zeta potential is higher, blood cells repel each other and there is less clumping and improved blood flow. In one study, the zeta potential increased by an average of 270% within two hours of earthing (Chevalier et al, 2013). The relationship of this effect to negative charge, and the speed of the effect, seems to clearly illustrate the electrical influence of earthing on the body. Earthing has also been shown to reduce blood pressure. In a study of 10 patients with hypertension, all subjects experienced a decrease in blood pressure with earthing. Blood pressure decreased when patients grounded themselves for at least 10 hours per day using a grounding mat. Systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 14% (Elkin & Winter, 2018). Other cardiovascular related effects have been found with earthing. A placebo-controlled study found an increase in respiration rate, stabilization of blood oxygenation, and an increase in the pulse rate and perfusion index (a measure of blood flow) variability when grounded. These changes are thought to indicate the onset of a healing response that requires an increase in oxygen consumption (Chevalier, 2010). Autonomic Nervous System: Earthing affects the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in both infants and adults. The ANS is responsible for regulating body processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. When earthing patches were placed on the skin of premature babies, within minutes increases in heart rate variability (HRV) were observed, which indicate better functioning of the ANS. This may help to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is severe illness that affects about 10% of premature infants and can cause death (Passi et al., 2017). In adults, earthing has been found to cause a shift from an overactive expression of the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) to a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state that regulates heart rate, respiration, digestion, and other functions (Chevalier, 2010). Earthing also exerts a normalizing effects on levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004). In this way, earthing has the effect of reducing stress. Skin: Earthing has been found to increase blood flow to the skin. Following earthing, there was a rapid increase in blood flow to the face in a placebo-controlled study in which the control group was given a “sham” earthing experience (Chevalier, 2014). This might explain the results of a survey that found that women reported having better facial complexions after earthing (The Earthing Institute). Increased blood flow to the face, neck and torso has also been shown following earthing (Chevalier, 2015). The effects of earthing on the skin have also been studied in the context of wound healing. A case study of an 84 year old woman with an eight-month old open wound near her ankle responded dramatically to two weeks of using an earthing patch after several unsuccessful treatments at a specialized wound center (Sinatra et al., 2017). This is consistent with animal research that shows that electric currents increase energy production and protein synthesis in rat skin (Cheng et al., 1982). Sleep: Many people report better sleep with earthing. The first report of improved sleep with grounding came in the 1920’s from Dr. G.S. White (White, 1929). More recently, in a study of 12 participants, 11 subjects reported that they fell asleep faster and all subjects reported fewer nighttime awakenings after 8 weeks. Subjects also showed normalization in their 24-hour profile of cortisol secretion (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004). Similarly, in a controlled, blinded study of 60 subjects who reported disturbed sleep and chronic muscle and joint pain, the group who slept on the grounded sleep mats reported a wide variety of benefits, including improved sleep and sleep apnea after one month (Ober et al., 2010). Mood: Earthing has been shown to improve mood. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 40 adult men and women, those who spent an hour sitting comfortably in a recliner on a grounded mat, with their head on a grounded pillow, and with grounding patches on their palms and soles showed significantly improved mood compared to the control group, who used the same products that were not grounded. Specifically, participants reported a more pleasant mood, feeling less tired and more relaxed, and feeling more positive (Chevalier, 2015). Clinical Recommendations Earthing represents an incredibly safe, inexpensive, and effective intervention that can easily be integrated into one’ life. There are three ways that health care providers can recommend earthing to their patients. These are: 1. Earthing outdoors. Sessions of 30-40 minutes daily have been shown to be effective (Sinatra 18). This is also the most inexpensive method of earthing. People can go barefoot outdoors or can buy outdoor conductive footwear. Unfortunately, time and weather may be limiting factors. Also note that in order for electron transfer to occur, one must be on a natural conductive surface, such as soil, sand, gravel, grass or stone. 2. Earthing products. There are a number of grounding products that are available commercially. These include sleep mats, blankets, bands, patches, chairs, and mats. These products are connected via an electrical cord to a grounded outlet, or less commonly, to a grounding pole placed in the earth. Prices vary but are quite reasonable. 3. Earthing in clinic. Health care practitioners can provide treatments to patients while lying on an earthing mat, or can provide in-clinic earthing sessions where patients use grounding products like chairs, mats, and patches. Conclusion Our modern lifestyles provide us with many benefits, but they also have served to disconnect us from the earth. It is becoming increasingly clear that this may have adverse effects on our health, and conversely, that health can be improved by reconnecting with the “electric nutrition” of the earth in some way. While earthing outdoors is a free and easy way to get grounded, there are many accessible products available that can facilitate this connection. Given the ease and safety of this intervention, it is recommended that everyone incorporate earthing into their routine of health maintenance and disease prevention. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/ References Applewhite R. (2005). The effectiveness of a conductive patch and a conductive bed pad in reducing induced human body voltage via the application of earth ground.” European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics; 1: 23–40. Brown, D., Chevalier, G., & Hill, M. (2010). Pilot study on the effect of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 16(3), 265–273. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0399 Brown, R., Chevalier, G., & Hill, M. (2015). Grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduces muscle damage. Open access journal of sports medicine, 6, 305–317. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S87970 Cheng, N., Van Hoof, H., Bockx, E., Hoogmartens, M. J., Mulier, J. C., De Dijcker, F. J., Sansen, W. M., & De Loecker, W. (1982). The effects of electric currents on ATP generation, protein synthesis, and membrane transport of rat skin. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, (171), 264–272. Chevalier G. (2010). Changes in pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, perfusion index, skin conductance, and their variability induced during and after grounding human subjects for 40 minutes. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 16(1), 81–87. Chevalier G. (2015). The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychological reports, 116(2), 534–542. https://doi.org/10.2466/06.PR0.116k21w5 Chevalier, G. (2014). Grounding the human body improves facial blood flow regulation: Results of a randomized placebo controlled pilot study. Journal of Cosmetic, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 4, 293-308. Chevalier, G. (2015) One-hour contact with the Earth’s surface (grounding) improves inflammation and blood flow – A randomized, double-blind pilot study. Health, 7, 1022-1059. Chevalier, G., Mori, K., & Oschman, J.L. (2006). The effect of Earthing (grounding) on human physiology, European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics, 2(1), 600-621. Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., & Delany, R. M. (2013). Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity-a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 19(2), 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0820 Elkin, H. K., & Winter, A. (2018). Grounding Patients With Hypertension Improves Blood Pressure: A Case History Series Study. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 24(6), 46–50. Feynman, R., Leighton, R., & Sands, M. (1963). The Feynman Lectures on Physics, vol.II, Addison-Wesley, Boston, Mass, USA. Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 10(5), 767–776. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2004.10.767 https://earthinginstitute.net/rapid-benefits-an-earthing-1-hour-time-trial/ Just, A. Return to Nature: The True Natural Method of Healing and Living and The True Salvation of the Soul. New York, NY: B. Lust; 1903. Menigoz, W., Latz, T. T., Ely, R. A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G., & Sinatra, D. (2020). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 16(3), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005 Müller, E., Pröller, P., Ferreira-Briza, F., Aglas, L., & Stöggl, T. (2019). Effectiveness of Grounded Sleeping on Recovery After Intensive Eccentric Muscle Loading. Frontiers in physiology, 10, 35. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00035 Ober C, Sinatra ST, Zucker M. Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? Laguna Beach, Calif, USA: Basic Health Publications; 2010. Ober, C. Grounding the human body to neutralize bioelectrical stress from static electricity and EMF’s. ESD Journal Web site: http://www.esdjournal.com/articles/cober/ground.htm. Accessed June 27th, 2021. Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Brown, R. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83–96. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S69656 Passi, R., Doheny, K. K., Gordin, Y., Hinssen, H., & Palmer, C. (2017). Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants. Neonatology, 112(2), 187–192. https://doi.org/10.1159/000475744 Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Sinatra, D. (2017). Electric Nutrition: The Surprising Health and Healing Benefits of Biological Grounding (Earthing). Alternative therapies in health and Medicine, 23(5), 8–16. Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2011). Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(4), 301–308. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0687 Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2011). Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(4), 301–308. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0687 Sokal, P., Jastrzębski, Z., Jaskulska, E., Sokal, K., Jastrzębska, M., Radzimiński, L., Dargiewicz, R., & Zieliński, P. (2013). Differences in Blood Urea and Creatinine Concentrations in Earthed and Unearthed Subjects during Cycling Exercise and Recovery. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 382643. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/382643 White, G. The Finer Forces of Nature in Diagnosis and Therapy. Albuquerque, NM: Sun Publishing; 1929.
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Red Light Therapy for Alzheimer’s
Red Light Therapy for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other forms of dementia affect more than 1 in 10 US adults over the age of 65. These diseases are devastating, causing memory loss, disorientation, behavior changes, and an eventual loss of independent functioning. Effective treatments are limited but are desperately needed, especially ones that are safe and have minimal side effects. In recent years one treatment that has shown success in reducing the symptoms of AD and dementia is therapy with red and near infrared light (often referred to as “red light therapy”). In 2021, a comprehensive review of 10 studies of dementia patients treated with red light therapy found that every one of them reported positive results. Red light therapy for AD is usually applied to the brain, but it can also be applied to the gut. This is because light therapy to the gut affects the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is known to communicate extensively with the brain (called the gut-brain axis) and to influence functions like mood and patterns of brain communication. A 2022 clinical trial combined red light therapy to the brain and gut in patients with mild to moderate AD. Patients receiving red light therapy showed improved cognitive function relative to the control group. Research has also shown that red light therapy benefits patients with AD when combined with exercise. There are many benefits of light therapy in AD and dementia that occur on a cellular level. These include improving the production of cellular energy, decreasing brain inflammation, and reducing cellular stress – which may ultimately decrease the production of amyloid plaques, which buildup in the brain of AD patients. Red light therapy has also been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. Benefits are from direct absorption of light into the brain as well as by superficial blood and lymphatic vessels in the head. The brain may also benefit when light therapy is applied to other locations on the body, such as the gut and various acupuncture points. As a comfortable tool for targeted cellular healing, cognitive function, and brain health, the Fringe red light therapy head wrap contains 450 LED light chips to provide light therapy and light coverage over the forehead, top, sides and back of the head. With wavelengths of red (650nm), near infrared (810nm), and deep penetrating near infrared light (1050nm), it delivers light to the front, back, and sides of the head. Unlike most devices on the market, the Fringe red light therapy head wrap is wireless and flexible, making it both comfortable and portable. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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