How It Works

What is Light exactly?

Light is simply the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, frequently observed as the spread of colors displayed within the rainbow.

The differences between these colors are defined according to the wavelength they occupy.

Different wavelengths penetrate tissues to different depths. This means that a variety of tissues can be stimulated by LED light.

Certain wavelengths (the delivery of photons) affect certain tissues in certain ways. Each cell will absorb light at specific wavelengths.

Also, the different wavelengths can affect different tissues and cells of the body.

This is why we have combined several basic wavelengths in our models, a combination of infrared and visible light wavelengths considered to be beneficial in the treatment of different types of problems and injuries.

Red and Infrared Light


  • Visible red light, at a wavelength of 630-660 nanometers (nm – 1 nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter), penetrates tissue to a depth of about 8-10 mm. It is very beneficial in treating problems close to the surface such as wounds, cuts, scars, trigger and acupuncture points and is particularly effective in treating infections.
  • Infrared light (800-1000nm) penetrates to a depth of about 30-40 mm which makes it more effective in the treatment of joints, deep muscle, etc.


What does Light Therapy do?

Increases Nitric Oxide production + Increases ATP production = Increased Circulation
Increased Circulation = Pain relief
Increased Circulation = Reduced Inflammation
Increased Circulation = Wound Healing

Nitric Oxide

Light therapy (application of photons directly to the skin) triggers the release of nitric oxide.

The American Medical community only learned about this molecule 16 years ago and Dr. Nathan Bryan has written several articles on the value of Nitric oxide.

So what does this molecule do?

Nitric Oxide is the down messenger chemical of the parasympathetic nervous system. All the physiological systems built for healing the human body are triggered by this nitric oxide molecule.

Effects of Nitric Oxide

1. Improved circulation (vasodilation) by increasing the diameter of the blood vessels which in turn allows for increased blood flow, helping to…

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Decrease pain

2. Increased angiogenesis – the building of new blood vessels which is essential for wound healing.

3. Increased lymphatic activity – which helps to decrease swelling.

4. Increased cell regeneration – accelerating wound healing. Improved circulation provides the oxygen and nutrients for cells to regenerate and make new tissue to heal a wound. This stimulates the building of the different types of tissue.

5. Increased Bone Mineralization – It causes the minerals, especially calcium, to be reabsorbed by the bone.

6. Phagocytosis – immune cellular response that attacks foreign bacteria and cellular debris in the body. Nitric Oxide supports this response. Studies indicate 400% increase in monocytes and lymphocytes.

7. RNA-DNA synthesis – the speed and function of cell division is influenced by Nitric Oxide. Cell division is an ongoing function of our body system and light therapy can influence this aspect of our physiology.

ATP Production

ATP was discovered in muscle tissue by scientists in Germany and the United States in 1929.

Its role in the storage and supply of energy was first explained in 1941 by the German-American biochemist Fritz A. Lipmann. For this achievement, he shared the 1953 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

  • It’s the mitochondria that directs the activity of cellular function. The mitochondria acts as the generator/battery of the cell producing and storing ATP.
  • ATP production is reduced in the absence of glucose, fat and oxygen. Put another way, ATP production is reduced when circulation is poor.
  • In the absence of enough ATP, nerve cells express pain and hyper-excitability, wound healing is slowed, cell death occurs more readily (aging).
  • With light therapy ATP production is increased which helps combat the aforementioned deficiencies.
  • Researchers also think there is a link between cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and what is called ‘Mitochondrial dysfunction’. So it is of interest that LED lights have a direct and beneficial influence on the mitochondria.

You can find out more about the research and studies which support these findings by clicking here.

Alternatively if you’d like to learn more about how Low Light Therapy can help benefit you, we’d be more than happy to help – just get in touch with us here.