Understanding Light Therapy

Transcranial photobiomodulation is known as brain light therapy. Light therapy involves the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver a specific wavelength of light that can be absorbed by cells in the body.

What is Photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation is otherwise known as light therapy.

Light therapy involves the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver a specific wavelength of light that can be absorbed by cells in the body. The LED type determines the wavelength of light and can be tuned to a particular tissue or organ.

All biological activity in our body requires ATP just like plants require chlorophyl.

Transcranial photobiomodulation is painless, non-invasive, systemic, drug-free and has shown to have no negative side effects when used appropriately.

History of PBM

Light therapy has been used for centuries for healing purposes. Hippocrates discovered that applying sunlight to the skin could relieve ailments such as rickets, scurvy and arthritis. However, until recently, scientists began understanding how this worked on a cellular level.

1895

The first documented use of photobiomodulation was in 1895. In 1903 Niels Ryberg Finsen won the Nobel Prize for his research on using red light to treat tuberculosis of the skin. In his experiments with mice, Finsen found that exposing them to red light reduced both their symptoms and mortality rate from lupus vulgaris.

1980

NASA began experimenting with infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on their astronauts. They reported improvements in several health problems common to people in zero gravity: LED irradiation improved bone mass, slowed muscle atrophy, and promoted wound healing.

2007

First research on neurological deficits with Amir Oron et al showing that photobiomodulation significantly reduces long term neurological deficits and more research is needed for it’s potential to be a therapy for TBI and other neurodegenerative diseases.

2010

LED technology has progressed rapidly in recent decades and thus becoming significantly cheaper and accessible to individuals and clinics. Light therapy is now part of the modern doctors toolbox.

Today

Photobiomodulation is starting to become mainstream. We are now in the most exciting time of the light therapy revolution, more and more research is being published, companies are working with the FDA and other large corporations to include red light therapy as an answer to some of the worlds worst neurodegenerative conditions.

Understanding Wavelengths

The 1070 nm LED’s are unique in that they penetrate further into the skull targeting the mitochondria. A study named Photobiomodulation at Different Wavelengths (Pruit, 2022) shows the difference between two wavelengths around 800 and 1070. The study states “the 1064 nm sustained longer and more increases of the physiological effects as compared to the other.” The study was done with lasers first, then compared to LED’s, and suggested using LED’s as a safer and more important role in the development of PBM.

Research is also being conducted in the UK by Paul Chazot at Durham University and he explains clearly in this video why the 1070 is the wavelength they are focused on.

A Cellular Breakdown

Photobiomodulation is defined as the use of light energy to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures (mitochondria) that are receptive to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The mitochondria produce cellular energy by producing a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The energy from ATP enables us to carry out all physiological activities and provides energy to the brain cells. In addition, application of light energy leads to greater blood flow to the brain – allowing delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products.

This is a new way of ‘charging’ the brain and now research is starting to show significant benefit of this therapy for brain health.

Using EEG to Apply PBM

The Neuronic device, known as Neuradiant 1070, operates with four quadrants meticulously programmed to toggle between on and off states or different pulse rates, all synchronized with the data derived from the user's qEEG scan. This innovative approach enables us to harness the power of photobiomodulation in tandem with qEEG data, facilitating the delivery of specific protocols and brain entrainment experiences. As a result, we exclusively offer consultation services in conjunction with the 4-quadrant device to maximize its potential.

“Photobiomodulation is more than an alternative kind of medical treatment. It is a whole new method to control cellular processes and modulate living organisms by precise alterations in the chemistry of biomolecules."

Harvard Pioneer Researcher, Neuronic Scientific Advisory Board Member, Michael Hamblin, PhD

Key Mechanism in Action

Photobiomodulation is defined as the use of light energy to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures (mitochondria) that are receptive to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The mitochondria produce cellular energy by producing a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The energy from ATP enables us to carry out all physiological activities and provides energy to the brain cells. In addition, application of light energy leads to greater blood flow to the brain – allowing delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products.
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This is a new way of ‘charging’ the brain and now research is starting to show significant benefit of this therapy for brain health.

Based on Research

Clinical research is ongoing and studies have been published on light therapy for various conditions and diseases. Take a look below or explore our research pages to learn more.