Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy
Why do we need Red Light Therapy?
When we think of nutrition for the body, we usually think of food. Food is essential for our survival. We actually also need light on our bodies the same way that we need food for our bodies. Red light therapy can be seen as nutrition for the body. The body especially needs light at certain wavelengths. Our bodies produce important elements from absorbing specific wavelengths of light. e.g. Vitamin D that our body creates when being in the sun.
Red light and near-infrared enhance the production of important elements like Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which enhances energy in our cells and drives many processes in the body. Through using RLT frequently we are able to artificially energise the cells in our body. The benefits of this are enormous and the research is profound.
How does Red Light Therapy work?
During a red light therapy session, photoreceptors within our skin called chromophores absorb red and near infrared light. This light is converted into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in our mitochondria. Think of the mitochondria as power plants of our body and ATP as fuel for our cells. By converting red light and near infrared into ATP we are essentially able to increase the energy in our cells. Amongst other things this is for instance used to build new proteins such as collagen and elastin and assist with cellular regeneration. Red light therapy ensures our cells reach their potential and have the energy to perform optimally and results in a range of therapeutic benefits.
How deep does the near infrared wavelength penetrate?
The amount of light energy absorbed by the chromophores in our cells is highly dependent on the wavelength of light. Our Red Light Therapy Tower is comprised of both red light and near infrared wavelengths. Although both red light and infrared exist between a range of wavelengths, the Jacuzzi® Red Light Therapy Tower utilises red light at 650nm and near infrared at 850nm as these have been scientifically shown to offer the greatest therapeutic benefits. Red light is a shorter wavelength light and penetrates 4-5mm into the depth of the skin, promoting collagen and elastic production. Where as near infrared light is able to penetrate deeper into the body, up to 4cm, due to its longer wavelength. This deeper penetration allows it to successfully target muscles, deep wounds and joint pain. The combination of the wavelengths in the Jacuzzi® Red Light Therapy Tower offers greater healing potential and the opportunity to impact a variety of areas of health.
Does a Red Light Therapy Tower affect the EMF levels in the sauna?
In short, all electrical devices that use electricity to operate will indeed generate some type of EMF as a by product of electrical consumption. However, thanks to its unique and careful design the Red Light Therapy Tower has no detectable EMF emissions at the minimum usage distance of 10-15cm, which is what matters as this is where your body will be.
Is eye protection necessary?
Eye protection is not necessary when using your Jacuzzi® Light Therapy Tower however you may find the intensity of the lights uncomfortable. We have included protective eyewear for your convenience and enhanced comfort. When initially turning on the unit, your eyes will need to adjust to the strong light output. We recommend you look away or close your eyes and then open them slowly so your eyes can adjust. It is not recommended to look directly into the LED’s.
How do I use the Jacuzzi® Red Light Therapy Tower? What about dosage?
Our red light therapy tower can be used in conjunction with your infrared sauna, to obtain the benefits of both scientifically backed therapies in one session. When sitting on your sauna bench at approximately 30-45cm distance from your unit, we recommend a 20-30 minute session. In the beginning, it is important to maintain consistency in your light therapy treatments. Daily use is recommended, and as time goes on the time can be tapered to three or four times per week. For an area with specific concentrated pain, exposure can be as often as 2 to 3 times per day. If you want to shorten the time you will need to be closer to the unit at a distance of approx. 10-15cm. Due to the high intensity of the red light therapy tower this will only require approximately 10 minutes per side.