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Medically Reviewed by | Heidi Wright, BSN, RN, PCCN
At Mito Red Light, we're passionate about cutting-edge options that enhance your health and well-being. One such innovation is full body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a non-invasive therapy that uses red and near-infrared light to support cellular function and energy production.
PBMT is gaining attention for its potential benefits, from supporting athletic performance to aiding recovery and reducing discomfort. So what exactly is it, and how does it work?
In this article, we'll dive into the science behind full body photobiomodulation therapy and explore its various applications and potential advantages.
What Exactly Is Full Body Photobiomodulation Therapy?
Full body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive therapy that utilizes red and near-infrared (NIR) light to support and enhance cellular function across the entire body. Unlike localized light therapy, which targets specific areas, full body PBMT provides comprehensive exposure, ensuring that every part of your body can benefit from the therapeutic effects of the light.
The therapy involves standing or lying down in front of a full-body device that emits red and NIR light. These specific wavelengths of light penetrate the skin, reaching deeper tissues and cells, and are absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. This absorption process helps to support various cellular functions and promote overall well-being.
How Does Photobiomodulation Work?
PBMT works by delivering light energy to your cells, which is then converted into cellular energy. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Light Absorption
When the red and NIR light from the PBMT device penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells. The mitochondria contain light-sensitive molecules called chromophores that capture the light energy.
Support for ATP Production
Once absorbed, the light energy boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy carrier in all living cells. Increased ATP production enhances cellular energy, supporting better cell function and repair.
Enhanced Cellular Functions
With more energy, cells can perform their functions more efficiently — this includes processes like cellular repair, regeneration, and detoxification. Enhanced cellular functions lead to support for overall tissue health and vitality.
Support for Circulation
Red and NIR light can also improve blood flow and circulation, ensuring oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to tissues throughout the body. This supports overall health and helps in quicker recovery and healing.
What Are the Benefits of Full Body Photobiomodulation Therapy?
Now that you're familiar with the mechanics behind full body photobiomodulation therapy and how it enhances cellular function and vitality, let's dive into the specific benefits this advanced therapy can offer.
Energizing Every Cell
Imagine waking up each day feeling rejuvenated, with every cell in your body buzzing with energy. Full-body PBMT acts as a catalyst, supporting the body’s healthy mitochondrial function throughout the body. This could lead to support for general energy levels and endurance, and that’s what makes PBMT a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts needing to optimize their performance and recovery.
Supporting Recovery and Comfort
Life's daily stresses take a toll on the body, but full-body PBMT can be a powerful tool in your recovery arsenal. By helping to promote circulation and cellular energy, photobiomodulation may help soothe discomfort and support the recovery process. This makes it an excellent option for anyone looking to bounce back quicker from workouts, injuries, or the physical demands of daily life.
Enhancing Skin Health and Vitality
One of the most visible benefits of full-body PBMT is its impact on skin health. The therapy's light penetrates deeply to support collagen production and cellular renewal, leading to firmer, more resilient skin. Regular sessions can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a smoother, more youthful-looking glow.
Supporting Feelings of Clarity
Beyond the physical benefits, full body PBMT can also have a profound effect on your emotional well-being. The therapy supports brain health by promoting optimal function of neurons and facilitating better blood flow to the brain. This can lead to support for cognitive function, mental clarity, and a balanced mood, helping you tackle each day with focus and enthusiasm.
Comprehensive Wellness Support
Full-body PBMT is a holistic approach that helps maintain and support various bodily functions, from muscle maintenance to joint mobility.
Safe and Non-Invasive
As a non-invasive option, full-body PBMT offers a safe alternative to methods that might involve discomfort or recovery time. It's a gentle yet effective option, making it a reliable choice for ongoing wellness maintenance.
Is Photobiomodulation Therapy the Same as Red Light Therapy?
Photobiomodulation therapy and red light therapy are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different applications of a similar concept. Both involve the use of light to stimulate, heal, and regenerate cells, but the devil is in the details.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a form of PBMT that specifically uses red wavelengths, typically around 660nm, to treat the skin's surface and just below. It's renowned for its ability to support skin health, muscle recovery, and other bodily functions.
Photobiomodulation Therapy
PBMT takes it a step further by also incorporating near-infrared light (NIR), which ranges from about 810nm to 850nm. This type of light penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles, bones, and even organs. PBMT is a broader term that includes the benefits of red light while extending its reach to deeper tissues, offering a more comprehensive approach to cellular rejuvenation.
While all red light therapies can be considered a form of photobiomodulation, not all PBMT is limited to the red light spectrum. By using both red and NIR light, PBMT ensures a full spectrum approach that targets both surface-level and deep tissue challenges, enhancing overall cellular function and body wellness.
At Mito Red Light, our devices are designed to harness the power of both red and NIR light, providing you with the most effective and comprehensive light therapy experience. Whether you're looking to improve skin appearance, relieve discomfort, or boost your overall energy levels, our full-body PBMT solutions are tailored to meet a wide range of health and wellness needs.
Who Should Consider Full Body Photobiomodulation Therapy?
Full-body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a versatile option for individuals working to improve their overall quality of life. However, understanding who stands to benefit most and who should approach it with caution can help ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Photobiomodulation is generally considered an option for:
- Athletes and Active Individuals: If you're seeking enhanced performance and faster recovery, PBMT can help by boosting cellular function and reducing recovery times.
- People With Discomfort: For those managing daily discomfort, PBMT provides support by promoting cellular health and vitality, which may soothe and enhance comfort.
- Aging Individuals: As we age, maintaining skin elasticity, joint mobility, and overall vitality becomes crucial. PBMT supports these aspects through deep cellular rejuvenation.
That said, start with a consultation from a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses.
Consider using protective eyewear, as recommended, to safeguard your eyes during therapy sessions.
PBMT is designed to be a safe, non-invasive option for enhancing overall wellness, but like any therapy, it works best when tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
How To Maximize Benefits With Full-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy
Full-body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a game-changer for enhancing overall wellness, but achieving the best results requires knowing how to use it effectively. With most of us spending much of our time indoors, we’re lacking proper exposure to certain wavelengths of light — and red light therapy can help with this.
Here are some tips to help you maximize the therapy's benefits:
Consistency
Regular sessions are crucial to obtain the full benefits of PBMT. Integrating this therapy into your daily or weekly routine can help maintain cellular function and support recovery processes.
For example, using our Mito Red Light Full Body Mat allows you to enjoy red light therapy at home. Its unique triple-chip diode technology ensures that you're getting a comprehensive therapy technique every time.
Choose the Right Device
Not all PBMT devices are created equal. High-quality devices like our MitoPRO+ Series offer superior light spectrum coverage, ensuring effective therapy. This series is designed to target the specific wavelengths needed for optimal cellular response, enhancing everything from skin health to deep tissue recovery.
Proper Positioning
To maximize light absorption, direct skin exposure is ideal. Position the light source close enough to the skin without any barriers that could block the light. The adjustable settings on our full-body devices cater to different needs and preferences, allowing for a personalized therapy session.
Hydrate and Prepare
Staying hydrated is important, as well-hydrated cells respond better to PBMT. Drinking water before and after sessions can enhance the therapy's effects. Additionally, ensuring your body is relaxed and ready for therapy can improve the absorption of light energies.
Integrate With Your Lifestyle
PBMT should complement your existing wellness routines. For athletes, consider scheduling your sessions post-workout for better recovery. If wellness is your goal, try a PBMT session during a quiet part of your day to also reap the mental benefits. “For those focusing on overall well-being, PBMT offers more than just physical advantages. By incorporating a session during a quiet point in your day, you can maximize the potential mental benefits as well,” notes Heidi Wright, Registered Nurse.
Wright notes that the calming environment can enhance the treatment's effects, promoting relaxation and potentially reducing stress alongside the physical improvements. By integrating PBMT into your routine, you can work towards a more holistic sense of well-being.
The Wrap Up
Diving deep into the potential of full body photobiomodulation therapy reveals a promising horizon for anyone passionate about their health and vitality.
At Mito Red Light, we're delivering a revolutionary approach to optimizing your cellular function and energy levels. This isn't about quick fixes — it's about empowering you with a state-of-the-art way to rejuvenate and energize every part of your being.
If you're ready to experience how PBMT can enhance your life, why wait? Unlock the full potential of your health with the science of light. Discover how red and near-infrared light can support and elevate your wellness journey with us at Mito Red Light.
DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are Class II wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through topical heating and supporting cellular function. The information provided in this article and on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to imply effectiveness of Mito Red Light devices for any specific application. The information provided in this article and on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical provider and should not be construed as medical advice. Click here to read our article on potential contraindications of red light therapy..
Sources:
Not just the powerhouse of a cell | Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine
Physiology, Adenosine Triphosphate | NCBI Bookshelf
Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses | Cleveland Clinic