The Use of Light for Healing:

Various forms of light from the sun have been used for healing for centuries. The earliest documentation of the therapeutic use of sunlight goes back to ancient Egypt and Greece.

Artificial light has also been used for healing in many forms since the development of the light bulb in 1878. One example is Physician Niels Ryberg Finsen who invented an UV lamp that allowed for light treatment in all seasons. In 1903 Finsen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in recognition of his contribution the treatment of diseases using concentrated light. In the 1950’s it was discovered at Rochford General Hospital in Essex that light therapy was an effective treatment for jaundice in newborn babies. We have been using fluorescent blue light to treat this condition in most hospitals ever since.

The Discovery of Photobiomodulation

Even though the healing effects of light are not new, what is new is the discovery of the unique healing effect that laser light photons have on our cells when emitted at low levels at certain times and frequencies.

PBM was discovered shortly after the invention of the Laser, a device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic light by stimulated emission of photons. The ruby Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulation Emission of Radiation) was invented by Theodore Maiman in 1960 in California. This was made possible by Albert Einstein’s previous work.

The healing effect of low powered lasers was discovered accidentally in 1967 by Professor Andre Mester of Semmelweis Medical University in Hungary while trying to duplicate a previous experiment using lasers on lab rats. Instead of causing harm, Mester’s low powered laser caused the lab rats to heal faster. This began a whole new scientific field we now know as Photobiomodulation (PBM). After the cold war ended, this knowledge was shared globally and it has been used in many different countries to treat various health conditions ever since.

Further research revealed that LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) at certain frequencies can have the same effect on the mitochondria in cells as Low Level Lasers. This was a very significant finding! LED’s light waves are non-coherent and do not reach as deep into tissue as a monochromatic (one wavelength), coherent laser, however both have their uses in PBM. LED’s work most effectively for skin and soft tissue and LED technology is more economical to produce and maintain than laser equipment. Also, although low level lasers are safe for the body, they can damage eyesight if the beam is directed straight into the eyes. LED’s however, are a safe and effective treatment for eyes. New LED technology has been developed specifically to treat Macular Degeneration and other eye conditions.

PBM Light therapy (LED and Laser) started being used more commonly in sports medicine and for anti aging in the 1990’s. Since then, it is become a Health Canada approved therapy for pain, injuries and inflammatory conditions and used by Physiotherapists Chiropractors, oral surgeons and veterinarians in health clinics and some hospitals.

To date there are thousands of scientific studies demonstrating the analgesic and healing effects of PBM light (both with Laser and LED). Ongoing research and clinical trials are now showing its efficacy for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and stroke and concussion recovery.

The Future of Photobiomodulation

Avoiding toxins and finding sources of antioxidants is vital in combatting oxidative stress to maintain our long- term health. PBM’s ability to combat cellular oxidative stress gives this therapy limitless potential because it can be used to treat almost any health condition.

Photobiomodulation has been referred to as the “Future of Medicine” and many experts believe it will revolutionize health care as we know it. Light therapy technology is continuing to evolve and new “healing beds” are using light as well as other energy systems such as PEMF and RIFE technology to create an “all in one” healing solution.  More Information 

Imagine a world where many injuries and illnesses can be treated with PBM light instead of scalpels, and pain can be treated with PBM light instead of addictive pain medications such as opioids. It is possible now with Photobiomodulation!

If you or someone you know is suffering from a health condition or is just looking for ways to optimize health, look no further. Check out this new and natural therapy called “Photobiomodulation”. It just might change your life, or even save it.