How does Red Light Therapy work?

Red light therapy is a simple, non-invasive treatment that delivers red and near infrared light to a person’s skin and cells. A portable device like a Kala Red Light uses LEDs to shine red and near infrared wavelengths of light on your body during a treatment session. This is just like the wavelengths of light your body needs from natural sunlight, but without the heat or UV rays that cause sun damage. It has 100's of healing properties and scientifically proven benefits.

What benefits will I receive from this treatment?

The cellular benefits provided by the wavelengths in our products have been proven in many clinical studies. These can be found under 'benefits' tab. Red and near-infrared light is energy for your cells. Exposing your body to this light enhances your cells to function as they are designed to. It is hard to predict exactly how your body will respond to the treatment of photobiomodulation and how quickly you will see results. Your cells will decide what repairing and healing needs to take place first. Red Light Therapy has over 100 scientific benefits. Some notable benefits many of our customers have commended the Kala Light's for providing are improved skin-health (acne, eczema, stretch marks, wrinkles, sores), improved sleep, muscle and joint pain alleviation, reduced inflammation, improved libido, faster recovery, better mood and many, many more.

What is the Science behind Red Light Therapy?

With over 5,000 clinical studies, red light therapy is an effective treatment for many of the bodies conditions. You can refer to our "Learn" page here with hundreds of clinical studies for common conditions. Humans have trillions of cells, each one needs energy to do their job and keep our bodies in balance. All things on this planet need energy to survive, thrive, grow and exist. We convert this energy from food, water, and oxygen, and do so most efficiently in a vital process called cellular respiration. The product of cellular respiration is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy that our body uses every second. The more efficiently we can create ATP, the better our bodies will feel, preform, and react.

Red and NIR light improve the efficiency and absorption of the cellular respiration process and help your body make and use ATP energy more effectively. Light does this by impacting the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. Red light therapy can increase the number of mitochondria [1], and also boost their function in the cell. Thus, helping you feel your absolute best and live a more healthy, optimized life.[2]

Red light therapy treatments can stimulate the electrons involved in the mitochondria during cellular respiration, and help clear out nitric oxide (NO), which is a harmful roadblock to ATP production. [3] Essentially, NO gunks up the cellular system of ATP production, and red and NIR light helps prevent and reverse this problem. The photons in red and NIR light excite electrons, which helps break up nitric oxide bonds, so hydrogen ions can move through the process more effectively, resulting in greater levels of ATP energy that power your cells and body. [2]

That’s a broad summary of a very complicated, microscopic process!

Why are only some of the lights red on our Kala Devices?

Kala uses dual wavelengths of both Red and infrared (NIR) wavelengths to provide therapy to the surface of the skin as well as deeper penetration. The NIR wavelengths (850nm) provide deeper penetration to support cellular function deeper within the body. These wavelengths cannot be seen by the human eye so it appears as if the light is not on! The red LED's are the 660nm wavelengths that are designed to provide therapeutic healing to the surface level of the skin. 

Do LED's make a difference?

Sure does! LEDs are the most effective technology for controlling the wavelength and direction of light therapy. They also allow for the delivery of high-intensity output with minimal heat. They're by far the most efficient source for light therapy. We use 5W LED's while most brands use 3W. Our lights have a higher irradiance and are proven to actually work!

Why do the fans continue to run after my treatment?

The fans in your Kala device will continue to operate for approximately 5-10 minutes after your treatment has finished. This cools down the Kala device after use and helps maintain its optimal operating temperature.

Is it safe?

Yes. All our devices are third party tested to ensure the safety and reliability of the device. We suggest you consult with your doctor before using any Kala or light therapy device. We use the lowest EMF devices on the market that are flicker free to provide the highest degree of benefits with the safety you are seeking.

Is it hot?

The wavelengths of the Pro and Elite specifically tend to be very warming and calming. The devices themselves do not heat up or get overly hot as some other cheaper devices may. With our built-in whisper cooling fan, the devices should remain cool and not overheat.

How often should I use my device?

Please refer to our treatment guidelines in the footer. It can be found by clicking here.

Do I need to wear goggles/glasses?

In short, No. It is not necessary. While some prefer to use goggles, there are many recent studies that suggest red light therapy is very healthy for the eyes and actually will help slow down the aging of eyes and improve eyesight. We do not suggest looking directly into the light, especially if you suffer from sensitivity to light. We suggest you discuss with you're doctor prior to using if you are unsure.

 

Sources and References:

[1] Karu T. Primary and Secondary Mechanisms of Action of Visible to Near-IR Radiation on Cells. Journal of Photochemistry Photobiology. 1999 Mar.

[2] Ferraresi C, Kaippert B, et al. Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy Increases Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and ATP Synthesis in C2C12 Myotubes with a Peak Response at 3-6 h. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2015 Mar.

[3] Huang YY, Chen ACH, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. Biphasic dose response in low level light therapy. Dose Response. 2009 Sep.