Have You Seen the Lights ?
I
’ m referring to light emitting diodes ( LEDs ) that are now being used in the healing arts to treat conditions like fibromyalgia , dementia , insomnia , retinal injuries , peripheral neuropathy , migraines and a number of others . LED light therapy was used in America decades ago , but it phased out of existence with the advent of antibiotics and other medications . Europe appreciated the value of light therapy and continued its use . In recent years , LED lights were brought back to our country , but at first they were only used in the equine industry – for race and quarter horses . LEDs proved valuable in expediting the recovery time of horses ’ wounds and broken bones . Seeing the benefits for animals , the horse healers wondered what benefits there were for humans .
LED light therapy is closely related , and quite identical in results , to low-level laser therapy , but instead of using a weak laser , it uses LED light pads that are applied for 20 to 40 minutes to the body . These pads vary in shape and size to accommodate straight or flexed joints , large back areas , small local areas , and individual points . There are a number of ways LEDs benefit the body . The first is that they increase blood circulation and can even form new capillaries , replacing damaged ones . This speeds up the healing process because more oxygen and healing nutrients can reach the damaged areas .
The production of collagen – an essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and replace old tissue – is increased . Collagen is the substance that holds cells together . When more is produced , there is less scar tissue formed at the damaged site . Adenosine triphosphate ( ATP ) levels are also increased because of the increased number of mitochondria ( the little “ power houses ” of your cells ). This allows cells to accept nutrients and eliminate waste products faster .
You might wonder what colors of LEDs are being used . Blue
By Brenda Briscoe , LMT
light addresses conditions on the surface of the skin , such as psoriasis , eczema , cuts , bruises and surgical incisions . Red light wavelengths reach a little deeper and helps alleviate pain and inflammation in muscles , tendons and joints . Near-infrared wavelengths have been reported to go even deeper to effect organ systems and bones . If light therapy seems bizarre or odd to you , consider hospital nurseries where jaundiced babies are given phototherapy to help eliminate bilirubin .
While all of this is important to understand , what really speaks are testimonials . A recent client with peripheral neuropathy noted improved feeling in her feet after her very first session . Another client came in with digestive problems and depression because of not having had a full night ’ s sleep in two years . After her second session , she reported that her sleep patterns had improved , her depression had lifted , and her digestive issues had subsided .
An eye mask with blue and red LEDs has improved my own eye sight . Six years ago an accident at the gym caused me a retinal injury , which led to my having floaters and flashes . The flashes went away eventually , and the floaters decreased slightly but still existed . I had distortion in the center of my vision , where a straight line ( think telephone pole ) would look like it had a divot in it . After 15 days of using the LED mask , the two floaters were hardly detectable , and straight lines appeared straight again .
Where can one find this type of therapy ? It ’ s often offered by chiropractors , acupuncturists , personal trainers and physicians , as well as physical and massage therapists who lean toward natural remedies . LED light therapy is relatively inexpensive , and most clinics like ours offer discounted packages of sessions . With such a low cost , low risk of side effects and high potential benefit , LED light therapy may be the remedy you ’ ve been looking for .
Brenda Briscoe is a licensed massage therapist with 17 years of experience with an emphasis on pain recovery using Bowen Therapy and LED Light Therapy . She is one of very few practitioners in the DFW metroplex using both of these therapies together . For more information on Brenda or LED lights , please call 972-930-0260 .
46 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2017