Discover the Benefits of
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy brings the gentle power of targeted light—originally explored by NASA for healing—to support relaxation, skin health, and recovery in a calming way. Learn more below, then unwind in our private sessions and feel the difference!
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support your body’s natural healing processes. It involves exposing your skin to LED panels emitting red light (typically 600-700 nm, visible as a red glow) and near-infrared light (800-1400 nm, invisible to the eye). Unlike UV light, which can damage skin, RLT is gentle and penetrates deeper into tissues without heat or discomfort. This approach ensures a comfortable and relaxing experience while promoting skin health, recovery, reduced inflammation, and overall wellness!
How Does it Work?
Red light therapy works at a cellular level by stimulating the mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of your cells. When red and near-infrared light is absorbed:
- Increased Energy Production: It boosts adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells, helping them function more efficiently.
- Reduced Inflammation: It modulates enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX), decreasing swelling and oxidative stress.
- Improved Circulation: Enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, supporting repair and recovery.
This process mimics the natural red and infrared light from sunlight, which modern indoor lifestyles often limit. Sessions are relaxing, with clients feeling a gentle warmth from the LEDs—not the intense heat of a sauna. Discovered in the 1960s during laser research and later refined by NASA for wound healing in space, RLT has been studied extensively, with over 10,000 research papers on photobiomodulation. It’s now widely used in wellness settings for its potential to enhance skin health, reduce inflammation, and aid recovery.
At Just Breathe, our full-body panel allows you to stand or sit comfortably while the light bathes larger areas of your body, making it ideal for holistic sessions.
Infrared Sauna vs. Red Light Therapy
While RLT is distinct from our infrared saunas, there is some overlap. Our Sunlighten saunas are full-spectrum, incorporating near-, mid-, and far-infrared wavelengths, and our ‘Sauna 1’ features Red Light Therapy Booster panels that emit red light wavelengths. However, our saunas primarily emphasize far-infrared light to promote sweating and detoxification, offering their own unique wellness benefits. The heat and sweating in a sauna can reduce light penetration for optimal RLT effects, and dedicated RLT sessions deliver more concentrated power than what’s possible in a typical 45-minute sauna experience.
Who Should Use Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is suitable for most adults seeking relaxation and wellness, including wellness enthusiasts looking for non-invasive skin rejuvenation or stress relief, athletes or active professionals needing faster recovery, individuals with chronic discomfort like joint issues or skin concerns, and families—it’s safe for children with shorter sessions and parental supervision. Pregnant women can generally enjoy it safely, but we advise consulting a doctor. It’s inclusive for various ages and fitness levels, aligning with our community-oriented approach in Rockwall.
While individual results vary, RLT is commonly recommended for a range of wellness goals based on research. Emphasize that RLT is a supportive therapy, not a cure, and benefits accumulate with consistent use. Some people have reported improvements after a few sessions, while others may require more prolonged use. With regular use, individual health goals can be achieved, such as:
Skin Health
Reduces wrinkles, improves texture, promotes collagen production, and aids healing.
Examples: Acne, scars, psoriasis, burns, signs of aging.
Pain Relief and Recovery
Eases muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation; speeds wound healing.
Examples: Arthritis, back pain, sports injuries, post-exercise recovery.
Hair and Scalp, Vision and More
Stimulates follicles for thicker, healthier growth. May improve eye health (with proper use) and overall circulation.
Examples: Hair loss or thinning, mild vision concerns, poor blood flow.
General Wellness
Supports better sleep, mood, energy, and hormone balance; enhances athletic performance.
Examples: Fatigue, stress, hormonal imbalances.
Explore our
Red Light Therapy
Our private red light therapy room is designed for the ultimate wellness experience, whether you’re seeking a solo session or a quick rejuvenating break. Enjoy a personalized escape with options to meditate, practice deep breathing, or simply relax in the calming glow.
Red Light Therapy
Full Body Panel- Sessions are private for your comfort and relaxation.
- Not recommended for children under certain ages without supervision.
- 10-15 Minute Session (typical for full body to start; adjustable from 5-20 minutes)
Red Light Therapy
Our full-body red light therapy panel uses professional-grade LEDs delivering roughly 189mW/cm² of red and near-infrared light to support cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. This non-invasive session allows you to stand or sit comfortably, exposing as much skin as possible for optimal absorption.
Before
your RLT Session
- Hydrate with at least 8oz of water to support your body’s natural processes.
- Please arrive on time. There is a one-time consent form (which can also be signed online). Appointments are set up back to back with time in between for cleaning and prepping between guests.
What to Wear?
During the session you can disrobe to your comfort level. We recommend loose, comfortable clothing for afterwards.
During
your RLT Session
- Position yourself 6-12 inches from the panel (adjust based on comfort; eyes should not feel strained).
- Wear the provided protective goggles for eye safety and comfort—keep eyes open or closed as you relax.
- Encourage relaxation—perhaps combine with breathing exercises. The light feels warm and soothing, with no pain.
- You can discontinue your session at any time.
- Do not eat or drink during the session.
- Do not apply lotions or oils to your skin prior to the session.
After
your RLT Session
- Drink at least 24 oz of water or electrolytes to re-hydrate and support recovery.
What to Expect From a Session
The more frequently you engage in red light therapy, the better you’ll feel. Similar to other wellness practices, it takes several sessions before the benefits start to manifest. During your first session, you might feel a gentle warmth, but no discomfort. As your body becomes more accustomed to regular sessions, you’ll notice enhanced relaxation and potential wellness improvements.
Contraindications
RLT is considered very safe, with minimal side effects reported in thousands of studies. It’s non-thermal and doesn’t use harmful UV rays. However:
- Clients should consult a doctor before treatment if they have cancer (may stimulate cell growth), photosensitive medications or conditions (e.g., epilepsy), active skin infections or open wounds, pacemakers or implants (generally ok, but confirm), or are pregnant (safe, but professional advice recommended).
- Rare side effects from overexposure might include temporary fatigue, headache, or nausea—reduce time if needed.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
Many guests find optimal results when using red light therapy 3-7 times per week. However, it is important to listen to your body and start low. New clients begin with shorter times (10-15 minutes) to assess tolerance. Best around sunrise or sunset to align with natural rhythms, but flexible.
1 Time
Per Week- Relaxation: A weekly session helps reduce stress and promotes rejuvenation.
- Gentle Wellness Boost: Supports basic skin health and energy.
2 Times
Per Week- Enhanced Recovery: Aids in reducing inflammation and improving circulation.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Helps clear pores and promote collagen for smoother, more radiant skin.
3 Times
Per Week- Muscle and Joint Support: Great for athletes or those with soreness; speeds recovery.
- Mood and Energy Lift: Enhances sleep, mood, and overall vitality.
4+ Times
Per Week- Comprehensive Wellness: May help manage ongoing concerns like fatigue or skin issues.
- Longevity Benefits: Regular use can support cellular health and hormone balance.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support the body’s natural healing processes. It involves exposing the skin to LED panels emitting red light (typically 600-700 nm, visible as a red glow) and near-infrared light (800-1400 nm, invisible to the eye). Unlike UV light, which can damage skin, RLT is gentle and penetrates deeper into tissues without heat or discomfort. Infrared heat is completely safe and healthy for all living things. You can be exposed to red light for the recommended session times without risk.
The History of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy has a fascinating history, discovered in the 1960s during laser research and later refined by NASA for wound healing in space. It has been studied extensively, with over 10,000 research papers on photobiomodulation. Today, it’s widely used in wellness settings worldwide for its potential to enhance skin health, reduce inflammation, and aid recovery, reflecting a blend of scientific innovation and natural healing principles.
How to Combine RLT with Our Other Services
Combining therapies can amplify your wellness experience—think of it as a holistic boost for relaxation and recovery in our Rockwall community.
Salt Therapy: Suggest RLT first followed by a Salt Suite or Booth session to maximize benefits, as salt on the skin might slightly reduce light absorption.
Infrared Sauna: Space sessions by at least an hour if possible to minimize skin sensitivity. Try RLT first to prep, or sauna first for detox followed by RLT for recovery.
Always encourage listening to your body and consulting a healthcare provider if needed.
More Questions?
No problem! Just give us a call at (469) 314-1218, or check out our page of Frequently Asked Questions!