Frequently Asked Questions
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Light Energy Application Devices are a non-intrusive and cost-effect way to help the body heal itself, often without need for additional drugs, surgery or other invasive methods. LEDs that emit Red, Blue and Infrared light are set into a flexible, neoprene “pad”, and then attached to a main control box and power source. This control box powers the LEDs and allows them to pulse light directly to the body, which has been shown to be more beneficial than non-pulsed lights. As science and technology advance, it has been discovered that LED Light Energy Application Devices can be a better alternative to lasers for several reasons; LED Devices are easier and safer to use than lasers, enabling them to be used at home. LED Devices also provide a more cost effective delivery method of Light Energy.
The device’s LED pads are placed against the skin and the control is set to the frequency necessary for the desired result. The LEDs create a warm, comforting feeling while the light energy does its work. The combination of Red, Blue and Infrared LEDs (invisible to the naked eye) penetrate deep into the body and help it release Nitric Oxide, the body’s own natural “pain killer”. Nitric Oxide occurs naturally within the body and is a molecule that signals smooth muscle cells found in the arteries, veins, capillaries and lymph vessels to relax. When these muscles are in a relaxed state, the blood vessels open (dilation), allowing increased circulation. Human cells are also capable of converting Light Energy into usable cellular energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the “fuel” within the cell. The production of ATP provides the body the energy to decrease inflammation and heal itself. The process is similar to how the skin produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
LED Light Energy Application and Light therapy is being used in both clinical and home settings in several countries. It uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver Red, Blue and Infrared light to the skin. Lights in the Red and Blue Spectrum are visible, while lights in the Infrared Spectrum require viewing through a device such as a lens to be seen, as they are not visible to the naked eye. These three wavelengths of light can stimulate a beneficial and innate cellular response within the body that activates the release of Nitric Oxide (NO), thereby increasing circulation.
Most LED Light Energy Application equipment is safe to use and can be used without medical supervision by an individual at home. Sessions can also be performed by a health care professional in a clinical setting. The equipment and/or sessions are affordable, completely safe and non-invasive. As is the case with most modalities, we recommend consulting with your doctor or health care professional prior to use, especially if you are pregnant, light sensitive or taking any medications that cause light sensitivity such as Tetracycline.
No. Infrared and LED Light Application devices do not require a prescription and anyone may purchase a system for personal use without a prescription. A prescription or doctor’s referral may be necessary in order to have sessions performed in a clinical setting reimbursed by your health care or extended medical plan. This, however, is not related to purchasing or using a system.
The LED Light Pads are placed on the body and the equipment’s array of infrared and visible light diodes create a comforting warm feeling under the pads. The light energy combined with the warmth dilates the blood vessels under the pads, which can cause an increase in circulation. This can create a feeling of relaxed calmness and may help in the reduction and/or alleviation of pain. In addition to feeling relaxed, clients may experience:
- decrease in local swelling
- decreased inflammation
- decreased muscle spasms and tightness
- decreased tension
- increased range of motion
- increased lymphatic drainage
- increased venous dilation and flow
When applied to the skin, Light Energy prompts the body to release Nitric Oxide from the hemoglobin. The Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine was awarded to three scientists in 1998 for their discoveries on Nitric Oxide’s effect on the cardiovascular system. Nitric Oxide occurs naturally within the body and is a molecule that signals smooth muscle cells found in the arteries, veins, capillaries and lymph vessels to relax. When these muscles are in a relaxed state, the blood vessel open (dilation), allowing increased circulation.
Both contain diodes and can be made of the same materials; usually silicon with specific minerals added in specific amounts to produce different colours. In lasers, the diode is mounted in an area lined with reflective material that sends, generally, only one wave-length of light. The result is a narrow beam of light that is concentrated into a beam. LEDs and low level laser devices have similar effects, though LEDs can provide those effects over a larger area at once than low level lasers, thereby requiring less application time. LEDs also provide a more cost-effective manner to receive the positive effects of Light Energy.
Undergoing a Light Application Session prompts the body to release Nitric Oxide, which has been shown to be essential for wound healing even if chronic or traumatic and has been touted as the body’s natural painkiller.
While rare, some clients may experience an increase in localized pain or discomfort after a Light Energy Application Session. Oftentimes in areas that have experienced an injury, there can be a buildup of damaged tissue that can decrease blood flow and circulation to the area. A Light Energy Application Session promotes the increase of blood flow to the area, and it is this increased circulation that can cause a feeling of pain or discomfort. The pain you may feel is not a bad thing though; it indicates that healing is taking place within your body. It is similar to the discomfort one might feel after returning to the gym for exercise after a period of absence.
While LED Light Energy Application equipment is safe to use for people of all ages as well as animals, there are some instances where it is not recommended without a thorough discussion and approval from your medical doctor or health care practitioner. Examples of these instances include:
- use on women who are pregnant
- over sites of known malignancy
- use on person’s undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- use on persons that have received steroid or cortisone injections 2 weeks prior, or will receive 2 weeks subsequent to receiving a Light Energy
Application Research has also been conducted into the theory that Blue Light may contribute to the advancement of Macular Degeneration. While this has not been proven beyond theory, it is recommended that any person’s that have, may have, or are concerned about Macular Degeneration do not place the eyemask attachment over their eyes.
The research and study of LED Light Energy Application Therapy has been done by a vast array of learning institutions, doctors and curious people. The following is just a sample list of those that have conducted clinical studies on the effectiveness of LED light therapy:
- National Cancer Institute
- Mayo Clinic, Jeffery Basford, MD
- Stanford University, Kendric C. Smith
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Wellman Labs
- NASA, Dr. Harry T. Whelan
- Marshall Space Flight Centre
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC
LED Light Application and Light Therapy can be used on humans as well as animals. Here is a sampling of who is using it:
- Acupuncturists
- Athletes
- Biofeedback practitioners
- Chiropractors
- Colon therapists
- Counsellors
- Dentists
- Healing centres
- Hypnotherapists
- Lymphatic therapists
- Massage therapists
- Medical doctors
- Naturopaths
- Nurses
- Osteopaths
- Pet owners
- Physical therapists
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Reflexologists
- Reiki practitioners
- Spas
- Sports medicine therapists
- Trainers Veterinarians