From Astronauts to Athletes: The Revolutionary Impact of Red Light Therapy on Well-being

Let's bathe in the rejuvenating glow of red light therapy (RLT) together!

On this Fit Tip Friday, I'll illuminate the path from NASA’s space experiments to your living room with a tech wonder that's not just for astronauts. Unearth the secrets of RLT's origins and evolution into a coveted health boon that's all the rage, from fitness centers to spas. 

I promise you'll walk away from this episode with a newfound appreciation for the power of light and its surprising benefits for skin vitality, muscle recovery, and pain relief.

Ever wondered how Superman's abilities could be linked to the science of light? Well, stick around as we spotlight that fun fact and more. 

We'll unravel the science that makes RLT a superhero, powering up our cells for optimal healing performance. 

My wife, Christie, and I share our personal experience with RLT at home, offering practical advice on seamlessly integrating this wellness practice into your daily regime. 

By the end of our chat, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to potentially enhance your skin health, workout recovery, and pain management while feeling a tad more superhuman.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:08

Hey there, health warriors, welcome back to the 2% Solution, where every Friday, we dive into a tip that could make a difference in your fitness and health journey. I'm Diamond Well, and today we're lighting up your day with some glowing insights into red light therapy, also known as RLT. Now, if you've ever wondered about those bright red lights in some fitness centers or spas, today's your day to learn all about them. Red light therapy might sound futuristic, but it's grounded in decades of scientific research. Rlt uses low wavelength red light to treat skin issues like wrinkles, scars, but it also provides muscle recovery and pain relief. But how did this all come to be? Where did it all begin?

Speaker 1: 0:56

The roots of light therapy go back to the early 1900s, but the modern practice began to take shape with NASA in the 1990s. Yeah, that NASA, the one that puts like rockets into space and Mars landers and all that other cool stuff. Right, they found that red light could help plants grow in space. Now further research showed it potentially benefits human cells, particularly in energy production, as well as healing. Now let's fast forward to what science says today. Studies published in the Journal of American Medical Association show that RLT can help rejuvenate skin by increasing collagen production, reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation. Pretty impressive for just standing or sitting under a light, right. But it's not just about looking good. Substantial research backs the therapeutic benefits. A review in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering reported that RLT could accelerate muscle recovery and enhance muscle performance. Now this is excellent news, especially if you hit the gym regularly and want to recover faster, and this is a big reason why we see a lot of people in the fitness industries now talking about red light therapy.

Speaker 1: 2:17

Now, for those of us feeling the ache of old injuries or the pain of arthritis, rlt might be what the doctor ordered. Clinical trials have shown that red light can significantly reduce pain in people with spinal cord injuries, but also improvements have been seen in osteoarthritis patients, with reductions in pain while also increasing mobility. So how does it work Well without getting too sci-fi on you? So how does it work Well without getting too sci-fi on you? Rlt penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissue to stimulate mitochondrial function. That's basically the little part of your cell that produces energy. Essentially, rlt tells your cells to power up, which can aid healing and rejuvenation.

Speaker 1: 3:02

Now let's discuss how you can incorporate RLT into your life. Well, it's pretty simple to get started. You can find RLT devices for home use, ranging from handheld units to larger panel systems. My wife, christy, and I we actually have one of those panel systems. It's by a company called JOOV J-O-O-V, and if you take a look at them online, they've got all sorts of different red light tools and a lot of them are modular, meaning that you can build them out over time or link them in series. I mean, it's just pretty, pretty funky. They got a lot of different selections, but I would suggest that when you get started, start with shorter sessions of about five to 10 minutes and usually at a distance of at least six inches from the device, gradually increasing as recommended on the time, I should say, or as you feel comfortable. You should expect noticeable changes over a span of about three months.

Speaker 1: 3:56

Many users report significant improvements in skin clarity and elasticity, reductions in inflammation and better overall recovery from physical activity. Consistency is critical, so follow a regular schedule to see the optimal results. So there you have it. Red light therapy might be worth exploring whether you're looking to boost your skin health, speed up recovery after workouts or manage chronic pain. It's a simple, non-invasive way to support your body's natural healing processes and maybe, just maybe, make you feel a bit like a superhero while you're at it.

Speaker 1: 4:35

For those that aren't comic book nerds like me, did you know that Superman only is super because of the power of the sun? Must be all that positive goodness just shining down on us. Anyways, if you found today's episode enlightening, consider sharing it with a friend, and don't forget to leave us a review. Your feedback helps illuminate the path for others searching for health and wellness solutions. That's it for this Fit Tip Friday. On the 2% Solution, again, I'm Diamond Well, reminding you to keep shining bright. Here's to making small changes for significant impact, one glowing step at a time. Stay healthy, stay motivated and keep improving by 2% every day. I'll see you next time.