Last updated August 18, 2023
And let there be green light, the new kid on the block when it comes to LED (light emitting diode) light therapy.
According to Heliotherapy Research Institute, the therapeutic effects of green-hued light are based on accelerating the healing and renewal of the skin. Today, green light therapy has a wide variety of uses that stretch beyond just skin health.
The benefits of green-hued light are numerous and range from improving sleep and reducing chronic pain to better athletic performance. We take a look at seven ways green light therapy can help you lead a healthier, happier life.
But First, What Is Green Light Therapy?
Green light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a non-invasive therapy that uses a specific color of light—in this case, green—to “cure” a variety of conditions. It involves exposing the body and mind to specific wavelengths of radiation, typically between 510 and 560 nm, for a certain amount of time.
The therapy works by promoting the body’s repair processes. When the green light penetrates the skin and reaches the cells, it triggers a series of biological responses. These include the release of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that provides energy to cells, and the production of reactive oxygen species, which play a key role in cellular signaling and immune function.
Green light therapy has a variety of healing effects. These effects are observed not only in emotional and physical reactions but also in mental activity. Green-hued light can increase alertness, concentration and focus. It can relieve stress and tension, helping you feel more energized and motivated throughout the day. In addition, green light therapy is found to help with sleep disorders by promoting better quality restful sleep.
Seven Benefits of Green Light Therapy
Let’s take a closer look at the seven benefits of green-hued light therapy.
1. Regulates circadian rhythm and improves sleep
Green light is believed to have a unique effect on the body’s photoreceptors. Therefore, this therapy is particularly effective in improving sleep quality by regulating the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
By suppressing melatonin production in the morning, this type of therapy can help wake up the body and promote alertness throughout the day. Exposure in the evening can promote relaxation thus improving sleep quality.
2. Reduces chronic pain and migraine
Green light therapy has an analgesic effect, meaning it can reduce pain in the body. The mechanism of action is that green light helps to stimulate the production of natural pain-relieving chemicals.
The treatment also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful for people with inflammation-related discomfort. It can aid in lowering the frequency and severity of headaches in migraine cases. This is due to the fact that green light alters the activity of certain brain regions involved in processing pain.
3. Improves skin health
Green light therapy improves skin health by stimulating the production of collagen, a protein essential for healthy skin. It is responsible for maintaining the structure and elasticity of the skin. A decrease in collagen production can lead to wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging.
Green light therapy also has a positive effect on skin pigmentation. It can help reduce the production of excess melanin, which can lead to dark spots and uneven tone.
In addition to its effects on collagen and pigmentation, green-hued light can also improve blood flow to the dermis, which promotes healing and rejuvenation. This can lead to an overall improvement in skin health, and treatment of conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and rosacea.
4. Improves mood
Exposure to green light can increase activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, the areas of the brain responsible for processing emotions—leading to feelings of relaxation, calm and happiness.
In addition, dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, reward and motivation, is produced. Increased levels of this substance can lead to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
5. Reduces eye strain
Green light therapy can reduce eye strain by improving the balance of visual processing and decreasing the production of harmful reactive oxygen species that can damage vision.
The visual cortex, the area of the brain responsible for processing visual information, can become more active when exposed to green light. This can help improve the balance of visual processing, make it easier to focus and reduce eye strain.
6. Enhances sports performance
Green light therapy’s ability to speed up muscle repair is one of the main ways it might enhance sports performance. Inflammation and oxidative stress are decreased, which can hasten the healing process and improve performance all around. Green light treatment can also promote restful sleep, which leads to quicker reflexes and better decision-making.
7. Manages seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
SAD, a form of depression that often manifests in the fall and winter when there is less daylight, is connected to the change of the seasons. A study directly contrasting green-hued light therapy with red light therapy found green to be more effective. By helping your circadian rhythm and balancing serotonin levels, green-hued light may improve depression.
Making Green Waves
Green light treatment is generally a secure and non-invasive technique to enhance your general wellness. It may be utilized alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
Several ailments, including sleep issues, persistent pain, skin concerns and seasonal affective disorder, may benefit from green light treatment. It can increase physical and mental health and enhance the overall quality of life by encouraging relaxation, lowering inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving sleep quality.
It is important to note that light therapy should not be used as a substitute for standard medical care, but rather as a complementary procedure under the guidance of a healthcare professional. As with any approach, speak with your doctor before starting any type of treatment.
About the author: Peter Emmanuel Rossi is a professional hot tub designer, expert and founder of ByRossi.
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