About NIR:Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a medical treatment that uses specific, non-UV wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at a cellular level.
How It Works
The therapy works by delivering concentrated light (typically red light at 630-660 nm and NIR at 810-850 nm) to the body. This light is absorbed by mitochondria, the "powerhouses" within our cells, boosting their production of ATP—the body's essential energy molecule.
This increase in cellular energy creates a cascade of positive effects:
* Reduces inflammation
* Improves blood circulation
* Accelerates tissue repair
Established Medical Uses
These benefits explain its success in various medical fields:
* Wound & Burn Healing: The therapy speeds up recovery, reduces scarring, and lowers infection risk by decreasing inflammation and increasing circulation to the damaged tissue.
* Stroke & Brain Injury: Near-infrared light can penetrate the skull to reduce brain inflammation, improve blood flow to damaged areas, and help protect neurons, aiding in cognitive and motor recovery.
Potential for Long COVID Treatment
The core symptoms of Long COVID align directly with what this therapy can address:
* Systemic Inflammation: Light therapy can help calm the chronic inflammation common in Long COVID.
* Fatigue: By boosting ATP production, it may restore cellular energy and combat profound fatigue.
* "Brain Fog": Its ability to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cerebral blood flow offers a potential mechanism to improve mental clarity.
In essence, by targeting the foundational issues of inflammation and energy depletion, red and NIR light therapy is a promising approach for treating the persistent symptoms of Long COVID.