In recent years, red and infrared light therapy has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential across various health conditions. You may have seen various health specialists and influencers posting photos of themselves in front of red light units.
What is not often talked about though, is the tremendous benefits of red and infrared light therapy for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.
I have been consistently using it myself for the last two years, and regularly include it in my clients’ protocols with some amazing results. So, what exactly is red-light therapy, how can it benefit you, and how should it be used?
What is Red and Infrared Light Therapy?
Red and infrared light therapy, often referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM), involves exposing the body to specific wavelengths of light, typically through specialised lamps, LED panels, or laser devices. Red light generally ranges from 600 to 700 nanometers (nm), while infrared light extends from 700 nm to 1200 nm. Both penetrate the skin, with infrared light reaching deeper tissues, such as muscles and organs, including the thyroid gland.
The therapeutic mechanism of these light therapies lies mainly in their ability to stimulate cellular energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and lower inflammation.
Natural Sources of Red and Infrared Light
Sunrise and Sunset: Natural exposure to red and infrared light occurs during sunrise and sunset. The sun emits a broad spectrum of light throughout the day, but red and infrared wavelengths are particularly prominent when the sun is lower on the horizon. Spending time outdoors during these periods allows you to absorb beneficial wavelengths naturally. So, if you can, go for an early morning or sunset stroll a few times per week. This will also support your circadian rhythm and sleep quality!
Clinical and Home-Based Red Light Therapy Devices
For more targeted and consistent practice, I recommend trying at home and in-clinic therapy devices. They range from hand held lamps, half/full body panels and even LED masks that you can wear on your neck. Whilst it’s possible to try a redlight therapy session in a clinic or a spa, I do recommend getting your own device, as it works out way cheaper and allows you to use it consistently, several times a week. With red light/ NIR therapy, just like with everything else, it’s regular use that will create the biggest impact.
Here’s how Red and infrared light therapy can benefit hypothyroid and Hashimoto’s (the leading cause of hypothyroidism):
- Reduction in Thyroid Inflammation: Red and infrared light therapy can reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland (decrease in thyroid antibody levels both anti TPO and anti Tg), potentially decreasing autoimmune activity and alleviating symptoms. By lowering inflammation, it can prevent tissue damage in Hashimoto’s. This has been shown in two recent studies from 2022 and 2023.
- Improved Thyroid Function: Research also shows that light therapy can enhance thyroid hormone production. A Brazilian study found that patients undergoing red light therapy experienced a reduction in their need for thyroid medication, highlighting its potential to support thyroid health.
- Autoimmune Modulation: Red and infrared light have been shown to modulate immune system activity, reducing chronic inflammation and helping prevent autoimmune attacks on healthy tissue, including the thyroid.
Benefits beyond your thyroid
Some of the hallmark symptoms related to Hashimoto’s are pains and aches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight gain and low mood. The good news is that red light therapy can provide benefits in all those areas.
- Reduced Chronic Inflammation: By penetrating deeply into tissues, red and infrared light therapy helps lower inflammation, reduce pain, and improve tissue health.
- Pain Reduction: Infrared light can alleviate joint and muscle pain, offering drug-free relief to those suffering from inflammation-driven discomfort.
- Weight loss: While not a direct weight-loss therapy, by improving thyroid function and reducing inflammation, red and infrared light therapy may support metabolic health, making it easier to manage body weight when combined with appropriate diet and exercise
- Increased Energy Levels: By enhancing ATP production, light therapy boosts cellular energy, which translates to greater overall energy and reduced fatigue – a common complaint among those with hypothyroidism.
- Better sleep, mood and improved resilience to stress: Infrared light has been shown to have a greater preventative effect for SAD than standard light boxes, as well as providing a host of other benefits.
Suggested Protocols for Red Light Therapy
- Duration: Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes per treatment area, a few times a week to daily is a-ok.
- Timing Considerations: Don’t use red and infrared light therapy right before bed, as it may interfere with melatonin production and sleep. Morning or afternoon treatments are generally preferred for their energising effects.
- Distance and Exposure: A distance of 6-12 inches is optimal. I love to plonk myself in front of it and do some sort of somatic exercise like breathwork or a body scan.
Safety and Considerations
Red and infrared light therapy is considered very safe. However, if you have any concerns, always consult your doctor. I don’t recommend red light therapy over the neck area for hyperthyroidism and Graves disease. Always close your eyes during a light therapy session or use the supplied glasses.
Recommended Products
Before I go any further, I wanted to highlight that NONE of the products mentioned have been sponsored. All opinions are based on my and my clients’ experience. The links ARE affiliate links (which is a wonderful way in which you can support me). I also need to stress that it is important which brand you choose. With the raising popularity of red light therapy, there’s been an emergence of brands that might not adhere to quality standards, or even offer products that, in fact, don’t deliver any significant benefits.
My first recommendation is always a red/ NIR lamp, which can be used, depending on the size, as a more targeted therapy, or half/full body therapy. When we are looking to boost that mitochondrial function for increased energy levels, as well as sore muscles, hair growth and thyroid support, it’s definitely the most optimal choice. It’s also a great addition to your wellness routine!
The brand that I recommend is EMR-tek, offering very strict quality control, low EMF and no flicker technology. Their units are also one of the post powerful out there at a very reasonable price (especially now with 30% off). Use the code AGGIE88126 or CLICK HERE and the discount auto applies. Free shipment to the UK and EU with no customs! You can get the Firewave unit for less than £150.
Now if you already have the larger unit and want some added beauty benefits (or you’re just someone who will not sit in a front of a lamp), I definitely recommend checking out Bon Charge. The face mask is a fabulous way to add a little glow to your complexion, address acne (it honestly improved so much for me) and smooth things out! The neck & chest mask can be used as a targeted thyroid therapy and also an effective neck and anti-ageing treatment. The benefit of the neck device is that you can wear it whilst going about your day (I often wear it whilst working or watching tv). Boncharge truly is an amazing and trustworthy brand. They also offer powerful lamps and a whole range of other products so definitely check it out before the sale is over! No customs and free UK shipment!
I hope you enjoyed learning about red light therapy and thyroid health today. For more tangible advice, inspiration and thyroid coaching, follow me on Instagram or sign up for my weekly Thyroid Musings Newsletter here.