In recent years, research on light therapy has moved from the fringes of scientific discovery to something closer to the mainstream, melissadahl writes
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In recent years, research on light therapy has moved from the fringes of scientific discovery to something closer to the mainstream; its commercial uses are now following the same path, as these devices, once available only in spas, gyms, or dermatologists’ offices, become increasingly affordable for consumers. Meanwhile, the research is only getting more ecstatic.
Photo: Elizaveta Porodina Light-therapy devices use different kinds of light, from invisible, near-infrared light through the visible-light spectrum , stopping before the harmful ultraviolet rays. So far, the effects of red and near-infrared light are the most studied; red light is often used to treat skin conditions, whereas near infrared can penetrate much deeper, working its way through skin and bone and even into the brain.
Kelly had revived the zinnias after a bout of mold; space travel does weird things to flowers. It does weird things to the human body, too. In space, even the smallest scratches don’t heal properly on their own. It’s not fully understood why, but, as the theory goes, the zero-gravity environment disrupts the cellular and molecular processes involved in tissue repair.
But how? Why? Sometimes, trying to understand photobiomodulation is so circular it makes me think of an exasperated Luke Wilson in Idiocracy trying to understand the energy drink Brawndo. Researchers who study light therapy say the mechanism at work here isn’t 100 percent clear, but basically, light sparks a cellular response because … our cells respond to light.
Photo: Elizaveta Porodina Close up, light therapy is complicated, baffling, impenetrable. Take a few steps back, though, and it’s about the most obvious idea on earth. In a way, light therapy has been a reminder of how often I overlook the basics, how every few days I need to force-feed myself similar reminders about how to be a human: Water is good, sleep is good, socializing with friends is good, alcohol is not always so good. Light is good.
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