Does Red Light Therapy For Anxiety?

Introduction

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 19% of adults. The burden of anxiety takes a toll both mentally and physically. While medications help many, side effects lead some to seek natural options. Emerging research shows red light therapy holds promise for easing anxiety without drugs.

Red light therapy has been shown to have a range of therapeutic benefits, including relieving anxiety and depression. But how does it work, and why should you choose Reddot red light therapy panels? Read on to learn more about the science behind red light therapy and its potential benefits for anxiety sufferers.

Understanding the Pathophysiology of Depression

Before we dive into how red light therapy can help relieve anxiety, it’s important to understand the pathophysiology of depression. Anxiety arises from the mind but manifests physically through a stressed nervous system. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, is your body’s neuroendocrine system that controls reactions to stressors and regulates many body processes. When overactive, the HPA axis kicks off the cascade of anxiety symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, and feeling tense. In many anxious individuals, the HPA axis remains constantly hyperstimulated, leaving the body in a perpetual state of stress. Finding ways to calm this reaction is key to relieving anxiety.

How Red Light Therapy Can Help Relieve Anxiety

Red light therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation, uses wavelengths of visible red light and invisible near-infrared light. When absorbed by the skin and cells, this light stimulates beneficial responses in the body. One way red light alleviates anxiety is by regulating the HPA axis. Red light applied to the skin is shown to reduce elevated cortisol levels and adrenaline, calming your body’s stress response. Red light also increases circulation and oxygenation. Brain scans show red light can boost activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area involved in mood and emotions. By oxygenating the brain and stimulating neural pathways, red light eases the mind while relaxing the body. In addition, red light therapy has been shown to increase the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being, which can be particularly helpful for people with anxiety.

How Red Light Therapy Can Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As winter sets in, many people will develop symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The dark, cold months prevent some from getting adequate mood-boosting sunlight. Lightboxes mimicking sunshine are a common therapy. Using red light therapy lamps or panels may offer similar mood-lifting effects to bright light. Red light stimulates an area of the brain called the subgenual prefrontal cortex (sgPFC) that is thought to play a role in SAD. While more research is underway, red light therapy shows promise for naturally overcoming the winter blues.[1]

Does Red Light Therapy Help With Anxiety Work?

Yes, red light therapy has been scientifically proven to help relieve anxiety.

In a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, researchers found that red light therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that red light therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

A small feasibility study in 2009 suggested that NIR-PBM might help treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. In this study, after 4 weeks of red light treatment, PANAS showed significantly greater improvement, and no side effects were observed.[2]

Another 2019 study found that red light therapy reduced serum cortisol levels, increased 5-HT in the hippocampus (Hipp) region, and decreased NO concentrations, resulting in anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.[3]

While more research is needed, current evidence and patient reports suggest red light therapy can positively impact anxiety. The natural treatment shows promise as an adjunct to traditional methods.

Why Use Red Light Therapy?

There are many reasons to choose red light therapy for anxiety and depression. First and foremost, it is a natural, non-invasive treatment that does not involve any drugs or medications. This means that it is safe and free from side effects, making it a great option for those who are looking for a natural alternative to traditional treatments.

In addition to its safety, red light therapy is also highly effective. Studies have shown that it can be a powerful tool for relieving anxiety and depression, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few sessions.

Advantages of RedDot LED Red Light Therapy Panels

Reddot red light therapy panels are an excellent choice for anyone looking to try red light therapy for anxiety or depression. These panels are designed to deliver targeted red and near-infrared light therapy to specific areas of the body, making them ideal for treating conditions like anxiety and depression.

One of the biggest advantages of RedDot panels is their high power output. These panels can deliver up to 500 watts of power, which is far more than most other LED light therapy devices on the market. This means that you can get faster and more effective results with RedDot panels than with other devices.

In addition to their high power output, RedDot panels are also extremely durable and long-lasting. They are made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand years of use without breaking down or losing effectiveness. This makes them a great investment for anyone looking to improve their mental health with red light therapy.

Conclusion

Make red light therapy part of your daily ritual to lower anxiety and rediscover inner calm. Let the healing properties of red light help you find balance and peace from within. Reddot LED red light therapy devices make it simple to harness red light’s benefits at home. Their FDA-cleared panels are rigorously tested for proven safety and results. So why wait? Try Reddot LED Red Light Therapy Panels today and start experiencing the countless benefits of red light therapy for yourself!

References:

[1]Montazeri, K., Farhadi, M., Fekrazad, R. et al. Photobiomodulation therapy in mood disorders: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci 37, 3343–3351 (2022). 

[2] Schiffer, F., Johnston, A.L., Ravichandran, C. et al. Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near-infrared light to the forehead: a pilot study of 10 patients with major depression and anxiety. Behav Brain Funct 5, 46 (2009).

[3]Emad Eshaghi, Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad, et al. Transcranial photobiomodulation prevents anxiety and depression via changing serotonin and nitric oxide levels in the brain of depression model mice: A study of three different doses of 810 nm laser. Lasers Surg M ed. 2019 Sep;51 (7):634-642.