Light Therapies & Photobiomodulation
Low-level, Pulsed Light, & EMF Therapies
“Phototherapies work by targeting the root-causes of most health issues: Inflammation and Cellular Degradation.”
– David Sinclair
Light as Medicine
The therapuetic potential of light has been known for millenia, and has been used by cultures across time to address ailments as wide ranging as chronic pain, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and memory loss. Today science and technology have advanced to a point where our ability to target and treat problems with light therapies can be truly transformative.
All light therapies rely on Photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive technique that uses varying frequencies of light to stimulate cellular processes, enhance mitochondrial function, and promote neuroplasticity. Depending on the desired effects, light exposure can be delivered through transcranial methods (or applied to the head), intranasally, facially, or through whole-body treatments. The therapies improves brain health by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the production of neurotrophic factors that support neuron health and mood regulation. Photobiomodulation is a powerful tool that addresses two core causes of most health issues: inflammation and cellular degradation. As we age, our ability to make high-fidelity copies of the cells in our bodies diminishes. Since light therapies target such foundational issues they can improve a wide range of health conditions in addition to mental fitness.
All light therapies rely on Photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive technique that uses varying frequencies of light to stimulate cellular processes, enhance mitochondrial function, and promote neuroplasticity. Depending on the desired effects, light exposure can be delivered through transcranial methods (or applied to the head), intranasally, facially, or through whole-body treatments. The therapies improves brain health by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the production of neurotrophic factors that support neuron health and mood regulation. Photobiomodulation is a powerful tool that addresses two core causes of most health issues: inflammation and cellular degradation. As we age, our ability to make high-fidelity copies of the cells in our bodies diminishes. Since light therapies target such foundational issues they can improve a wide range of health conditions in addition to mental fitness.
Transcranial Photobiomodulation
Transcranial Photobiomodulation is a gentle non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses low-level light energy, typically in the red or near-infrared spectrum, to stimulate biological processes at the cellular level. It works by delivering light to tissues, where it is absorbed by chromophores in the mitochondria of our cells. This absorption triggers a cascade of biochemical events, including increased production of cellular energy (ATP), reduced oxidative stress, enhanced blood flow, and activation of cellular repair responses.
These physical changes lead to increased clarity, focus, and creativity in healthy individuals, and alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimers, and Parkinson’s Disease. PHC is procuring at least 3 Transcranial Photobiomodulation devices for members to reserve. This device, the Neuro Duo 4 by VieLight, is one of the leading available on the market today.
These physical changes lead to increased clarity, focus, and creativity in healthy individuals, and alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimers, and Parkinson’s Disease. PHC is procuring at least 3 Transcranial Photobiomodulation devices for members to reserve. This device, the Neuro Duo 4 by VieLight, is one of the leading available on the market today.
Light Bathing
The Portland Healing Center will feature a beautiful Light Sauna- a tranquil space combining scheduled sequences of phototherapy, chromotherapy, and pulsed light tracks based on the work of Johns Hopkins researchers. These alternating light patterns work with the brain’s natural photoreceptors, influencing circadian rhythms, neurotransmitter levels, and mood pathways.
The benefits of light bathing are extensive- whether in a tranquil Light Sauna in the middle of winter, or outdoors on a lovely day, photobiomodulation reduces cortisol, improves memory, boosts mood and creativity, and even benefits those on the autism spectrum. It supports faster healing and increases nitric oxide levels. Our Light Sauna offers these healing benefits in an inviting, communal setting where multiple people can experience therapy at the same time, making it more accessible and affordable.
The benefits of light bathing are extensive- whether in a tranquil Light Sauna in the middle of winter, or outdoors on a lovely day, photobiomodulation reduces cortisol, improves memory, boosts mood and creativity, and even benefits those on the autism spectrum. It supports faster healing and increases nitric oxide levels. Our Light Sauna offers these healing benefits in an inviting, communal setting where multiple people can experience therapy at the same time, making it more accessible and affordable.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
works by sending targeted electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells, enhancing cellular function and promoting healthy neural activity. The pulsed signals are shown to improve blood circulation, increase oxygenation, and boost the production of ATP (cellular energy), which can enhance brain function and support recovery processes.
A NeuroWrap headband like this one will be available for reservation by members, and is an example of one therapy that can potentially be combined with others.
Low Level Light Therapies
Low-Level Light Therapy, is a broad term covering multiple light-based therapies: near-infrared (NIR), far-infrared (FIR), and other terms you may hear all use energy within overlapping parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in slightly different ways, or on different parts of the body. Despite the differences these therapies work the same way: they stimulate mitochondrial activity and enhance ATP by activating cytochrome C-oxidase, which is vital for cellular energy and repair.
The differences in effect come down to how deep the light reaches into the body. Near-infrared therapies, for instance, penetrate deeply into tissues, addressing musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain, while far-infrared therapies target more superficial benefits, such as improving circulation and detoxification. Devices like the Celluma Infrared Light Mask Pro leverage different patterns and wavelengths to help in different ways, reducing pain, stiffness, and even improving skin elasticity and treating acne.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
An EMDR kit like this one is designed to provide us with bilateral stimulation, engaging both sides of the brain in a rhythmic, alternating pattern. This core technique of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy developed originally to help individuals process difficult memories, reducing their emotional weight and fostering mental clarity. EMDR has been shown to strengthen attention and focus in healthy individuals as well, as the rhythmic engagement promotes enhanced cognitive function and mental resilience.
Similar principles of bilateral engagement can be traced to ancient practices, such as drumming rituals or rhythmic chanting, which were often used to achieve heightened states of awareness and to build community. By offering customizable visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli, this kit from EMDRLight is one of the best available options we’ve found – and another example of a simple relaxing way to enhance our member’s mental fitness.