Rejuvenate Your Body with Full Body LED Light Therapy

An In-Depth Guide to Full Body LED Light Therapy

Full body LED light therapy is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to deliver a variety of benefits. Also known as photobiomodulation, full body LED therapy can improve skin health, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, boost immunity and even spur weight loss.

Full body LED light therapy involves exposure to light from LEDs (light emitting diodes) that emit high intensity red and near-infrared light. These wavelengths have been found in studies to provide therapeutic effects on cells and tissues throughout the body.

While light therapy was once only available in medical or cosmetic treatment centers, full body LED light therapy panels have become more accessible for home use. Home devices make it convenient and affordable to leverage the benefits of red light and near-infrared light therapy.

Benefits of Full Body LED Light Therapy

Full body LED light therapy has been shown to provide the following benefits:

• Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging effects
• Increased collagen and elastin production
• Reduced inflammation and swelling
• Improved joint and muscle recovery
• Enhanced muscle performance
• Accelerated healing of wounds and injuries
• Treatment of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
• Pain relief
• Improved circulation
• Increased energy and metabolism

Clinical studies have demonstrated these benefits from full body red and near-infrared light therapy. The wavelengths of light stimulate biological processes at the cellular level to produce rejuvenating and restorative effects across the whole body.

How Full Body LED Light Therapy Works

LED light therapy works via the process of photobiomodulation. When the light emitted from the LEDs penetrates your skin and tissues, it interacts with cytochrome c oxidase. This is an enzyme inside the mitochondria of your cells that is involved in cellular energy production.

When the red and near-infrared wavelengths from the LEDs are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, this stimulates increased mitochondrial activity and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP is the main source of energy that powers functions in your cells.

This cascade of events after light exposure leads to optimization of cell function and vitality. Cellular communication and signaling is improved. Cells have more energy to proliferate, repair damage and destroy pathogens. Blood flow increases as nitric oxide production is ramped up.

These cellular effects translate into benefits throughout the whole body. Tissues regenerate faster. Inflammation is tamed. Joints and muscles operate with less pain. Skin renews itself more efficiently. Immunity is boosted against viruses. Overall energy and body performance see tangible improvements.

Types of LED Light Used in Full Body Therapy

There are two main forms of LED light used in full body therapy panels and devices:

Red Light

Red light wavelengths range from 620-700 nm on the light spectrum. Red light applied to the skin and tissues triggers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging effects at the cellular level.

Near-Infrared Light

Near-infrared light ranges from 750-1200 nm wavelength. It penetrates deeper below the skin than red light. Near-infrared promotes healing, increases blood flow, relieves pain and boosts cell growth and renewal.

Full body LED panels utilize both red and near-infrared wavelengths to achieve optimal therapeutic results across the entire body. The combination of red and near-infrared light synergistically enhances outcomes for skin rejuvenation, pain relief, injury healing and anti-aging effects.

Benefits of Full Body LED Light Therapy for the Skin

One of the most researched and promising effects of full body red light and near-infrared therapy is skin rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits. Full body LED panels deliver wavelengths that have been shown to:

• Improve skin complexion and tone
• Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots
• Increase collagen production for firmer skin
• Treat acne and blemishes
• Reduce inflammation and redness
• Speed healing of cuts, burns, scars or wounds
• Hydrate and smooth skin texture

The light triggers increased ATP energy production within skin cells. This energizes cell renewal processes and the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Collagen provides structure to smooth and tighten skin. Elastin imparts flexibility and springiness.

Higher collagen levels lead to decreased wrinkles, plumping of tissues and improved elasticity. The renewed skin cells give skin a more even tone and glow. Meanwhile, inflammation is calmed to diminish conditions like acne and rosacea.

Daily use of full body LED therapy delivers cumulative anti-aging and skin-enhancing results over time. Consistency is important as the benefits accrue over weeks and months of exposure.

Using Light Therapy for Anti-Aging Effects

To leverage full body LED light therapy panels for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation:

• Use daily for 10-20 minutes consistently
• Position yourself 8-12 inches from the panel
• Expose your full bare skin for maximum impact
• Apply targeted light for up to 5 minutes on deep wrinkles
• Combine with topical skin care products to boost effects

It takes about 4-6 weeks of regular use to notice significant improvements in skin tone, wrinkles and elasticity. After 3-6 months, collagen density can increase by up to 200%. With ongoing daily use, your skin will continue looking nourished, youthful and refreshed.

Using LED Light Therapy for Pain Relief

Full body LED light therapy has also been shown in clinical studies to provide natural pain relief and reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects combined with increased blood circulation can alleviate various types of pain such as:

• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Nerve pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Arthritis pain
• Pain from injuries or trauma
• Post-surgical pain

For painful conditions, the red and near infrared wavelengths are absorbed by cells in the skin, muscles, nerves and joints. This stimulates increased blood flow andreduced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Nitric oxide production is also ramped up, which dilates blood vessels to improve circulation. Reduced inflammation and enhanced blood flow provides soothing relief of muscle aches, stiff joints and irritated nerves.

In addition, full body LED therapy releases endorphins which act as natural pain relievers in the body. Daily light therapy can reduce reliance on medications for pain issues.

Light Therapy Protocols for Pain

For best pain relief, follow these tips when using full body LED light panels:

• Use for 15-20 minutes daily
• Position panel 12-18 inches from body
• Focus light on localized pain as needed
• Pre-treat painful areas with a quality topical cream
• Move joints through range of motion during treatment

The benefits for joint and muscle pain continue to improve with consistent use over 4-8 weeks. Light therapy can be repeated as needed for nagging or recurring pain issues.

Optimizing Circulation and Speeding Injury Healing

In addition to skin and pain applications, full body LED light therapy can be highly effective for improving circulation and speeding recovery from sports injuries, wounds or surgery.

The red and near-infrared wavelengths boost nitric oxide and blood flow when absorbed by tissues. This brings more oxygen and nutrients to the areas for faster healing. The light also stimulates cells called fibroblasts which play key roles in the injury healing process.

Daily use of full body LED therapy promotes accelerated healing through:

• Increased blood vessel and capillary growth
• Boosted fibroblasts activity
• Stimulated new tissue and skin cells
• Formation of new blood vessels and nerve cells

Faster healing of damaged tissues shortens recovery times. Light therapy is an excellent addition to rehabilitation routines and practices.

Protocols to Accelerate Injury Healing

Follow these guidelines when using LED light therapy for healing injuries or wounds:

• Use daily for at least 10-15 minutes
• Position panel close to injured area
• Focus light directly on open wounds if possible
• Increase circulation with light to entire injured region
• Repeat treatments 2-3 times per day if needed

Daily full body LED therapy, along with targeted light on wounds or injuries, can slash healing times drastically. Minor injuries may heal twice as fast. Recovery from surgeries or major trauma can be reduced by 30% or more.

Enhancing Performance and Recovery for Athletes

Due to the circulation benefits and accelerated recovery, full body LED light therapy is extremely popular with athletes and active individuals. Pre-treating muscles with light before a workout can enhance performance.

This is because the light increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. The energy production in muscle cells is optimized. ATP availability and mitochondrial function is boosted. The muscles essentially have more fuel to operate at higher sustained levels.

Post-workout, the LED therapy provides similar benefits to ease soreness. The light reduces oxidative damage and inflammation from exertion. Increased circulation flushes out metabolic waste products. Muscles recover faster between training sessions.

LED therapy can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness by over 30% after workouts. It also shortens the recovery time needed between athletic performances.

Pre and Post-Workout Light Therapy

Here are some tips to use full body LED light for better exercise performance and recovery:

• Pre-treat tight or fatigued muscles for 10 minutes
• Focus light on major muscle groups involved in the activity
• Position panel close to body parts 8-10 inches away
• After exercise, use light therapy for 10-15 minutes
• Target active and sore muscles with light treatment

Pre-conditioning the muscles before exercise provides lasting performance benefits for several hours. Post-workout therapy reduces muscle and joint pains significantly. Consistent use over time can lead to bigger strength gains and lean muscle growth.

Maximizing General Health, Immunity and Energy

Along with the targeted benefits for skin, pain and athletic performance, full body LED light therapy also provides whole body effects that promote overall health and wellness.

Daily use can enhance immunity, vitality, mood and sleep quality. The full body exposure lights up cellular receptors related to DNA repair, hormone production and antioxidant protection.

In healthy subjects, full body LED therapy has been shown to increase lymphocyte counts and neutrophil activity. These are key immune cells that kill pathogens, viruses and unhealthy cells. Regulation of cytokines and inflammation pathways is also optimized.

Full body LED panels deliver whole body rejuvenation through:

• Elevated immune cell production and activity
• Increased detoxification and free radical destruction
• Balanced hormone and neurotransmitter levels
• Improved sleep quality and deeper REM cycles
• Higher sustained energy and motivation

A brief 10-15 minute full body LED session 1-2 times per day provides incredible health results over the long haul. People report looking and feeling years younger thanks to enhanced immunity, vitality and wellness.

How to Perform Safe Full Body LED Light Therapy

While light therapy is very safe, be sure to take these precautions:

• Wear eye protection during treatment
• Follow treatment times recommended by manufacturer
• Watch for overheating - stay hydrated and avoid excessive sweating
• Avoid direct light on thyroid, reproductive organs and head
• Stop using if you experience headaches or nausea
• Talk to your doctor before use if you have medical conditions or take photosensitive medications

Assuming appropriate full body LED light therapy protocols are followed, most people can use devices safely in their own homes. The LEDs do not emit UV wavelengths, so there is no risk of burning or skin damage.

Choosing a Full Body LED Light Therapy Device

Here are some factors to consider when selecting an at-home full body LED light therapy panel:

• Size - Choose a size that allows your entire body to fit within the therapeutic zone
• Light Spectrum - Should include both red (660nm) and near-infrared light (850nm)
• Power Density - Aim for 8-12 mW/cm2 for optimal irradiance
• Timing Options - Allows specific treatment durations from 1 to 30 minutes
• Adjustable Stand - Ability to angle and position the panel as needed

Higher end LED panels designed for home use provide full body coverage, deliver a complete therapeutic spectrum, and have adjustable stands with timers/controls. This ensures you can comfortably access the benefits of red light and near-infrared therapy from head to toe.

The Takeaway

Full body LED light therapy leverages the power of light to improve cellular functions and deliver whole body wellness. Daily use of red and near-infrared wavelengths from LED panels can rejuvenate the skin, speed injury healing, reduce pain and inflammation, enhance athletic performance, and support immunity and energy.

While more research is still needed, current studies demonstrate the many therapeutic benefits of full body photobiomodulation. LED light therapy panels now make it possible to conveniently and cost-effectively harness these benefits at home. Following proper protocols, full body LED therapy is emerging as an exciting way to invest in your health and longevity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.