Red Light Therapy
How did I discover red light? I got a coupon for a free month tanning at a local tanning salon. I am in my 30′s, and I don’t “go tanning” anymore. I didn’t want to let a coupon go to waste, though. I caught “light” from a friend of a light therapy she was using. It sounded very interesting. It was like a tanning bed, but the light was good for you. The results were all positive and sounded amazing. It also sounded expensive. My first question was, “Does insurance cover it?” (I had gotten very good at using my insurance company to my advantage since I never get sick). She then told me where she went to do this red light. It was at a tanning salon! And, it was at the salon where my coupon was good at. The next day, I went to check it out, but not before I did some research.
What is Red Light? Red light is at the opposite end of the light spectrum from UV, damaging rays. Red light rays have a stronger wavelength, which allows it to penetrate the skin’s surface and promote all sorts of healing. Red Light therapy was developed by NASA and is FDA approved.
Benefits of Red Light?
- Promotes collagen production (helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles-this was the #1 reason I decided to use it before I knew of all the other benefits, which would help my training)
- Decreases injury healing time
- Stimulates the production of ATP, a source of energy in our body’s tissues (ATP helps increase blood circulation)
- Triggers the body’s own defenses, treating the source of pain, instead of masking the symptoms (no need for a pill!!)
- Releases endorphins
- Warm and relaxing!
I signed up for an unlimited package, and go as often as I can. The sessions are 10 minutes each, and some days I do two sessions back to back. I went every day when I first signed up. Now, I try to go when I am more sore than usual, and after my long runs. It is very relaxing, and in the cold, dark winter months in Seattle, it’s like being in the sun, but without the harmful rays! Call around to your local tanning salons and ask if they offer red light therapy. Now, GO!
