THE POWER OF RED LIGHT THERAPY WITH BEN GREENFIELD
Exploring the Benefits and Daily Routine of Red Light Therapy for Optimal Health
BEN GREENFIELD
2024
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When I first introduced red light therapy, also known as "photobiomodulation," it was relatively unknown outside of the fringe biohacking community. Today, it has become a mainstream optimization tool used by professional sports teams, training clinics, and individuals at home. My work as a biohacking and fitness expert has been dedicated to optimizing the body, spirit, and mind by combining ancestral wisdom and modern science. While red light therapy falls into the category of modern science, light as a healing modality has been recognized for centuries.
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Light therapy leverages specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light, delivered via high-quality LED technology, to stimulate mitochondrial function and improve cellular metabolic activity. This can enhance muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and pain, improve sleep, and promote overall skin health.
Historically, light has been recognized for its healing properties. Studies from as early as the 1700s and 1800s have demonstrated its therapeutic effects on chronic disease, joint pain, and gastric inflammation. Modern research continues to validate these findings, showing that red light therapy can significantly benefit hormonal health, gut microbiome, and cognitive functions.
Ben Greenfield
Basking in the red light
My personal journey with red light therapy began in 2017, when I experimented with using it to boost testosterone levels. Over time, I have integrated red light therapy into my daily routine, finding it beneficial for various aspects of health, including muscle recovery, skin health, blood flow, and inflammation management. High-quality light therapy devices use medical-grade LEDs to deliver clinical doses of light power to the skin without the need for heat, excess UV rays, or chemicals. The Joovv devices I use are designed for optimal power and safety, featuring custom modes like Recovery+ and Ambient, which enhance muscle recovery and improve sleep quality.
Red light therapy has been extensively studied and is shown to be safe and effective, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed studies highlighting its benefits. It works by stimulating ATP production in cells, which helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. Incorporating red light therapy into a daily routine can be highly efficient. For instance, I use a full-body Joovv panel every morning while drinking my coffee and reading. When traveling, I take the portable Joovv Go 2.0 to maintain my routine.
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The health benefits of red light therapy are extensive. It helps in muscle recovery and physical performance by boosting ATP energy production, which allows for harder and faster workouts with less pain. For skin health, red light therapy improves skin tone and complexion, diminishes signs of aging, and boosts collagen production. It also enhances blood flow, which improves circulation efficiency. Managing inflammation is another key benefit, as red light therapy helps control inflammation and start the healing process efficiently.
Ben Greenfield
Setting up his red light panels
The latest research on red light therapy shows promising results in three main areas: hormonal health, gut health, and cognitive function. Studies have found that red light therapy can increase hormone levels, support gut microbiome health by reducing harmful cytokines, and improve cognitive functions such as memory and executive function. These findings suggest that red light therapy can be a game-changer for those looking to optimize their overall health.
In conclusion, red light therapy is a powerful tool that combines the benefits of ancient wisdom and modern science. By incorporating red light therapy into your daily routine, you can enhance your overall health and well-being. Whether you're looking to improve muscle recovery, skin health, blood flow, or cognitive function, red light therapy offers a practical and effective solution.
To learn more about the benefits and my detailed routine of red light therapy, read the full article here.