HACK YOUR BRAIN WITH LIGHT: FROM PROTOTYPES TO PERFECTION
With Vielight
LARA HEMERYCK
2024
Innovation is rarely a smooth ride. I find it easier to trust technologies that have come about with enough trial, error, and experimentation. Vielight is one such company building a biohacking solution using photobiomodulation (PBM) technology. Sitting down with Dr. Lew Lim, the founder, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the passion, creativity, and relentless problem-solving that has brought these groundbreaking devices to life.
What Exactly Is Photobiomodulation?
You might have heard of it as red light therapy—a non-invasive technique that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate the mitochondria in your cells. Think of mitochondria as your body’s powerhouse, and PBM as their efficiency upgrade. This boost in activity translates to:
Increased ATP Production
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy source for all cellular processes, especially in the brain. By stimulating mitochondria, PBM boosts ATP production, fueling peak mental function for you.Enhanced Blood Flow
PBM also improves cerebral circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach every corner of your brain. The result is sharper focus, faster processing, and improved clarity.Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the brain is linked to numerous cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. PBM supports neuroprotection, reducing any inflammation and accelerating your recovery from physical or cognitive strain.Boosted Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to adapt, learn, and recover. PBM elevates levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for memory formation, learning, and resilience, and even the formation of new brain cells.
The Birth of an Idea
The story of Vielight began with one big question: What if we could harness the power of light to optimize the human mind? This wasn’t just about jumping on a wellness trend. It was about building something real, backed by science, to make human life better.
Of course, bringing this idea to life wasn’t all smooth sailing. Dr. Lim shared stories of early prototypes that overheated, delivered inefficient light, and just didn’t work the way they envisioned. The final product that’s in the market today, and has surpassed all these consumer hurdles, is a testament to his resilience and focus. To ensure the product works efficiently and efficaciously, a strategic decision was taken to not settle for off-the-shelf components, but custom-build the right ones. As consumers, we would not have known of the difference, but the team refused to settle. Each redesign experiment highlights a commitment to safety, efficacy, and making the devices as user-friendly as possible. The result of this unwavering precision is that Vielight is now trusted across the spectrum, whether it’s elite athletes, creatives, or everyday biohackers.
VieLight
Turning science into solutions
Turning Science into Solutions
Vielight Neuro(TM), their flagship line of at-home brain health devices, features industry-leading LED technology that creates a unique laser-like energy profile with high safety. The irradiance generated can deliver NIR energy through the skull of the brain, bypassing human hair. The technology emphasises the brain’s Default Mode Network using their patented technology. An interesting, often unheard of feature, is the intranasal photobiomodulation (iPBM) that delivers NIR energy through the nose. The insight for this was that the olfactory bulb is directly connected to brain regions responsible for processing memories whereas the ventromedial prefrontal cortex supports cognitive processes. Depending on need, in the Neuro versions, you can either select the Alpha (10 Hz wave activity calm mental state and improved sleep), Gamma (40 Hz wave activity for higher brain functions like cognition and memory), or Duo (gives access to both pulse rates) models. The flagship Neuro Pro version allows unprecedented versatility in adjustments to pulse frequency, power, and more – with presets that can elevate meditation states and cognitive functions.
Vielight’s portfolio has now expanded to systemic health and immunity and is set to launch products using AI in the coming months.
PBM in the Real World: Game-Changing Results
Hearing about PBM’s success stories is where it gets exciting. These aren’t just lab-tested results—they’re real-world wins. These recent news headlines could largely be due to improvement in performance from using Vielight for resilience and recovery from traumatic brain injury, and improved brain functions.
Ilia Topuria (UFC Champion)
In the Octagon, milliseconds matter. For Ilia Topuria, PBM could have sharpened his reaction times, boosted his focus, and protected his brain from the intense and repeated impacts of MMA. His 2024 winning streak reflects what PBM can do for mental resilience and physical recovery in high-stakes sports.
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Amber Glenn (Figure Skater)
Amber Glenn’s 2024 Grand Prix victory wasn’t just about skill—it was about precision, memory, and recovery. After using PBM to bounce back from a brain injury, Glenn reportedly found new levels of spatial awareness and stress resilience, helping her dominate on the ice.
BYU Football’s Comeback Season
A struggling college football team turning their season around isn’t unheard of—but going from a 5-7 record for the full 2023 season to 9-0 in the 2024 season up to October? That’s extraordinary. PBM likely played a key role in overcoming the consequences of repeated head impact in the sport, enhancing focus, reaction time and cognitive synergy among players. It shows how light therapy can elevate individuals and entire teams.
Beyond Sports: PBM for Everyday Excellence
Here’s where PBM gets even cooler—it’s not just for athletes. Artists, knowledge workers, first responders, and even meditators are using it to level up.
Creativity: PBM boosts divergent thinking, helping creatives dream up bold, out-of-the-box ideas.
Productivity: Forget the midday crash. PBM helps knowledge workers stay sharp without relying on caffeine or other stimulants.
Stress Resilience: From CEOs to emergency responders, PBM enhances focus and decision-making under pressure.
Mindfulness: Meditators can use PBM to deepen their practice, aligning light therapy with brainwave states for next-level clarity.
VieLight
The future is bright
The Future is Bright (Literally)
The next wave of PBM innovation is just around the corner and is seriously exciting. Imagine:
AI-Driven Personalization: Devices that adapt PBM settings to your unique brain activity.
Real-Time Feedback: EEG integration that shows how PBM is working for you at the moment.
Remote monitoring: Real-time monitoring and archiving usage data of connected Vielight devices from anywhere in the world.
Multimodal Synergies: Pairing PBM with tools like transcranial magnetic stimulation for even more powerful results.
Getting Started: Your First Step with PBM
Curious about trying PBM for yourself? Vielight makes it easy. Start with:
The Right Device: Choose one optimized for brain stimulation with proven near infrared wavelengths. Vielight’s devices are leading the pack.
A Simple Protocol: Use PBM for 20 minutes a day or every other day.
Frequency Tweaks: Experiment—40 Hz is great for focus, while 10 Hz helps you relax.
Stacks for Success: Combine PBM with meditation, nootropics, or other wellness hacks for amplified effects.
Final Thoughts: A Light-Driven Revolution
Vielight’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t come from cutting corners—it comes from pushing boundaries and staying committed to your vision. Whether you’re chasing championship titles, designing your next masterpiece, or just trying to feel a little sharper every day, PBM is unlocking new levels of human potential.
And the best part? This is just the beginning. With research and technology evolving at lightning speed, the possibilities for PBM are limitless. Dr. Lim says, “There are more discoveries that we will be translating into future models. However, what is offered now by Vielight represents the state-of-art, resulting from extensive investment into R&D and clinical studies over the years”.
So, what do you say? Ready to shine a little brighter?