No, it’s not what you think. As I continue to embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes self-care, I have been engaging in a few therapies that I find to be personally beneficial. The great news is that there is a bit of science supporting my experiences. Here, the focus is on near infrared and red light therapy.

The Red Light Therapy Experience
As a melanated woman, I initially found the experience to be a bit odd because the bed looks like a tanning bed. I’ve never used a tanning bed and have only seen them on television. I got past the resemblance and got right in!
It doesn’t feel like anything is happening at all, however I noticed differences in my skin and tend to fall asleep while engaging with the combined red light and near infrared bed. Because the facility I use includes a dual purpose bed – red light and near infrared – let’s talk about each.
What is red light therapy?
As shared above, red light therapy is great for the skin. Per my float spa of choice, the red light therapy has the potential to:
- decrease inflammation
- smooth skin tone
- repair sun damage
- fade scars & stretch marks
- buld collagen
- reduce wrinkles
In a red light therapy webinar hosted by Jonathan Otto, I learned that red light has the ability to penetrate the body deeper than any other form of light. One of the most interesting things shared in the webinar was the fact that red light therapy aids in the detox process. Red light allows blood to move from our organs into the skin. By doing so, the organ mass/size is much smaller allowing for a faster and more efficient detoxification process. I don’t know about you, but I am intrigued!
In addition to some of the cosmetic benefits listed above, red light therapy has also been clinically proven to diffuse tumors, cysts and polyps. Additionally, this therapy aids in hair growth, immunity, short term pain relief and more.
Near Infrared
While red light has the ability to penetrate the body, near infrared penetrates the body much more deeply as its wavelengths are longer. Near infrared can be associated with pain relief and cell rejuvenation.
According to Degree Wellness, near infrared can also be associated with increased energy, reduced body fat and even metabolism boosts.
My Spiritualism
I believe that all that was created is for good. On the first day, God created light. I find it no coincidence that the light we know (and often take for granted) is composed of seven different colors. As God would have it, each of those spectrums has a purpose. I dare you to meditate on that. I dare you to consider how something as beautiful as light can help to heal our temples.
Peace and Love.
