Red Light Therapy for Female Health

In recent years, the emergence of red and near-infrared light therapy, otherwise known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has garnered significant attention as a non-invasive and drug-free solution for enhancing and aiding human health across a spectrum of different concerns.

Photobiomodulation involves the administration of specific light wavelengths to the body. The utilisation of red and near-infrared wavelengths in these therapeutic applications facilitates deep penetration into the skin, interacting with cellular entities and aiding the internal structures of the body, thus promoting various physiological responses. These encompass; increased cellular energy, improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue repair, among many other benefits.

More recently, light is being studied in accordance with aiding health among women. Specifically aiding in womb/uterine health, in many more ways than you might expect. Keep reading to find out more!

Tackling Period Pain

Dysmenorrhea, commonly referred to as menstrual pain, affects a significant number of women worldwide. Studies have shown that PBM can help alleviate menstrual pain by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of uterine muscles. By targeting the affected pelvic area, this therapy may provide a non-invasive alternative for managing menstrual discomfort. PBM makes for the perfect drug-free analgesic (pain relief) and can be used as often as required during the painful times of your menstruation, as over-dosing cannot occur.

PBM has also shown to be effective at managing pain of conditions such as endometriosis, furthermore, as PBM is an external therapy, it cannot contraindicate with drugs, and so, can also work well alongside pain medication and/or anti-inflammatory foods (and womb-loving herbs) to bring the best possible relief.

Using Photizo for Menstrual Pain

For optimum efficacy, gently touch the LED light on the device against the skin, hold in place until one dose is complete, and then move the LED panel to the subsequent affected area, administering doses until the entire painful area is treated. The Photizo is safe to use on all external areas, including the lower tummy areas to the external lower regions, and there is no 'maximum dosage,' meaning you can use it as frequently as required.

The application of PBM to the lower abdominal regions

We are aware of how potent rays of red and near-infrared light from high strength LEDs can penetrate through the skin and cells within internal organs, this holds true for its application in enhancing womb health. The light of PBM actively works in the internal womb space by placing the LED panel on the outer skin of the lower tummy area, and several studies have been conducted in regard to this. The results of which showed that as PBM increases collagen synthesis and helps build elasticity, this may lead to improved pelvic floor tonicity. It can also be used as an integrated approach to combatting GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause) by reducing dryness and helping reduce the severity and pain of UTI’s.

Post-Partum Rehabilitation

According to some studies, frequent application of PBM shows promising results in aiding women’s healing post-partum, by both prepping the cells to heal to their best possible ability and stimulating collagen and elastin. Potentially aiding both those who have given birth vaginally and also those post-caesarean section (in which case - PBM has shown even more impressive results, such as drastically reducing scarring when used frequently during the wound healing, and visibly faster, cleaner and more effective wound healing when applying this regularly post-surgery). PBM may also be beneficial at aiding post-partum haemorrhage and causing a reduction in sensitivity and pain in swollen breasts, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, it was also concluded in a 2021 study that Photobiomodulation with LED provides analgesic effects during labour, when, during a controlled study, those who had LED administered during birthing noticed significantly less pain than those who were instead administered shower therapy. Isn’t it brilliant what a little light can do?

Skin health

As an integral role of PBM is to stimulate and regulate collagen and elastin synthesis, it equally is beneficial for improving skin health, therefore being an excellent modality to reduce fine lines and wrinkles as we age. We can see in various studies that PBM has potential to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular applications.

Furthermore, as PBM shows to play a role in both reducing inflammation alongside aiding hormonal balance, this makes it an excellent modality for reducing hormonal acne and any skin inflammation that occurs around our cycles. With regular treatments on affected areas, we should see a vast improvement on hormonal skin issues, from dryness, to oily skin and acne.

Uncovering the Light

In the world of women's health, the emerging field of Photobiomodulation shows great promise for preventing and treating various issues. It has great potential to bring multiple advantages such as reducing menstrual pain, rejuvenating after childbirth, and improving skin health. These benefits highlight its potential as a natural and drug-free solution. As scientists uncover more about how PBM works, it could become an important part of overall approaches to women's well-being. This could change the way we look at healthcare, offering a hopeful option for those who want safe, effective, and new ways to improve their health.

The power of light really is potent! And the studies that continue to emerge from research facilities never cease to amaze us. Specifically, for us at Photizo UK, a women-run Photobiomodulation device distributor, seeing more and more studies that are targeted towards women popping up in media has us brimming with delight! And it is so exciting that we can share these studies with you. Our hopes are that by educating you, you will feel inspired to learn more about these modalities and share them with other women. Breaking the stigma of our bodies’ natural processes, scratching the itch of curiosity and finding new ways to alleviate our discomfort and aid our health throughout our cycles and beyond.

Shine bright, ladies!

Article written by Liv Aires of Photizo UK

Find out more about how Photobiomodulation can help you by clicking the link below:

Related Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28686000/

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6648197/

• https://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com/content/research/photobiomodulation-a-cultural-nursing-intervention-for-physical-and-psychological-adaptation

• https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/photob.2020.4976