Red Light Therapy: Mental Health and Autoimmune

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT)-also known as photobiomodulation (PBM)-uses red and near-infrared light (600–1000 nm wavelengths) to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and support mitochondrial health. At Highlands in Bloom (HiB), we incorporate daily red light therapy sessions as part of our complementary and alternative medicine program. Clients combine RLT with sauna and cold plunge therapy to support both mental and physical healing from autoimmune disorders, trauma, chronic fatigue, and nervous system dysregulation.

How Red Light Therapy Works at the Cellular Level

RLT works by delivering light energy (photons) that penetrates deep into the body’s tissues, reaching the mitochondria or the energy centers of your cells.

Scientific Mechanism:

• Photons stimulate cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in mitochondria.
• This boosts ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, improving energy for cellular repair.
• Simultaneously, RLT reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Scientific Research Supporting RLT

For Mental Health:

• A 2018 study in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that near-infrared light therapy improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety by enhancing mitochondrial function in brain cells.
• RLT boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-a protein crucial for neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and recovery from trauma (Neuroscience Letters, 2017).

For Autoimmune & Inflammation:

• A 2017 review in AIMS Biophysics shows RLT reduces systemic inflammation, a root cause of autoimmune flare-ups, by modulating cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha.
• Clinical studies confirm RLT improves symptoms of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing pain, improving circulation, and boosting mitochondrial efficiency (Lasers in Medical Science, 2020).

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Highlands in Bloom Clients

For Mental Health:

• Reduces anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms
• Supports nervous system regulation (parasympathetic activation)
• Improves sleep and emotional resilience

For Autoimmune & Physical Wellness:

• Reduces joint pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness
• Boosts energy and reduces chronic fatigue
• Supports immune system modulation

How We Integrate RLT With Sauna and Cold Plunge

Red Light Therapy. Sauna. Cold Plunge

Designed to optimize circulation, detoxification, and nervous system balance.

1. Red Light Therapy: Prepares cells by boosting mitochondrial energy and reducing inflammation.
2. Infrared Sauna: Promotes detoxification, increases circulation, and supports lymphatic drainage.
3. Cold Plunge: Activates the vagus nerve, reduces inflammation, and improves stress resilience.

Why This Combo Works:

• Heat from the sauna increases blood flow, opening up pathways for cellular waste removal.
• Cold plunge triggers hormetic stress – a beneficial stressor that enhances resilience, immune regulation, and mood stabilization.
• Red light primes cells to respond better to both heat and cold by improving energy availability.

Recommended Frequency at Highlands in Bloom

• Red Light Therapy: Daily, 10–15 minutes, morning or mid-day for energy, mood, and inflammation support.
• Sauna + Cold Plunge: 3–5 times per week, post-RLT for maximum benefit to circulation, lymphatic flow, and nervous system reset.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Yes. RLT is FDA-approved for pain management and muscle recovery, with a strong safety profile. It is non-invasive, with no UV exposure or significant side effects when used as recommended.

Contraindications are minimal but include pregnancy, active cancer sites (without medical approval), and certain photosensitivity conditions.

Scientific References

1. Cassano, P. et al. (2018). Frontiers in Neuroscience. Effects of near-infrared light on depression and anxiety.
2. Naeser, M. et al. (2016). Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. Improved cognitive function with transcranial RLT.
3. Hamblin, M. (2017). AIMS Biophysics. Mechanisms of low-level light therapy on inflammation and immune modulation.
4. Leal-Junior, E.C. et al. (2020). Lasers in Medical Science. Red light therapy in autoimmune and chronic pain disorders.
5. Gonzalez-Lima, F. et al. (2017). Neuroscience Letters. RLT improves BDNF and cognitive function.

Conclusion: Why We Use Red Light Therapy at Highlands in Bloom

At Highlands in Bloom, red light therapy is a cornerstone of our holistic approach to healing. For clients facing mental health challenges, trauma, or autoimmune conditions, RLT provides cellular-level support that enhances the benefits of therapy, nutrition, and complementary wellness practices.

Combined with infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy, it offers a powerful trifecta for reducing inflammation, restoring energy, and balancing the nervous system.

Learn More or Book a Tour

Visit Highlands in Bloom to explore how our integrative mental health and autoimmune treatment program supports true mind-body healing.

Highlands in Bloom

Residential Treatment Center for Autoimmune + Mental Health

Agoura Hills, California

(805) 892-6313

www.highlandsinbloom.com

Licensed by CDSS • Certified by DHCS • JCAHO Accredited