Could Infrared Light Heal the Brain?
Photo by Kjpargeter
Emerging research into near-infrared light therapy (NIR) is revealing its remarkable potential to heal brain injuries and neurological conditions by enhancing cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and promoting neural connectivity, offering hope for millions affected by traumatic brain injuries and beyond. NIR therapy is the use of light on the near-infrared light spectrum, which ranges from 700 to 1100 nanometers, to help stimulate brain activity and promote healing. This type of therapy is effective because it is able to penetrate tissues, such as the human skull, and affect the cells deep in the body, like brain tissue. But how exactly does NIR help the brain?
One possible advantage is that the light stimulates the mitochondria in the brain. Specifically, it stimulates a protein called cytochrome c oxidase, which is found inside mitochondria. When this protein is stimulated, electron transfer through the electron transfer chain becomes more efficient and boosts mitochondrial respiration. Mitochondrial respiration is the process of using oxygen to convert energy from nutrients to ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This improvement in ATP production helps provide energy for cellular repair. Infrared light also helps reduce inflammation and improves blood flow to the brain, healing and repairing the cells. Studies also show that NIR helps increase resting-state brain connectivity, promoting the growth of neurons, particularly after acute or subacute phases after brain trauma. Resting-state brain connectivity is essential for brain function, as it supports communication between different brain regions, which is vital for recovery and neuron growth following brain injuries.
The applications of this method of therapy are many. Infrared therapy is primarily used in the process of treating traumatic brain injuries. However, it is also used in numerous other applications such as stroke recovery, or mitigating neurodegenerative diseases. Infrared light helps with strokes because of how it stimulates blood flow as mentioned above. This method also works with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s because while these diseases destroy the cells within the brain, infrared therapy promotes cell growth and regeneration, and enhances neural plasticity. NIR is known to assist the brain in killing amyloid plaques, a toxic effect of Alzheimer’s, and can reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which is a side effect of Parkinson’s. Oxidative stress involves an excess of free radicals and a deficiency of antioxidants.
Red-light therapy, another light therapy that uses visible light as opposed to infrared light, has also shown promise in brain healing, especially in conditions like depression and brain injuries. It promotes ATP production, reduces inflammation, and enhances blood flow, potentially benefiting millions suffering from various neurological issues. Studies suggest it could significantly improve the quality of life for those with Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and other conditions. Clinical NIR and red-light therapy are still in the testing phase and have not been consistently used in clinical practice yet, so it will be exciting to see if their theoretical applications can transition to more practical uses. Before these therapies can be used clinically, they must be evaluated for potential side effects and effectiveness. Both red-light and near-infrared light therapy represent an exciting and new phase for the study of neurology and a promising advancement for the world.
