Shining a Light on Alternative Therapies: The Differences Between Red Light Therapy and Chromotherapy
Our High Tech Health Saunas have a light inside that we can change the color of and it can range through the entire rainbow of colors. We frequently get asked when the red light is on, if it is the same as red light therapy. Our bulb is meant for chromotherapy.
Red light therapy and chromotherapy are both alternative therapies that utilize the power of light to promote healing and wellbeing. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some important differences between these two therapies.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a type of therapy that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate the cells in the body. This therapy has been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin conditions. Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin and stimulating the mitochondria in the cells, which then produce more energy and promote healing.
Red light therapy is often used for a variety of purposes, including pain management, wound healing, and skin rejuvenation. It has also been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.
What is Chromotherapy?
Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is a complementary and alternative therapy that is based on the concept that different colors of light can have different effects on the human body. While the origins of chromotherapy are not entirely clear, it is believed to have roots in ancient cultures around the world, including Egypt, Greece, China, and India. In Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system of medicine from India, colors are believed to be associated with different chakras or energy centers in the body, and each color is believed to have a specific effect on physical and emotional health. According to this theory, each chakra is associated with a specific color, and by exposing the body to that color, it is possible to balance the chakra and promote healing.
Chromotherapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as aromatherapy and massage, to promote relaxation and wellbeing. Some studies have shown that certain colors can have a psychological and emotional effect on individuals.
Many who are not from these cultures, write chromotherapy off as “spiritual-woo,” but it seems that our western science is starting to catch up with how color affects us. For example, experts are saying that blue light before bed is bad for you. Blue light is a type of light with a short wavelength and high energy. It’s emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, as well as by LED lights and some types of fluorescent bulbs. Exposure to blue light before bedtime has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, which can have negative effects on health and wellbeing. The reason for this is that blue light can suppress the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is typically produced in response to darkness, so exposure to blue light before bedtime can trick the body into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Studies have shown that exposure to blue light before bedtime can reduce the quality and duration of sleep, as well as interfere with the body's natural circadian rhythms. Poor sleep has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and depression.
These same experts say to use red light before bed instead of the blue light, what is the science behind that recommendation. While blue light exposure before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns, exposure to red light may actually have a positive effect on sleep. The reason for this is that exposure to red light does not have the same suppressive effect on melatonin production as blue light. Studies have shown that exposure to red light can help improve sleep quality and duration, as well as enhance the body's natural circadian rhythms. One study found that exposure to red light for two hours before bedtime helped individuals fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply than those who were exposed to dim white light.
So clearly, the different wavelengths of each color of light has a specific effect on our bodies, to some degree.
Differences between Red Light Therapy and Chromotherapy
While both red light therapy and chromotherapy use light as a therapeutic tool, there are some important differences between these two therapies.
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the cells in the body and promote healing and is often used for specific purposes, such as pain management, wound health, and skin rejuvenation. Chromotherapy, on the other hand, has a much more subtle and/or cumulative effect on us.
So is a normal red light bulb the same as Red Light Therapy?
No, a normal red light bulb is not the same as Red Light Therapy. While both emit red light, the intensity and wavelength of the light can differ significantly between a standard red light bulb and a device designed for Red Light Therapy.
Red light therapy devices typically use high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit light in the red to near-infrared spectrum. The light is often pulsed or delivered in a specific pattern to target specific tissues or cells in the body. The wavelength of the light used in red light therapy is typically between 600 and 1000 nanometers, which is believed to penetrate deeper into the skin and tissues than standard red light bulbs.
Standard red light bulbs, on the other hand, emit red light at a lower intensity and a wider range of wavelengths. While they may still provide some of the benefits associated with red light therapy, such as promoting relaxation and reducing stress, they are not designed to deliver the targeted, high-intensity light required for therapeutic purposes.Overall, while both standard red light bulbs and Red Light Therapy devices emit red light, they differ in terms of intensity and wavelength, and the therapeutic effects may also differ.
