Living with any pain is miserable, and inflammatory digestive issues can be one of the most frustrating conditions out there — and it’s widespread, particularly as autoimmunity on the rise.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a life-long chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Among these conditions, various digestive system parts, including the bowels (intestines), become swollen, inflamed, and ulcerated. This inflammation leads to disruption of the natural processes of digesting food, absorbing nutrition, and healthily eliminating waste.
There are three forms of IBD: Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis. The main differences between the three are in the areas affected and the depth of inflammation.
Friendly bacteria may cause it, but that doesn’t make it friendly one bit — ulcerative colitis is rather uncomfortable even if the symptoms are often mild. This condition happens when the immune system mistakes our bacteria, which aids in digestion as friendly, leading to the colon and rectum's inflammation.
The main symptoms of IBD are recurring diarrhea, which may contain blood, mucus, stomach, and abdominal pain, and needing to empty your bowels frequently. It is also possible to experience extreme tiredness (fatigue) and loss of appetite, leading to weight loss.
The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is.
In 2015, an estimated 1.3% of US adults (3 million) reported being diagnosed with IBD (either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). This was a large increase from 1999 (0.9% or 2 million adults). In the latest years, autoimmune diseases have risen, including stress, diet, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep, and smoking. In general, people haven’t been leading healthy lifestyles, which results in a higher chance of developing an autoimmune disease. While there are ways to treat autoimmune diseases, they typically are conditions that stick with you as long as they can.
The number of ulcerative colitis cases was 40% higher, and Crohn’s disease was 80% higher in northern Europe than southern Europe. This gives more evidence to the theory of vitamin D deficiency coming from lack of light. In France, a study described a transparent north-south gradient for the incidence of Crohn’s disease, but not colitis.
Light therapy can help with a wide range of problems, autoimmune diseases being one of them. For different autoimmune conditions, incidences increase at ranges between 3% and 9% year on year. This includes a 7.0% increase per year of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. 6.3% increase of endocrinological conditions such as type 1 diabetes.
This is where light therapy comes in as a form of non-invasive therapy. Aside from being non-invasive, it’s an excellent option for those seeking non-pharmaceutical treatment.
The health benefits of led light therapy are many, and that’s because of how it works. In its essence, light therapy works directly on our cells. Light deposits into our skin cells, penetrating each cell in the targeted area. Then by activation of ATP, reproduction is accelerated, and cellular rejuvenation occurs throughout the whole body.
Use of light therapy at home is available simply by purchasing your own device, using it in the comfort of your own home. How does light therapy help with IBD and ulcerative colitis? Well, light therapy first and foremost helps with tissue repair. Again, through the process of cell rejuvenation and reproduction, our tissue gets the opportunity of healing as well.
By default, UV light is highly anti-microbial, which means it prevents the spread of microorganisms, which infiltrates and causes infection and inflammation. Making an adequate UV light means having the perfect wavelength, which isn’t corrupting to the genetic material and will penetrate and effectively work on the colon.
To alleviate autoimmune symptoms, red light therapy is the perfect non-invasive solution. By healing the body from the inside out, those suffering from autoimmune diseases can finally progress in the right direction. Kaiyan’s light therapy devices are MDASAP-certified and FDA-approved and perfect at-home treatments for people suffering from these conditions. Contact our team for more information.
The medical industry has taken great strides in helping to improve our understanding of the human body. We’ve found an effective treatment for Hepatitis C, eradicated smallpox and rinderpest, and are working on treatments to cure cancer. No one can say we haven’t been successful in the medical world, particularly with the help of incredible research and technology.
However, there is one family of disease that continues to be somewhat of a mystery in the medical world. And while it’s being highly studied, more and more people are being diagnosed with it.
What’s the mystery disease? It’s autoimmunity.
Now, autoimmune diseases can vary greatly, as it's an umbrella term for many autoimmune-based disorders. However, they all have one common thread, in that the body's natural defense system cannot tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells. This causes the body to attack its own cells healthy unknowingly.
Under the term "autoimmune diseases," there are around 80 different types that affect various parts of the body, with some of the most common forms manifesting as celiac, IBS, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of autoimmune diseases aren’t pleasant ones by any means. However, they do range depending on the specific condition. Many people with an autoimmune disease experience multiple symptoms such as severe inflammation, joint and pain swelling; as well as skin conditions, recurring fever, swollen glands, and digestive issues.
Though we know the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, the underlying cause can be difficult to determine for patients – exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown.
More importantly, autoimmune disorder cases are rising. A study published this year showed a staggering rise in autoimmunity in the U.S., particularly in the rate of people testing positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), the most common marker of autoimmunity. Over the course of 25 years, the researchers found an overall 50 percent increase. That is astounding.
Even though we understand these diseases are increasing, we don't know why.
But there is more and more evidence that the balance of microbiome in our guts plays a significant role. Having a diverse range of microbes positively influences our immune systems. People living in developed countries have higher rates of autoimmune diseases due to our less microbially environments. In other words, we're inside more, overuse antibiotics, live with chronic stress, and have poor diets. Not a great combination for a long and healthy life.
Autoimmune disorders are a reflection of the unhealthy environment we've created for ourselves. We're overworked, stressed, and not supplying our bodies with the proper nutrients. Of course, a lifestyle change is necessary to reduce autoimmune disorders cases and symptoms. But there's another thing you can do to help yourself, and that's by undergoing at-home light therapy treatment.
First, light therapy helps to improve immune cells, which is crucial for those with autoimmune disorders. When undergoing red light therapy, cells respond to the wavelengths. Pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α is released from the cells, and leukocytes (white blood cells) can enter the body's tissue to promote healing. In addition, red light therapy aids in activating lymphocytes, which increases the movement of epithelial cells, thus healing wounded areas quickly and increasing cell turnover rates.
But there are other symptoms red light therapy focuses on, and it's joint pain and inflammation. For people who have rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune diseases, inflammation and pain are a daily struggle. One study found that light therapy significantly improved inflammatory cells during both the early and late stages of Rheumatoid arthritis.
By using Lunas’ red light therapy devices, you’re able to tackle multiple symptoms of autoimmune disease, reduce your stress levels, and improve your immune system by investing a few minutes sitting or standing in front of your red light device.
As humans, we are made of energy and fueled by light. While nutrition and exercise play a role in our well-being and health, light plays a crucial role in us functioning optimally. New and groundbreaking research is unearthing a new understanding of how our cells function and the evidence points to the power of light.
Through technological advancements in science, it’s discovered that our bodies operate similar to a battery. Wavelengths of light give us power, while our overall health determines our ability to receive and maintain the energy from light. And this is where light therapy comes into the equation.
Science has proven that our bodies interact with specific wavelengths that benefit our bodies in various ways.
Red light therapy devices, such as light therapy masks, shine red and near-infrared light onto the skin, stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the mitochondria. By stimulating ATP, damaged cells heal, and new cells are produced faster than normal. But we’ll talk more about that in-depth a little later.
Red light therapy comprises both red light and infrared wavelengths, penetrating through the skin’s layers, right into the cells. Red light wavelengths boost collagen and elastin and improve cell communication. It penetrates superficially and helps aid various skin conditions.
Near-infrared wavelengths stimulate healing, increase mitochondrial function, and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation. Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeply into the body.
At the core of your body’s healing capabilities are the mitochondria. The mitochondria play a vital role in your internal organs and tissue, including the liver, skin, heart, and muscles. It’s in charge of the body’s energy supply via ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
With both working together, they provide energy to our body and maintain the cell cycle and growth. This is why you’ll often hear the mitochondria referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell.”
Here's how the mitochondria is affected by red light:
Interestingly, our body weight is made of 70% water, with 99% of our bodies' molecules also made of water, making it a powerful component in red light therapy treatment.
Research by Prof Gerald Pollock of the University of Washington proved that water adjacent to a cell is structured water, also known as EZ water. This specific water forms a separation of charge, functioning in the body as positive and negative poles - similar to a battery.
While we’ve been talking about red light therapy, what does it actually mean? Typically, “red light therapy” refers to natural light treatments which deliver red and near-infrared wavelengths as natural sunlight using LEDs or cold lasers.
While you may think red light therapy includes all colors of light, it doesn’t. The term doesn’t include blue or white light, and it isn’t equivalent to full-spectrum light. Red light therapy doesn’t rely on heat, differentiating it from other light-based treatments such as infrared saunas and heat therapy.
Red light therapy is also known as RLT, photobiomodulation (PBM), phototherapy, LED therapy, LED light therapy, infrared therapy, low-level laser therapy, or low-level light therapy (LLLT).
As stated before, red light therapy works to heal the entire body and functions on multiple levels.
Red light therapy affects the body in multiple ways, including bodily systems:
Fascia
Fascia is the thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds virtually every organ, muscle, nerve fiber, blood vessel, and bone in place. While it performs as an internal structure for your body, the fascia also contains nerves, making it almost as sensitive as skin.
The fascia may look like a layer of tissue; however, it’s made up of interwoven layers of collagen and elastin fibers. The fascia is overlooked, yet over recent years, it has been the key to understanding how changes in one area of our body affect others. Red light therapy works to improve communication within the fascia network.
Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis connects the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. Recent research discovered the importance of gut microbiota concerning these interactions.
Red light therapy can positively influence mood and neuropsychological issues by the following:
Immune System
Red and near-infrared light penetrate through the skin into the cells, which results in low-dose metabolic stress that strengthens the cells’ anti-inflammatory and natural defense systems. In turn, the body becomes resilient to infections.
Safe and low exposure to red light therapy improves the body’s response to external viruses and bacteria. Red light therapy can influence the immune response in the following ways:
Circulatory System
Red light therapy is scientifically proven to increase the micro-circulation of blood and support the circulatory system as a whole by stimulating the development of new capillaries which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Proper oxygen supply and flow are essential for the proliferation of cells, protein synthesis, tissue restoration, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis. In addition, circulation is also responsible for waste elimination, specifically degenerated cells.
Nervous System
The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, neurons, and neural support cells, which is your body’s command center. It controls your movements, automatic responses, and other body systems such as digestion and breathing.
Red light therapy affects the nervous system in the following ways:
For all forms of nerve damage, red light therapy offers non-pharmaceutical treatment options.
Stem Cells
Red light therapy shows impressive results regarding stem cell growth, maximizing the potential of stem cell implantation for various medical needs. Therefore, red light therapy may show positive results after surgery to stimulate stem cells which repair tissues and organs.
In studies, red light therapy has proven to stimulate mesenchymal stem cells in bone marrow, enhancing their ability to reach the brain. This research shows the possibilities of using red light therapy to heal degenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
It’s clear red light therapy provides multilevel treatment to the body, becoming a popular natural and holistic option for both professionals and consumers, but where did it come from?
Light therapy technology isn’t new; it’s been around for decades as NASA experimented with red light therapy during the 1980s and 1990s. Over the past 10-20 years, red light therapy reached a breakthrough in LED lighting technology, allowing the production of safe and affordable clinical and at-home devices.
In 2016, Kaiyan Medical became the first leading manufacturer of red light therapy of affordable FDA-approved and MDASAP-approved light therapy devices.
We mentioned red light therapy being a holistic treatment option, but what does that mean. Holistic medicine is a full-body approach to healthcare. By focusing on the body, mind, and soul, the body receives the full support and care it needs to function optimally.
Principles of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine is based on the following principles:
The purpose of treatment is to identify the underlying cause of the disease, rather than treating only the symptoms.
While there are endless benefits the body receives from red light therapy, here are the six main benefits.
Photobiomodulation, in other words, red light therapy, has proven effective against carpal tunnel syndrome, mucositis, neck pain, menstrual cramps, temporomandibular joint pain, and neuropathic pain from amputation. It also significantly reduces the pain of hypersensitivity while improving sensorimotor function.
These improvements come after anti-inflammatory cells populate the injured area, providing long-lasting pain relief. In addition, it’s also been shown to provide effective relief by affecting the following:
Red light therapy has proven to be highly effective in rapidly treating wounds from burns, scars, bedsores, ulcers, surgery incisions, and diabetic neuropathy.
NASA strongly supports this claim as this technology was used in treating wounds. Red and near-infrared light proves effective in all four phases of the wound-healing process:
These processes are regulated by various factors connected via nitric oxide (NO) signaling release, adjusted by light energy.
An issue the body encounters when trying to heal a wound is low oxygen flow, and red light increases the flow of oxygen, speeding up the natural healing process. By reducing inflammation and increasing oxygenation of the wounded area, blood vessels can form, rapidly repairing the area, lessening pain and scarring.
By reducing pain, red light therapy eliminates the reliant on pharmaceutical painkillers during the healing process.
The human body receives energy on the cellular level, maintaining communication between organs and ensuring disease resistance.
A strong immune system works to protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses at all times. With red light therapy, the body receives a boost of support as it releases nitric oxide and melatonin, two components involved in DNA repair and antimicrobial.
This process is called hormesis. Red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate through the skin into the cells, causing mild metabolic stress, which stimulates cells to activate their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant response.
With the support of red light therapy, the body is better prepared to fight infections. Numerous studies have proven red light therapy to have the following effects on the immune system:
Inflammation in the body can be acute and topical (short-term, resulting from sprains, infections, and accidents) or chronic and general (long-term, caused by ongoing conditions).
Acute inflammation is a healthy bodily response; however, chronic and general inflammation can negatively impact long-term health.
As of today, the current treatment for inflammation is NSAID or steroid drugs, both having a detrimental effect on the healing process and long-term health. Red light therapy stimulates the body to activate its natural healing mechanism, reducing the health risks of long-term drug use.
Red light therapy decreases the number of inflammatory cells, increases fibroblast proliferation (cells that synthesize collagen and other matrix macromolecules), stimulates angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels), and activates the body’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant response.
The following conditions are connected with chronic and acute inflammation, all proving promising results with red light therapy treatment:
Red light therapy is extremely popular in competitive sports and performance. It offers natural and non-pharmaceutical treatment, which applies to many areas of the body.
Aside from the overwhelming benefits on overall health, red light therapy encourages muscles growth and repair by stimulating the production of ATP, which aids in faster recovery and better performance.
Red light therapy used before training prepares and strengthens the body while aiding muscle recovery after training.
Here are the scientifically documented effects of red light therapy:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depressions, impacting 5% of Americans, specifically during the winter when there’s less natural sunlight. SAD is also known as seasonal depression or winter blues.
Many people treat SAD symptoms via bright white light treatment, mimicking the sun’s light daily. However, researchers recommend natural light treatment, like red light therapy, to help with light deficiency. Over recent years, physicians recommend red light therapy alongside psychotherapy and medication.
While many people are using red light therapy devices for at-home treatment, red light therapy systems are found in many clinical and professional settings:
Skincare Professionals: Red light therapy is a popular skincare treatment among Hollywood celebrities, including Kourtney Kardashian, Julia Roberts, and Emma Stone. Leading skincare professionals like dermatologists and aestheticians use red light therapy to help promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and treat skin conditions.
Health Practitioners: Health practitioners from all specialties are incorporating red light therapy into their practice. Dentists use it to reduce inflammation, physicians for mental health conditions, and oncologists for cancer side effects.
Natural Health Experts: Leading voices in the health and wellness industry such as Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, Ben Greenfield, and Dave Asprey strongly support the use of red light therapy. Paleo and Keto health experts like Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, Luke Story, and Dr. Anthony Gustin also support red light therapy.
Sports Medicine Pros: The National Sports Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) adopted red light therapy to treat sports injuries. Top trainers and doctors, including Dr. Troy Van Biezen and Dr. Ara Suppiah, use red light therapy to heal their athletes.
Elite Pro Athletes: Professional athletes worldwide, including NFL stars like Patrick Peterson, UFC champion Anthony Pettis, and gold medal gymnast Sanne Weavers use red light therapy to enhance performance and quicken recovery.
Fitness & Training: World-renown fitness trainers, including Lacey Stone and Jorge Cruise, use red light therapy to enhance athletic performance and muscle recovery.
Supportive Cancer Care: The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) recommends the treatment of red light therapy for oral mucositis (OM), a common symptom of cancer treatment.
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Section 201(h) of the Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act defines a medical device as any healthcare product that does not achieve its principal intended purposes by chemical action or metabolized.
The FDA approval of an IDE is required for US human study of a significant risk device that is not approved for the study's indication.
Device trials are unique.
Background of medical issue, the study goals, and why this study will further the science.
Should include:
Discussion of the appropriateness of endpoint parameters, hypotheses, and success criteria
Should evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the device in the population expected to be indicated.
Driven by either:
The minimum number of patients and/or minimum duration of follow-up may be required depending on:
Generally used to evaluate additional meaningful claims.
One size does not fit all for device trials. Pivotal studies should be designed to evaluate whether there is a “reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.” PMA approbation is based upon a Benefit-Risk assessment that strongly considers the outcome of primary safety and effectiveness endpoints. Secondary endpoints are generally used to support claims if the primary endpoints are successful. All endpoint analyses and definitions should be clearly pre-specified in the approved clinical protocol.
