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There are many factors to consider when looking for the best light therapy device: design quality, setup options, warranty & service, safety certifications, and power output. A red light therapy device’s power and energy tend to be the most confusing and misleading factors. We explain how to determine the light therapy device’s power in this article.
At Kaiyan, we have two ways to evaluate light power from a light therapy device.
1. Radiant Flux or Total Light Output: This measures the maximum light-emitting capability or how it converts electrical power into light energy. This is the most accurate way to measure a lightweight therapy device by evaluating its spectral power distribution (SPD). This measurement requires an integrated sphere measuring device. The standard unit for radiant flux is milliwatts (mW) or watts (W).
2. Irradiance: Provides a measurement of power at a specific distance from the light source over a specified area. This is the power value used to determine the energy delivered during treatment. The standard unit for irradiance is mW/cm2, which provides milliwatts over a square centimeter.
The trend of promoting red light therapy devices to market their irradiance has become more common, even though it can be misleading. The companies want you to believe that more power is always better and offers the most. They use solar meters to measure their devices, which are intended for solar panels, not light therapy products. This is very misleading and has created confusion for buyers.
Power meters have to be calibrated to the wavelength of light they are measuring and can only measure one wavelength at a time. This means you cannot measure red light at ~660 nm simultaneously with infrared light at ~850 nm. Some companies do this, and they pass on meaningless specs to their customers.
China’s overall economic recovery in part has been attributed to the strong rebound in the manufacturing sector. The medical device manufacturing sector specifically recorded an astounding 46.4% growth.
Despite living in the age of automation, labor remains one of the higher costs of manufacturing. Manufacturing companies in the west have to deal with worker’s unions, paying high wages, and inflexible staffing that cannot readily scale and resize as fluctuating production output needs may require. On the other hand, achieving this flexibility level is easier for Chinese manufacturers due to China’s readily available, efficient workforce. This used to be the primary reason for companies to outsource their manufacturing activities in China.
Manufacturing in China can significantly bring down overall production costs, and a large part of those savings is due to Chinese labor efficiency. Chinese facilities have been optimizing manufacturing costs for decades and have largely achieved very efficient workforce operations. Depending on the labor intensity of product manufacturing activities, a Chinese facility can offer an excellent number of parts produced per work hour spent.
Another most important manufacturing cost is raw materials cost, for which China also provides a cost-effective option, for two main reasons. Firstly, the same labor efficiency condition exists throughout the entire raw materials production value chain. So Chinese manufacturing companies can themselves access cost-efficient raw materials than most companies based in other countries. Secondly, the transfer of materials is cheap since it only happens from close sources and within China. This results in avoiding long shipping routes, additional customs tariffs, and long delivery waiting times. When manufacturers in all industries are trying to cut expenses and maximize profits to remain competitive, access to affordable raw materials can help bring down manufacturing costs to a considerable extent.
Most Chinese manufacturing facilities will typically have low cost local (or close) material suppliers. This way, they gain a significant cost advantage that further contributes to their cost-effectiveness.
Companies worldwide are nowadays targeting the growing Asian markets, so much so that the phrase “expand to Asia” has become somewhat of a cliché business term. China is the largest of those markets, with its consumer market surpassing $6 trillion in value. Moreover, it also benefits from its proximity to several large and growing markets, such as India and South Korea. In terms of regulatory compliance, medical devices of Chinese manufacturing have no issues in being accepted in both the country’s domestic and other Asian markets. So outsourcing medical device production to China gives manufacturers access to its rapidly growing domestic market, as well as immediate access to its developing neighboring markets.
In times of market, instability is when a supply chain is a huge determining factor for a manufacturer’s chance for survival. Chinese materials suppliers have been rapidly evolving, following the country's growing trend of becoming an international manufacturing hub. This has made it easier for medical device contract manufacturers to identify and establish a trustworthy network of reliable local suppliers.
This gives the more top tier Chinese manufacturers such as Kaiyan, the opportunity to create resilience in the face of the coronavirus outbreak. Additionally, a robust supply chain allows for a manufacturer’s flexibility to offer simple, efficient, and flexible options for increasing or scaling production as market needs change. What’s also important is that this supply chain evolution has also increased quality standards, which is a decisive factor in medical device manufacturing.
Realizing the potential of its market in the era of globalization, China has spent the last decades developing its technology. Heavy investments in research and development, importing talent and technology, and the emergence of specialized tech hubs have helped China gain an innovation edge over other emerging countries. The mentality of rapid research and development is of notable importance and surpasses the speed of many tech hubs in the west. Part of the reason this happens is that such a large portion of the world’s product manufacturing has been outsourced to China. And the low costs achieved by Chinese companies are not the result of just cheap labor, but also, to an extent, involve practical applications of innovative technologies.
Another benefit of manufacturing in China is the ability to scale up or down as needs change. Top tier Chinese factories such as Kaiyan’s facilities are manufacturing products for many companies at the same facility, so they have the means to produce large quantities and adapt according to the market’s and customer’s needs. And being able to scale up easily is an obvious advantage. A critical characteristic of every trade is offering product availability. As you market your medical device to new markets, customers, importers, and distributors, you will be required to increase quantities and ensure timely delivery. Manufacturing your medical device in a Chinese facility that can support scaling up production becomes an obvious advantage.
COVID-19 has created challenges for nearly every market, and the medical device manufacturing industry is no exception. As the virus sweeps the globe, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for leaders to overcome the arising challenges and prepare for the future.
While I firmly believe the key to navigating this evolving landscape is putting quality at the forefront of all activities, a function made seamless through best of breed quality management tools, I was curious what other industry leaders had to say.
The following are some of their best tips for effectively leading and managing teams during the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing your organization for what’s to come.
Keep in touch. Let your people know where things stand with the business. At home or in the office practicing social distancing, each of your workers will be dealing with different issues, both private and professional. The distributed workforce requires even more channels to help people stay connected.
“Leadership needs to provide regular communication, be transparent about the impact of the pandemic on your company, and set expectations with your team, investors, partners, and customers. There is a great deal of uncertainty in the world, and clarity from management is one of the keys to a healthy organization.” — Paul Grand, CEO, MedTech Innovator
Be sensitive to employees’ personal situations. Every member has their own worries and family needs during this crisis. Review goals and when needed realign expectations to match current circumstances.
Balance the content. Focus on efficiency in meetings to ensure your team still has time to do their work and manage their personal situation. The recommended time for meetings should be 15 minutes with no more than 4 people per meeting
Office time should be reduced. To avoid conflicts, make sure yo manage expectations. Be clear about your expectations and the expectation from your team during these challenging times. The last thing you want to do is have misunderstandings or conflicts with a good working team.
The key purpose of a leader is to continuously motivate and support the team. Talk about work-life structures, supporting flexible working arrangements, and vocalizing empathy towards your workmates. As a leader, you must empower them to deliver their best work while being absolutely empathetic towards challenges in their life.
Focus on the fact that COVID-19 is temporary. The natural instinct may be to slow down and withdraw resources. Instead, this is an excellent time to strategically plan and dedicate time, staff, and resources to ensuring that the post-pandemic time capitalizes on key changes.
Just because you can’t conduct research the way you always have doesn’t mean you can’t conduct research at all. It is important to stay flexible with the research methods you use. Understanding the pros and cons of each method and their overall ability to contribute to your research goal is critical to conducting meaningful and useful research.
All companies are working to lead their teams through today’s challenges with confidence. By taking care of your team and keeping quality you will improve the teamwork collaboration, communication, and transparency.
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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