Are you feeling down? Maybe you suffer from anxiety, depression or just a case of the blues from time to time? Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has been proven to be an easy, natural and effective way to do more than just lift your spirits. LLLT as a treatment for mood disorders is not a new concept, quite the contrary. 25-years of extensive research specifically looking at the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) alone has laid a solid foundation as a treatment for SAD and other mood disorders.1
Protocols have long been established that can optimize the mood-lifting, anti-depressant effects of light therapy. It has been shown to be effective in less time and with fewer potential side effects in comparison to traditional anti-depressant medication. Researchers at the Mood Disorders Centre at the UBC Hospital in Vancouver, BC, Canada, have stated, "Light treatment showed earlier response onset and a lower rate of some adverse events" and that "there were no other significant differences in outcome between light therapy and anti-depressant medication."2
This research offers light therapy solid evidence bases for widespread applications as a comparable, less invasive alternative to pharmaceuticals. Just imagine, a non-invasive treatment, often available for home use that most users can easily manage with practically instant effects. Seems too good to be true? Don't be such a skeptic! A study from 2009 detected an immediate improvement in mood after the first 20-minute session.3
We also know exposure to sunlight and being outside can lift our spirits. Still, it may also increase the brain's release of the hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is linked with boosting our mood, making us feel calm, and with better focus. Many of our Lifepro members tell us how great they feel, even energized after a light therapy session.
Boost your mood while treating acne, wrinkles or age spots! If you spend more time than you like indoors, using an at-home light therapy like our VizaCure LED Face Mask offers 3 different light spectrums. Self-care doesn't need to be a huge cost or time commitment. Maybe it's time for a different approach, something new, something non-invasive. You may be pleasantly surprised at how good being good to yourself can feel.
Sources:
- Choukroun, J., & Geoffroy, P. A. (2019, March 15). Light Therapy in Mood Disorders: A Brief History with Physiological Insights. Light Therapy in Mood Disorders: A Brief History with Physiological Insights; www.chronobiologyinmedicine.org. https://www.chronobiologyinmedicine.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.33069/cim.2018.0009
- Lam RW, Levitt AJ, Levitan RD, Enns MW, Morehouse R, Michalak EE, Tam EM. The Can-SAD study: a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of light therapy and fluoxetine in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 May;163(5):805-12. doi: 10.1176/ajp.2006.163.5.805. PMID: 16648320.
- Virk G, Reeves G, Rosenthal NE, Sher L, Postolache TT. Short exposure to light treatment improves depression scores in patients with seasonal affective disorder: A brief report. Int J Disabil Hum Dev. 2009;8(3):283-286.
Author
Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.
They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.