Brain health is an underserved component of wellness. Photobiomodulation is a science-backed modality with a host of benefits for brain and mental health.
Key benefits of photobiomodulation for brain health:
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) boosts cellular energy (ATP), which supports overall brain function.
- This modality offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution for brain and mental health conditions.
- Benefits of PBM and sustained ATP for the brain include improved cognitive function, increased oxygen delivery, enhanced neural repair, reduced brain inflammation, better stress regulation, improved sleep, and better mood regulation.
- Brain and mental health conditions PBM can help include TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
- Best practices include daily application of full-body or transcranial PBMT for approximately 20 minutes, consistently over time.
What’s The Problem?
Brain health is a complex science with limited treatment options, usually with heavy side effects. Medications and surgeries are frequently the first-line interventions, but photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) offers a non-invasive and drug-free modality to boost cellular energy production.
More ATP or cellular energy production is good for the whole body, but especially impactful for the brain. Sustaining increased ATP with PBMT over time can improve neural function, reduce nerve dysfunction and loss, reduce cognitive decline, improve and preserve cognitive performance, and improve the cognitive aging process. [1]
Providers and longevity or wellness-minded individuals should consider full-body or transcranial PBMT to address brain health concerns.
What Is Transcranial PBM?
Transcranial PBM is a specialized form of light therapy that targets the head and neck. This modality is being explored for its neuroprotective and mood-stabilizing effects to impact brain and mental health outcomes. These efforts are further proof of light’s systemic impact on the human body.
Benefits of Photobiomodulation for Brain Health
There are a plethora of studies demonstrating the systemic health benefits of PBMT, and the benefits for brain and mental health are also evident. Full-body red light therapy and targeted transcranial treatment can result in positive outcomes like these.
Cognitive Health Benefits
PBM stimulates blood flow and increases oxygen delivery to the brain, improving cognitive performance, focus, and mood. This supports neuronal regeneration and aids recovery from concussion, neuropathy, or neurodegenerative conditions.
Neurological and Cognitive Applications
The effects of PBM have the potential to improve brain health, mood, and cognitive performance. Effects include increased oxygen delivery, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mitochondrial function.
These effects have positive benefits on neurological and cognitive conditions, including:
- Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease
- Cognitive performance and focus enhancement
- Stress reduction and sleep regulation
Go Deeper: Top Research Studies on Photobiomodulation for Brain Health
- Treatments For Traumatic Brain Injury With Emphasis On Transcranial Near-Infrared Laser Phototherapy
- 39 Patients With Depression, Parkinson’s, Brain-Injury Laser Treatment Studies
- Near-Infrared Photonic Energy Penetration: Can Infrared Phototherapy Effectively Reach The Human Brain?
- Multi-Watt Near-Infrared Light Therapy As A Neuroregenerative Treatment For Traumatic Brain Injury
Mental Health Benefits of Photobiomodulation
Anxiety
Approximately 50% of those who suffer from General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) don’t respond favorably to traditional treatment methods. One study tested transcranial photobiomodulation (t‑PBM), which uses near-infrared light on the head. Most participants experienced significant symptom relief and better sleep quality.[2]
Depression
PBM applied to the head (808 – 810 nm) led to significant relief from depression symptoms, specifically from multi-wavelength interventions. Long-term use (2+ years) helped reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, with 92% of patients experiencing improvement and 82% experiencing remission.[3]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PBMT has been effective for the treatment of PTSD symptoms. The modality has been reported to increase positive influences for PTSD, like mood regulation, learning, and memory, and reduce brain inflammation.[4]
Best Practices For Transcranial or Full-Body PBM
- Start with clinically validated devices: Only validated wavelengths can trigger brain and mental health outcomes.
- Follow recommended session protocols: Generally, recommended protocols outline daily, 20-minute sessions. Consistency is key for maximum outcomes.
- Full-body and transcranial sessions: Transcranial sessions place red light therapy devices directly on the scalp, while full-body red light therapy beds apply systemic treatment. Both can impact brain and mental health outcomes.
To learn more about acquiring clinically validated devices, reach out to Aspen.
Sources:
[1]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3257700/
[2]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6818480/
[3]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11671386/
[4]https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024SPIE12826E..02L/abstract
