Those with conditions like Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, and mold illness may experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms. However, the long-term benefits of RLT for autoimmune conditions are strong.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Herxing refers to an initial increase of autoimmune symptoms due to the cellular shift
- Fatigue, brain fog, headaches, rash, and joint pain are some common symptoms
- Autoimmune sufferers have overloaded systems and compromised detox pathways, making them especially vulnerable to a herx effect
- RLT boosts mitochondrial activity, which can mobilize stored toxins, aggravate underlying infections, or stir up inflammatory debris, causing what feels like a flare
- Aside from this effect, RLT has strong support for positive autoimmune benefits, including reduced inflammation, better cellular function, and a stronger immune system
- To reduce the herxing effect, start low and slow, 2 to 3 times per week, for 5 to 10 mins, at 810 to 850 nm, and support detox pathways first
Providers who treat patients with autoimmune disorders or those who have them should know what to expect after the first RLT treatment session.
What Is “Herxing”?
A herxing effect can occur when someone receives red light therapy (RLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) for the first time and also has an autoimmune disorder. They may experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms.
It’s labeled after the classic “Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction” associated with Lyme disease treatment, which is described as an “acute, self-limited inflammatory response.”[1] Although the herxing effect after RLT differs, the symptoms can be similar.
For conditions like Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, and mold illness, those symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Joint pain flare
- Headache
- Flu-like feelings
- Rashes
Why It Affects Autoimmune Sufferers
Those with autoimmune disorders typically experience:
- High toxic burden
- Impaired detox pathways
- Chronic low-grade infections
- Dysregulated immunity
- Poor lymphatic flow
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
Healthy bodies have sufficient detox capacity and a balanced immune system, so they feel the intended effects of RLT. They’re energized by it. But the chronically ill patient is working with a system that is easily overloaded.
What Could Be Happening Under The Surface: Herxing and The Impact of RLT
- Stored toxins are mobilized under RLT: Red and near-infrared light stimulate mitochondrial function and ATP production, which rapidly releases toxins that impact already compromised detox pathways.
- Underlying infections are exacerbated: RLT can produce an antimicrobial effect by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which activate immune cells, leading to pathogen die-off and more severe symptoms, resembling a Herx.
- A skewed immune system goes into overdrive: Red light therapy upregulates anti-inflammatory pathways, and could feel like a flare-up in someone with a skewed immune system.
- Boost in circulation and lymphatic drainage: RLT releases nitric oxide and stimulates lymphatic drainage, loosening inflammatory debris, which can feel like a symptom flare.
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS): The sudden energy shift caused by RLT can trigger MCAS and rapidly release histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Autoimmune Sufferers
There is promising research supporting the clinical application of RLT for autoimmune conditions. RLT changes immune activity at the cellular level rather than merely managing symptoms.
One study explored the mitochondrial effects of RLT. They found that RLT stimulates mitochondrial production and ATP production, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, shifts cells into a repair mode, improves T cell function, and modulates inflammatory pathways.[2]
For conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease, clinical studies report a reduction in disease activity indices with RLT treatment.[3]
How To Reduce The Herxing Effect of Red Light Therapy
If you have or are treating someone with an autoimmune disorder:
- Start low and slow, 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week
- Support detox pathways and lymph drainage first (liver support, sauna, hydration, etc.)
- Customize treatment lightwaves (810-850 nm generates less ROS)
- Pulse lightwaves at 10 Hz or 40 Hz
- Consider binders before sessions (activated charcoal, modified citrus pectin, etc.)
RLT Can Help Autoimmune Sufferers, But There May Be An Initial Herxing Effect
- Herxing refers to an initial increase of autoimmune symptoms due to the cellular shift
- Fatigue, brain fog, headaches, rash, and joint pain are some common symptoms
- Autoimmune sufferers have overloaded systems and compromised detox pathways, making them especially vulnerable to a herx effect
- RLT boosts mitochondrial activity, which can mobilize stored toxins, aggravate underlying infections, or stir up inflammatory debris, causing what feels like a flare
- Aside from this effect, RLT has strong support for positive autoimmune benefits, including reduced inflammation, better cellular function, and a stronger immune system
- To reduce the herxing effect, start low and slow, 2 to 3 times per week, for 5 to 10 mins, at 810 to 850 nm, and support detox pathways first
To learn more about customizable RLT treatment solutions for home or the clinic, reach out today.
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