2. Why Red Light Is in Your Body—and What It Can Heal
Introduction: Red and near-infrared light are typically associated with external sources—LED devices, lasers, or sunlight. However, the human body itself emits light, particularly within the 600–900nm range. This biological luminescence plays a role in regulating inflammation, cellular repair, and metabolic homeostasis.
Origins of Internal Red/NIR Light: Red light in the body originates from a few interconnected mechanisms:
Mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, where metabolic byproducts result in ultra-weak biophoton emission.
Thermal radiation from biological tissues emits infrared photons.
Oxidative bursts during immune responses generate transient light emissions in the red/NIR spectrum.
This light has measurable coherence and wavelength-specific effects on intracellular signaling, particularly in energy-intensive tissues like the skin, brain, and muscles.
Mechanism of Action in Healing:
Cytochrome c oxidase activation leads to increased ATP production and enhanced cellular energy availability.
Nitric oxide (NO) modulation promotes vasodilation and tissue oxygenation.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) control minimizes oxidative damage while promoting redox balance.
Calcium signaling is modulated through photonic interaction with intracellular stores.
What Can It Heal? Evidence from LLLT and internal photobiology studies support its role in:
Post-surgical wound healing and epithelial regeneration
Reduction of neuroinflammation in peripheral nerve injuries
Acceleration of collagen production for dermal repair
Reversal of inflammatory skin pathologies including eczema and acne
Conclusion: Far from being inert, your body is a source of photonic communication. Recognizing this endogenous red light opens doors to novel therapeutic strategies—where topical agents can engage biological light to initiate self-repair and systemic restoration.
