top of page

RED LIGHT THERAPY

LIGHT THAT WORKS BELOW THE SURFACE

Red Light Therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support cellular energy production, circulation, recovery and tissue health—without ultraviolet radiation or excessive heat.

Living Method’s full-body light bed delivers a comfortable, noninvasive treatment in approximately 15 minutes.

​

WHAT IS RED LIGHT THERAPY?

Red Light Therapy—also called photobiomodulation—exposes the body to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light.

Unlike ultraviolet light, these wavelengths do not tan or intentionally damage the skin. Instead, the light is absorbed by light-sensitive structures within cells and may influence cellular activity.

Red and near-infrared light are being studied for their potential roles in:

  • Cellular energy production

  • Exercise recovery

  • Muscle performance

  • Temporary relief of minor muscle and joint discomfort

  • Circulation

  • Inflammatory signaling

  • Skin appearance

  • Collagen production

  • Wound healing

  • Hair growth

  • Sleep and circadian support

The effects depend on the wavelength, intensity, treatment time, distance from the light and area being treated.

HOW RED LIGHT THERAPY WORKS

Cells contain mitochondria—the structures responsible for producing much of the energy the body uses.

Red and near-infrared light may be absorbed by mitochondrial molecules involved in cellular respiration. This interaction may temporarily influence:

  • ATP production

  • Nitric-oxide signaling

  • Blood flow

  • Oxidative-stress responses

  • Cellular repair pathways

  • Inflammatory signaling

The goal is not to heat, burn or damage tissue. It is to expose the body to a controlled dose of light that may support normal cellular function and recovery.

RED LIGHT AND NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT

Red and near-infrared wavelengths reach different tissue depths.

Red lightNear-infrared light

More readily absorbed by superficial tissuesPenetrates more deeply into tissue

Often used for skin-focused goalsOften used for muscles, joints and recovery

May support collagen and skin appearanceMay support circulation and cellular energy

Visible to the human eyeMostly invisible to the human eye

Living Method’s full-body system combines red and near-infrared wavelengths to treat a large surface area during one session.

RED LIGHT THERAPY IS NOT A TANNING BED

Red Light Therapy does not use the ultraviolet radiation responsible for tanning and sunburn.

Red Light TherapyTanning bed

Uses red and near-infrared wavelengthsUses ultraviolet radiation

Does not intentionally tan the skinDesigned to produce tanning

Does not rely on UV exposureRelies primarily on UVA and sometimes UVB

Supports photobiomodulation effectsTriggers melanin production

Red Light Therapy should also not be confused with a sauna. Although you may feel mild warmth during a session, the treatment is based on light exposure—not intense heat or sweating.

WHY CELLULAR ENERGY MATTERS

Every tissue in the body requires energy to function, adapt and repair.

Supporting healthy cellular energy production may be especially relevant for tissues with high energy demands, including:

  • Muscles

  • Brain

  • Heart

  • Skin

  • Nerves

  • Connective tissue

Red Light Therapy does not “recharge” cells like a battery or correct every cause of fatigue. It is one supportive therapy that may complement sleep, exercise, nutrition and medical care.

RED LIGHT THERAPY + EXERCISE RECOVERY

Exercise creates a controlled physical stress that stimulates the body to adapt. Recovery is the period when those adaptations occur.

Red Light Therapy may complement a fitness or rehabilitation program by supporting:

  • Muscle recovery

  • Temporary relief of minor soreness

  • Local circulation

  • Exercise readiness

  • Maintenance of consistent training

  • Cellular energy production

It does not replace progressive resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, adequate protein, hydration or sleep.

RED LIGHT THERAPY + SKIN HEALTH

Red wavelengths are commonly used to support skin appearance and healthy aging.

Research suggests that appropriately delivered red light may influence fibroblasts—the cells involved in producing collagen and supporting the skin’s structural framework.

Potential cosmetic benefits may include:

  • Improved appearance of fine lines

  • Support for collagen production

  • More even-looking skin

  • Improved skin texture

  • Support for tissue recovery

  • Reduced appearance of temporary redness

Results vary, and repeated treatments are generally more appropriate than expecting a dramatic change from one session.

RED LIGHT THERAPY + HAIR RESTORATION

Certain forms of low-level light therapy have been studied for some types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic hair loss.

Light exposure may help support:

  • Follicle activity

  • Scalp circulation

  • Hair density

  • Hair-growth cycles

  • Results from a broader hair-restoration plan

Hair loss has many possible causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disease, medications and stress. Medical evaluation may be needed before beginning treatment.

RED LIGHT THERAPY + SLEEP

Light is one of the signals the body uses to regulate circadian rhythm.

Red light is less likely to suppress melatonin than bright blue-enriched light. Some people use red-light sessions as part of an evening relaxation or recovery routine.

Red Light Therapy is not a treatment for every sleep disorder. Persistent insomnia, snoring, daytime sleepiness or suspected sleep apnea should be medically evaluated.

ONE SESSION OR A SERIES?

A single session may feel relaxing and may be useful as part of a recovery day. However, many of the outcomes studied with photobiomodulation involve repeated treatments over several weeks.

The appropriate schedule depends on:

  • Your treatment goal

  • The area being treated

  • The light-delivery system

  • Session duration

  • Skin sensitivity

  • Other therapies you are receiving

  • Your response to treatment

More exposure is not always better. Light therapy follows a dose-response relationship, and excessive treatment may not improve results.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SESSION?

1. Prepare for Treatment

You remove clothing from the areas you want exposed. Light must reach the skin directly; heavy clothing blocks treatment.

2. Protect Your Eyes

Eye protection may be provided or recommended depending on the equipment, wavelengths and treatment protocol.

3. Relax in the Full-Body Bed

You lie comfortably while red and near-infrared light is delivered across a large portion of the body.

4. Complete Your Session

A typical Living Method session lasts approximately 15 minutes. You may feel gentle warmth, but the treatment should not burn or feel painfully hot.

5. Return to Your Day

There is no required downtime. Most people can immediately return to normal activities.

HOW TO PREPARE

Follow the instructions provided by Living Method. Preparation may include:

  • Arrive with clean, dry skin

  • Remove clothing from the treatment area

  • Remove heavy lotions, makeup or sunscreen when possible

  • Tell us about medications that increase light sensitivity

  • Tell us about active skin conditions or recent procedures

  • Remove jewelry if requested

  • Use the recommended eye protection

  • Stay hydrated

  • Avoid applying unapproved photosensitizing products before treatment

If you are using Red Light Therapy after a cosmetic procedure, injection or medical treatment, ask your clinician when it is appropriate to begin.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER RED LIGHT THERAPY?

Red Light Therapy may be useful for adults interested in:

  • Supporting exercise recovery

  • Temporarily reducing minor muscle or joint discomfort

  • Supporting skin appearance

  • Promoting healthy-looking skin

  • Supporting a hair-restoration program

  • Complementing physical therapy or training

  • Supporting general wellness

  • Adding a noninvasive recovery therapy

  • Building a consistent self-care routine

It may be used alone or combined with Living Strong training, chiropractic care, DEXA-guided fitness planning, IV therapy or other individualized services.

WHO SHOULD SPEAK WITH A CLINICIAN FIRST?

Ask a qualified healthcare professional before treatment if you:

  • Take medications that increase light sensitivity

  • Have a photosensitivity disorder

  • Have active cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment

  • Have an unexplained or suspicious skin lesion

  • Have active bleeding or a significant acute injury

  • Recently underwent surgery or a cosmetic procedure

  • Are pregnant

  • Have an eye condition affected by light

  • Have a medical condition that may require modified treatment

Red Light Therapy should not delay evaluation of persistent pain, weakness, swelling, skin changes or other unexplained symptoms.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Red Light Therapy painful?

No. Treatment is noninvasive and should be comfortable. You may feel mild warmth, but it should not burn or cause significant discomfort.

Will it tan my skin?

No. Red Light Therapy does not use the ultraviolet wavelengths responsible for tanning.

How long is a session?

A typical full-body session at Living Method is approximately 15 minutes.

Is there downtime?

No downtime is generally required. Most people return to their usual activities immediately.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on your goals. Some people use occasional sessions for relaxation or recovery. Goals involving skin, hair or ongoing discomfort may require a consistent series.

When will I notice results?

Some people report relaxation or reduced soreness after an early session. Changes in skin appearance, hair growth or physical performance generally require repeated treatments and may take several weeks or months.

Can I use Red Light Therapy every day?

Frequency depends on the equipment, light dose and treatment goal. More frequent treatment is not automatically more effective. Follow the recommended protocol.

Does Red Light Therapy cause vitamin D production?

No. Vitamin D production in the skin requires ultraviolet-B exposure. Red and near-infrared light do not produce vitamin D.

Is Red Light Therapy the same as laser therapy?

Both may use photobiomodulation, but they deliver light differently. Lasers generally target smaller areas, while a full-body light bed exposes a much larger surface area.

Does it replace medical treatment?

No. Red Light Therapy is a supportive wellness treatment. It should not replace evaluation or treatment for an injury, skin disorder, sleep disorder, hair-loss condition or other medical concern.

GIVE YOUR BODY BETTER CONDITIONS TO RECOVER

Support cellular energy, circulation, exercise recovery and healthy-looking skin with a comfortable full-body treatment that takes approximately 15 minutes.

Use Red Light Therapy on its own or pair it with Living Strong training, DEXA body-composition testing, chiropractic care or an individualized Living Method plan.

[BOOK RED LIGHT THERAPY]

Red Light Therapy is intended to support wellness and is not represented as a cure or standalone treatment for disease. Individual responses vary. Research findings depend on the wavelength, intensity, dose, treatment schedule and condition studied. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you have a medical condition, take photosensitizing medication or are uncertain whether light therapy is appropriate for you.

© 2026 The Living Method. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: This page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not establish a provider-patient relationship and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. No guarantees or promises about treatment outcomes are made about any service or product. Results are individual and may vary. We make every attempt to offer the best treatment possible to optimize your health, however many factors may affect your outcome that may not be in our control or your control. Many Living Method Services are off-label, and/or not FDA-approved for your indication. Regulatory status described here may have changed since website publication. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any health decision.

bottom of page