20 years ago, few people had ever heard about Light Therapy. When Light Therapy devices were first approved by the FDA in 2001, they had to heat up to be recognized as therapeutic – because no one at the FDA believed that light affected the body – but the warmth would at least feel good.
Infrared Light therapy has also been given the names LED therapy, infrared therapy, light therapy, phototherapy, and more recently photodynamic therapy (PDT) or Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL). When used in conjunction with the acupuncture meridians, we call it Photopuncture.
A study done by the Mayo Clinic in 1989 suggests that the results of light therapy are a direct effect of light itself, generated at specific wavelengths, and are not necessarily a function of the characteristics of coherency and polarization associated with lasers.
LEDs have seen a major increase in popularity and use since the early 90′s. The first LED therapy units were actually used in the equine industry. Only recently have human medical companies jumped on the bandwagon – and most all use the patents of the original manufacturer.
What does light therapy actually do?
Put simply, it reduces pain and stimulates healing. Light Therapy has been clinically shown to accelerate healing by at least 40%. At this time, no negative side effects have been found. In fact, Russian scientists exposed healthy tissue to biophotonic energy continuously for 30 days and found no damage to the tissue. The body simply does not absorb what it cannot use.
Light therapy has unique therapeutic effects including:
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Improves freedom of motion
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Promotes muscle relaxation
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Decreases inflammation
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Promotes pain relief
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Increases oxygen and blood flow
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Stimulates collagen production
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Increases lymphatic activity
I have personally used light therapy for myself, dogs, cats, horses and various other species since the mid 1990′s. I have witnessed incredible immediate physical responses that have no explanation other than the energy of the body rebalancing quickly when light is applied.
While not everyone will want to invest in a full Photopuncture System, basic therapeutic devices are available today for almost any budget. For those interested in training and certification to use this valuable tool in an animal wellness business, we have ongoing programs throughout the year.
