Near-infrared (NIR) light therapy, which falls under the term photobiomodulation (PBM), is gaining attention for its wide-ranging benefits on brain health, cellular repair, and inflammation. But with its rise in popularity, there has also been a surge in confusion and misinformation. In this blog, we’re clearing up three of the most common misconceptions about NIR light therapy so you can better understand how it works and what it can (and can't) do.
Myth #1: Near-infrared light therapy is the same as red light therapy
Reality: While both red light (typically 620–680 nm) and near-infrared light (typically 800–1100 nm) fall under the umbrella of photobiomodulation, they differ significantly in how they interact with tissue. Red light is absorbed primarily in the surface layers of the skin, making it useful for skin health, wound healing, and superficial inflammation. Near-infrared light, on the other hand, penetrates much deeper into the body and can reach deeper structures - muscle, bone, and even brain tissue (Tedford et al., 2015). Given its penetration depth, it is more suited for systemic, neurological, and musculoskeletal applications.
Myth #2: Light therapy is a new technology
Reality: Many people think light therapy is a modern wellness trend, but its roots in heliotherapy reach as far back as ancient Egyptian civilizations (Hönigsmann, 2013). In fact, today's near-infrared devices are simply the evolution of decades of scientific research, combining modern engineering with ancient practices.
The birth of what we know today as modern light therapy began with Nobel-prize winning scientist Niels Finsen, who developed a light therapy lamp to treat patients with skin tuberculosis (Hönigsmann, 2013). Years later, in the 1960s, NASA and Soviet scientists began using low-level lasers to promote tissue healing in astronauts (Cotler, 2014). To this day, there are over 8500 published studies on the topic of PBM.
Watch Dr. Michael Hamblin speak further to the history and mechanisms of PBM from Neuronic’s monthly discussion round here.
Myth #3: Light therapy is only for your skin or pain issues
Reality: Because red light therapy gained popularity in skincare and athletic recovery circles, many assume light therapy is only for cosmetic or orthopedic benefits. Newly popularized red light masks to prevent aging and full body light beds in NFL locker rooms have promoted the benefits of light therapy in the cosmetic and sports world - and for good reason! But near-infrared light therapy goes far beyond the surface, offering benefits that reach deep into the brain and body. Clinical studies show its potential in improving cognitive performance, supporting mood disorders, and even enhancing sleep quality (Gao et al., 2023; Schiffer et al., 2009; Valverde et al., 2023).
NIR light interacts with mitochondria in a way that influences cellular metabolism and systemic healing, making it relevant for everything from brain fog to autoimmune support (Hamblin, 2017).
Why is this important? Near-infrared light therapy is more than a superficial wellness tool. It's a science-backed modality with applications that go far beyond skin-deep. Understanding the difference between NIR and red light, recognizing the long history of light therapy, and exploring its full therapeutic potential can help you make better-informed decisions about integrating this technology into your health routine.
References:
Cotler, H. (2015, January). A NASA Discovery has current applications in Orthopaedics. Current orthopaedic practice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4272231/
Gao, Y., An, R., Huang , X., Liu, W., Yang, C., & Wan, Q. (2023, October 16). Effectiveness of photobiomodulation for people with age-related cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Effectiveness of photobiomodulation for people with age-related cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37843594/
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS biophysics. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/
Hönigsmann, H. (2013, January). History of Phototherapy in dermatology. Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22739720/
Schiffer, F., Johnston, A. L., Ravichandran, C., Polcari, A., Teicher, M. H., Webb, R. H., & Hamblin, M. R. (2009, December 8). Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near infrared light to the forehead: A pilot study of 10 patients with major depression and anxiety. Behavioral and brain functions : BBF. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2796659/#:~:text=Results,reductions%20occurring%20at%202%20weeks.
Tedford, C., DeLapp, S., Jacques, S., & Anders, J. (2015, March 13). Quantitative analysis of transcranial and intraparenchymal light penetration in human cadaver brain tissue. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lsm.22343
Valverde, A., Mitrofanis, J., Magistretti, P., Billeres, M., Moro, C., & Hamilton, C. (2023, March). Lights at night: Does photobiomodulation improve sleep? : Neural regeneration research. Lights at night: does photobiomodulation improve sleep? https://journals.lww.com/nrronline/fulltext/2023/03000/lights_at_night__does_photobiomodulation_improve.2.aspx
