Far-Infrared, Near-Infrared + Red Light Explained
Most of us are deeply unaware of the fact that many different types of light are “Bioactive” in humans (which means they affect the functioning of human cells), and that our health is largely influenced by the dosage of these different types of light that we get each day. These are the five types of Bioactive Light in humans:
Blue Light—-sets the circadian rhythm in our brain, which in turn regulates numerous different neurotransmitters and hormones.
UV Light—-allows us to synthesize Vitamin D from the Sun.
Far-Infrared—-acts to heat up our cells (this is the part of the Sun’s spectrum that you feel as heat) which stimulates changes in cell function, as well as circulation changes.
Red-Light—-acts on the Mitochondria in our cells to stimulate increased cellular energy (ATP) production (among other mechanisms discussed in this book)
Near-Infrared (NIR)—-acts on the same pathways as Red Light—particularly in the Mitochondria in our cells to stimulate increased cellular energy (ATP) production (among other mechanisms discussed in this book)
TWO KEY MECHANISMS OF RED/NEAR INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY
Mechanism #1—-Stimulating ATP production in the mitochondria through interacting with a Photoreceptor called Cytochrome C Oxidase.
Mechanism #2—-Creating a temporary, low-dose metabolic stress (known as Hormesis, which is also a primary mechanism of why exercise works) that ultimate builds up the Anti-inflammatory, Anti-ox-idant and cell defense systems of the cell.
The Mitochondria are the life-yielding, energy yielding engines within the cells of all living things. Our Mitochondria produce cellular energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate). Our bodies are constantly producing and using massive amounts of ATP in every cell in order to fuel every function in the body, from breathing to thinking to lifting a dumbbell. Every time you breath, digest food, your heart beats, or you perform a bicep curl, your cells are using ATP energy.
Our heart and liver are packed with Mitochondria, because they work constantly to pump blood, give life, filter toxins, and protect us from toxic damage. The brain is also packed with mitochondria. So are all our organs, tissues, skin, and especially muscles, which power through movement.
The Mitochondria are the batteries that fuel all the processes of our organs; thus, things which enhance the Mitochondria translate into more cellular energy inside the cell, which allows the cell or organ (e.g. brain, heart, liver, skin, muscles, etc.) to work optimally.