Autoimmune
An autoimmune disease is a condition where the immune system, which normally defends your body against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. This happens because the immune system can no longer distinguish between "self" and "non-self."
Symptoms vary depending on the disease but often include fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, digestive problems, and recurring fevers.
There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases
RLT’s anti-inflammatory properties may benefit individuals with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) notes that therapies targeting inflammation and mitochondrial function are critical in managing autoimmune responses (NIAID, 2023).
Studies published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicate that photobiomodulation reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production, helping to alleviate pain and inflammation in autoimmune conditions (NIH, 2023).
How RLT can help with Autoimmune
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – RLT can help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Psoriasis – Promotes skin healing and reduces inflammation and scaling.
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) – May help with joint pain and skin lesions associated with lupus.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Supports nerve repair and reduces muscle pain and fatigue.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – Can aid thyroid function and reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland.
Graves’ Disease – May assist in reducing eye inflammation (associated with thyroid eye disease).
Scleroderma – Supports skin elasticity and reduces inflammation and pain.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – May alleviate gut inflammation in conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Sjogren’s Syndrome – Helps alleviate dry mouth and joint pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis – Can assist with pain management and improve mobility in the spine and joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis – Supports skin healing while reducing joint pain and swelling.
Type 1 Diabetes – Early research suggests RLT may help protect pancreatic cells and reduce inflammation.
Celiac Disease – May aid in reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting gut lining repair.
Alopecia Areata – Stimulates hair regrowth by improving follicle function.
Vitiligo – May support repigmentation by reducing oxidative stress and promoting melanocyte function.
Myasthenia Gravis – Can help improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue.
Pernicious Anemia – Supports better circulation and cellular regeneration, aiding energy levels.
Dermatomyositis – May reduce skin rashes and muscle inflammation.
Reactive Arthritis – Helps alleviate joint pain and inflammation following infections.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon – Supports blood flow to extremities, reducing numbness and pain during flare-ups.
This is not a complete list of diseases that may be treated with RLT. For more information about a specific health condition, contact Aura Light Therapy directly or submit our eligibility assessment to see if RLT is right for you.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
It is a complex, multi-system illness often accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and neurological issues. While antibiotics are the standard treatment, many individuals experience persistent symptoms, a condition known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Emerging research suggests that Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, may offer promising support for managing Lyme-related symptoms.
Reducing Inflammation:
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Lyme disease, contributing to joint pain, muscle aches, and fatigue. RLT works by delivering wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically between 600-1000 nm) that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the mitochondria within cells. This absorption enhances the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s energy source, while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights how photobiomodulation reduces inflammation in various chronic conditions.
Boosting Cellular Repair and Regeneration:
Lyme disease often results in tissue damage, particularly in muscles, joints, and nerves. RLT supports cellular repair by stimulating fibroblast production, essential for collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. A study referenced by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) demonstrated that red light therapy enhances wound healing and promotes muscle recovery. This cellular rejuvenation can aid Lyme patients in recovering from muscle fatigue and joint discomfort.
Supporting Nerve Health:
Neurological symptoms like nerve pain, tingling, and brain fog are common in chronic Lyme cases. RLT has shown potential in promoting nerve repair by encouraging nerve cell regeneration and reducing oxidative stress, which can damage neurons. A study published by the NIH noted that near-infrared light therapy improved peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery in animal models.
Improving Brain Fog and Sleep Quality:
Many Lyme patients struggle with cognitive dysfunction, commonly referred to as brain fog. RLT supports brain health by increasing cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, enhancing cognitive clarity and focus. Additionally, red light exposure influences melatonin production, promoting more restful sleep — crucial for recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges sleep disturbances as a major factor in chronic illnesses, and improving sleep can significantly aid symptom management.
Modulating Immune Function:
Lyme disease can dysregulate the immune system, leading to persistent infections or autoimmune-like responses. Photobiomodulation has been shown to balance immune activity by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines while supporting macrophage activity, the body’s natural pathogen cleanup cells. According to research published in Frontiers in Immunology, red light therapy can improve immune responses without overstimulating the system.
Final Thoughts:
While RLT is not a standalone cure for Lyme disease, it holds significant potential as a complementary therapy to ease chronic symptoms, support tissue repair, and improve overall well-being. With growing scientific backing from sources like NIH and CDC, more healthcare practitioners are exploring photobiomodulation as part of an integrative approach to managing complex, chronic conditions like Lyme disease.
For those struggling with Lyme, Red Light Therapy may provide a safe, non-invasive way to enhance healing at the cellular level, offering relief from pain, fatigue, and neurological discomfort when traditional treatments fall short.
"Lyme is an extremely complex disease that can often present with autoimmune-like characteristics. After having been diagnosed with Lyme Disease many years ago and grappling with its symptoms, I found that seeing a trained specialist in Lyme has been crucial to my recovery. I am grateful for the combination of naturopathic medicine and the usage of Red Light Therapy which have enabled me to feel like myself again." -Jackie
Click here to take our assessment and see if Red Light Therapy can help you to manage your Lyme Disease symptoms.
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