Combining Red Light Therapy and Acupuncture

IN THIS ARTICLE

• 01 What Is Acupuncture?
• 02 What Is Red Light Therapy
• 03 How Does Red Light Therapy Support Acupuncture
• 04 What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy and Acupuncture?
• 05 Is it Safe to Use Red Light Therapy After Acupuncture

Some of the best — and most efficacious — treatments in wellness are those that combine centuries-old traditions with brand-new technology to reap the rewards of both. In beauty that’s becoming more popular than ever. By honouring rituals used by our ancestors (and watching many subsequently be proven by science) and introducing innovative science-driven solutions, we’re able to use these techniques in some incredible ways — whether that be to aid menstrual health or mental health.

One of the most popular treatments marrying old and new is using red light therapy alongside acupuncture. But does it work? We dive into everything you need to know about combining treatments.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment, believed to date back thousands of years, derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It uses small, sterile needles in specific points on the body to treat (short-term) pains and prevent a range of ailments and illnesses. These specific points are used to release natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. In TCM, it’s believed that life flows through the body’s channels (meridians), a force known as Qi, and acupuncture (also known as dry needling) helps restore this natural flow. 

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy, or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a type of photobiomodulation that uses certain wavelengths to provide therapeutic benefits to the skin and body. At-home red light therapy devices use specific wavelengths to penetrate the skin and trigger cellular activity (for example, preventing cell death) within the skin. These results can be improved further when used in combination with near-infrared. 

The Project E LumaLux Face | Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask uses red light (630nm) and infrared (850nm), alongside deep infrared (1072nm), which is clinically proven to be the most powerful anti-aging combination. 

The photons go through to the deeper parts of the skin and act as energy signals to your cells. This is absorbed by something called the mitochondria. The mitochondria are a powerhouse cell that gives energy to all of our other cells through increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This increase in ATP means that the skin is able to function more efficiently. This means inflammation decreases, collagen production (and density) increases, and general skin repair is more effective. This can result in reduced fine lines and wrinkles, a brighter complexion with reduced redness, and a more even skin texture. 

How Does Red Light Therapy Support Acupuncture?

Red light therapy and acupuncture don’t work in competition, but rather in conjunction. They’re there to boost each other’s benefits to turbocharge each treatment. 

Acupuncture works to stimulate networks of nerves and tissues through physical dry needles used in certain points on the body, while red light therapy uses cellular energy to penetrate and improve cell activity. This acts almost as a dual-benefit system, providing double the therapeutic outcomes. 

The main benefit of using red light therapy alongside acupuncture is that they aim to maximize each other’s results. Red light therapy has the ability to reach the cellular level of the skin non-invasively, maximising benefits weeks and months after a single acupuncture treatment. Plus, it’s an incredibly relaxing element of any treatment, making it a huge bonus.

What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy and Acupuncture?

• Prolonged treatment benefits
  The increase in ATP from red light therapy helps promote recovery and healing post-acupuncture treatment.
• Reduced inflammation
  Red light therapy after acupuncture can help reduce inflammation further and maintain the effects between appointments.
• Nervous system regulation
  A red light therapy session is undeniably relaxing, so adding this to any therapeutic treatment is incredibly relaxing and helps nervous system regulation.
  
• Reduced inflammation
  Red light therapy after acupuncture can help reduce inflammation further and maintain the effects between appointments.

Is it Safe to Use Red Light Therapy After Acupuncture?

Yes, it’s safe to use red light therapy after acupuncture. Many clinics will use red light therapy alongside their acupuncture treatment to maximise benefits and increase relaxation, and recommend it to be used daily following treatment. 

With an impressive 800 LEDs (working out as 400% more than the industry average), the LumaLux Face Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask is an excellent addition to acupuncture pre and post-treatment. It has 7 colors at scientifically proven wavelengths (460-1072nm), as well as near-infrared and deep-infrared coverage.

LED Mask

LumaLux Face | Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask

Our most advanced LED mask for deeper skin renewal - fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin texture

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If you’re having acupuncture on various parts of the body, try the full-body LED panel, which has 960 LEDs, allowing your entire body to get the benefits of red light. Only short sessions are needed to see the benefits, making it a nice addition to your wellbeing routine. 

LED Panel

LumaLux Dome | Face & Body LED Red Light Therapy Device

8 wavelength full body LED light therapy device for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, acne, muscle recovery and mood boost

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It’s important to follow the guidance of your acupuncture therapist and any advice from your general practitioner. Although more research still needs to be done on the topic, if you’re cleared to use red light therapy, many find using it at home helps continue these benefits long after your acupuncture session.