Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a term used for light therapy, to promote healing and reduce symptoms of various conditions. PBM involves shining specific wavelengths of light, typically red or near-infrared, onto the body. This light penetrates the skin and reaches cells, where it interacts with the mitochondria, the powerhouse of each cell.
How PBM Works
PBM boosts the mitochondria’s ability to produce energy, which allows cells to function more efficiently, leading to improved overall cellular health. Treatments result in reductions in inflammation, changes in gene expression and protein production, and the generation of new cells through cell division. Changes around the cells also occur, causing the formation of new blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow and improved oxygenation.
As mitochondria are present in every cell in the body, PBM has shown benefits when used in many locations, particularly for musculoskeletal injuries and pain, and skin conditions. Application to the brain stands out as a promising treatment for a range of conditions, including injury from trauma and stroke, mental health, and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
History of PBM
The origins of PBM date back to 1903, when Danish Professor Neils Finsen won the Nobel Prize after using red light to successfully treat Smallpox. This early work faded into the background until the late 1960s, when Hungarian scientist Endre Mester accidentally discovered that laser light promoted faster wound healing and hair regrowth in mice. This unexpected finding laid the foundation for the modern therapeutic use of light in medicine.
Over the following decades, researchers and clinicians explored the potential of light therapy, initially focusing on low energy laser therapy. Applications included treating chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing.
As different light sources, including LEDs (light-emitting diodes) were developed, innovations led to a rapid increase in PBM’s application, and research into the understanding of its mechanisms.
Current Trends
LEDs have made PBM therapy more accessible and versatile, particularly for home use. Newer devices include hand-held lights, helmets and headsets, nasal and oral lights, and light pads, all with excellent safety profiles. All use red and infra-red wavelengths of light, and many have an option to pulse the light to match alpha and gamma brainwaves, which has been shown to be beneficial.
Today, PBM is used to address issues throughout the body, notably in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and brain trauma and stroke recovery, leading to varying improvements in cognitive and motor function, and quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and other cognitive functions. Studies suggest that PBM can help by reducing inflammation and protecting neurons in the brain. While research is still ongoing, early results show improvements in motor functions and several other symptoms including better sleep and social connection, and less apathy, anxiety, and fatigue.
Treatment of brain injury from trauma with PBM showed improved post-traumatic stress disorder and depression scores, and improved learning and memory.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. PBM has been used as a way to enhance stroke recovery by stimulating brain cell connectivity, and cellular function.
While PBM is not a cure-all, it represents a promising complementary therapy. Its non-invasive nature and the growing body of research supporting its benefits make it an attractive option for many.
This selection of videos show personal stories on PBM use and research that have appeared on television, in webinars, and conference presentations.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) Research
If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind PBM and its applications, you can explore the research further through links below, including information on brain applications, mechanisms, and treatment of the microbiome, autism, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and sleep.
- Transcranial photobiomodulation for the brain: a wide range of clinical applications
- Transcranial PBM for the brain
- PBM combination therapy in neurological disorders
- Devices used for PBM of the brain
- Exploring the use of PBM in Parkinson’s patients
- “Photobiomics”: Can PBM, Alter the Microbiome?
- PBM for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke
- How and why does PBM change brain activity?
- Lights on for Autism: PBM as a Therapy
- PBM Treatment: Improvements in Ex-Football Players
- Increased Connectivity in Chronic Stroke Following PBM
- Lights for epilepsy: can PBM reduce seizures?
- Effect of PBM on the brain during wakefulness and sleep
- Lights at night: does PBM improve sleep?
- Outcomes of whole-body PBM on Fibromyalgia
Author
Tony is a certified Health Coach, Research Scientist and Therapeutic Optometrist. His key takeaway point from this article is …
“Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non invasive tool widely researched by medical neurologists and neuroscientists for neurological disease and trauma …”
