The Healing Power of Light: How Near-Infrared Light Support Cellular Health and Regeneration

Written By Heather Kneale


At Global Nutritional Healing, we believe that true wellness arises when we support the body at its deepest levels—right down to the mitochondria. One of the most exciting tools emerging in the wellness world today is red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy. Backed by a growing body of scientific research, these wavelengths of light stimulate the body’s natural repair processes, energize cells, reduce inflammation, and promote profound healing from within.

How Does Red/NIR Light Work?

Red and NIR light interact with a special enzyme in our cells called cytochrome c oxidase, found in the mitochondria (the cell's "power plant"). This interaction boosts the cell's ability to produce ATP, the molecule that powers all cellular activity.

But there’s more. Red/NIR light creates a gentle stress known as hormesis—like a cellular workout—that strengthens your cells’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses. The result? A stronger, more resilient body, capable of healing faster and functioning better.

What Happens Inside the Cell? Key Mechanisms of Red/NIR Light

Red/NIR light affects dozens of molecular pathways, including:

  • Boosted ATP Energy Production: Supercharges the mitochondria to create more energy for healing and performance.

  • Gene Expression & Communication: Enhances signaling between mitochondria and the nucleus to switch on repair genes.

  • Calcium and Ion Flow: Regulates ion channels, aiding in muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and more.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Signaling: Modulates molecules like NF-kB, reducing chronic inflammation.

  • Cell Survival & Repair Pathways: Activates pathways like Akt/mTOR, ERK, and FOXO for better recovery.

  • Growth Factor Release: Increases vital compounds like BDNF (for brain health), bFGF (for skin and tissue repair), and VEGF (for circulation).

Whole-Body Benefits of Light Therapy

 1. Reduces Inflammation

Red/NIR light reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits inflammation-triggering pathways such as NF-kB, COX-1, and COX-2. This makes it powerful for pain relief and chronic inflammation.

 2. Supports Muscle, Bone, and Tendon Recovery

By increasing ATP and satellite cell activation, red/NIR light speeds recovery from muscle fatigue, enhances performance, and supports tissue regeneration—ideal for athletes and active individuals.

 3. Enhances Brain Function

Increased blood flow, mitochondrial activity, and BDNF expression in the brain make light therapy promising for cognitive support, mood balance, and neuroprotection.

 4. Stimulates Stem Cells and Protein Synthesis

Red/NIR light activates stem cell pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and boosts the machinery for new protein creation—vital for healing and longevity.

 5. Promotes Healthy Skin & Hair

Improves collagen production, supports keratinocyte growth, reduces wrinkles, and may stimulate hair growth by enhancing follicle function.

 6. Accelerates Fat Metabolism

Red/NIR light enhances mitochondrial function in fat cells, promoting fat breakdown and aiding in healthy body composition.

The Two Core Mechanisms of Light Therapy

At its foundation, red and NIR light work in two powerful ways:

  1. Mitochondrial Activation: Directly increases ATP through cytochrome c oxidase stimulation.

  2. Hormetic Stress: Mimics the beneficial stress of exercise to build up the cell’s internal defenses and healing capabilities.

Why It Matters for You

Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic fatigue, optimizing your workouts, or simply seeking better brain clarity and skin health—light therapy is a non-invasive, scientifically supported tool that can dramatically enhance your wellness journey.

At Global Nutritional Healing, we integrate light therapy as part of a comprehensive, root-cause healing approach, grounded in mineral balancing and cellular vitality.

 Ready to Learn More?

Explore our Free Mini-Courses.

 

Sauna Therapy Bibliography

  1. Laukkanen, T., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2018). Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. European Journal of Epidemiology, 33(4), 351–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-018-0377-3

  2. Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, Article ID 1857413. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1857413

  3. Hannuksela, M. L., & Ellahham, S. (2001). Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. The American Journal of Medicine, 110(2), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(00)00671-9

  4. Laukkanen, J. A., Kunutsor, S. K., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, T. (2015). Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 542–548. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8187

  5. Mero, A. A., Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M., & Puurtinen, R. (2015). Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. SpringerPlus, 4, 321. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1078-6

  6. Biro, S., Masuda, A., Kihara, T., & Tei, C. (2003). Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle-related diseases. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 228(10), 1245–1249. https://doi.org/10.1177/153537020322801108

  7. Cohen, M. (2020). Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan. Explore (NY), 16(3), 143–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.01.008

  8. Kihara, T., Biro, S., Ikeda, Y., Fukudome, T., Shinsato, T., & Tei, C. (2004). Repeated sauna therapy improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 43(3), 434–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2003.07.037

  9. Crinnion, W. J. (2011). Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced and other chronic health problems. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), 215–225. [Link to article]

  10. Tei, C. (2011). Waon therapy: A safe and effective far-infrared thermal therapy for cardiovascular conditions. Cardiology Research and Practice, 2011, Article ID 965894. https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/965894

Near Infrared (NIR) Sauna Therapy Bibliography

  1. Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. APL Photonics, 2(2), 021101. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4975124

  2. Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002

  3. Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7

  4. Bicknell, B. (2019). Infrared sauna use: Effects on skin, detoxification, and mitochondria. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 18(2), 22–27.

  5. Karu, T. I. (2008). Mitochondrial signaling in mammalian cells activated by red and near-IR radiation. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 84(5), 1091–1099. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2008.00394.x

  6. Vatansever, F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). Far infrared radiation (FIR): Its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics & Lasers in Medicine, 1(4), 255–266. https://doi.org/10.1515/plm-2012-0034

  7. Soriano, F., et al. (2019). Photobiomodulation mechanisms: Targeting mitochondria for low-level light therapy outcomes. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 37(6), 336–344. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2018.4574

  8. Jagdeo, J. R., Ho, D., Lo, Y., & Carruthers, J. (2012). Light-emitting diode photobiomodulation for skin rejuvenation and wound healing. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 39(1), 47–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2011.08.008

 

Heather Kneale
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