Episode Highlights With Katie
- What photobiomodulation (PBM) is and how red/NIR light affects cells
- Core mechanism in plain English: cytochrome-c oxidase, nitric oxide displacement, ATP boost, secondary ROS and Ca² signaling
- Wavelengths and depth: red (630–660 nm) for skin/surface; NIR (810–850 nm) for deeper tissues; why 980 nm behaves more thermally
- Evidence overview: where PBM helps most (pain, recovery, tissue healing, some skin outcomes) and where data is still emerging
- “Free” red/NIR from sunrise and sunset: why the spectrum shifts, circadian benefits, and practical outdoor habits
- Device fundamentals: wavelength, irradiance (mW/cm²), energy dose (J/cm²), distance, and session time
- Best-practice protocols: example dosing for skin vs joints/muscle; frequency and cycling (start low, titrate)
- Safety and cautions: eyes, heat load, photosensitizing meds, pregnancy/active cancer care, implanted electronics
- Home tips: avoid staring at LEDs, position perpendicular to target, measure/estimate dose rather than chasing wattage
- Sleep support stack: morning outdoor light + evening low-intensity red environment (not bright blue at night)
- Skeptic’s view: helpful when wavelength/dose are right; underwhelming if misused or sold as a cure-all
- My routine: sunrise/sunset outside first; add targeted device sessions for DOMS, skin, or joint recovery and track results over 4–8 weeks
Resources Mentioned
BONCHARGE
I like so many of their products - from their red light products to their sauna blankets. Red light has been so helpful for me during my recovery from Hashimoto's. To find out more, go to boncharge.com/wellnessmama and use code wellnessmama for 20% off!
