1298: Bjorn Ekeberg | The Evidence-Backed Benefits of Red Light Therapy

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Mar 16, 2026

Bjorn Ekeberg, co-founder and CEO of Recharge Health who builds evidence-based red/near-infrared therapy devices, breaks down science from hype. He explains why near-infrared matters, how targeted on-skin dosing beats gimmicks, and what conditions light can realistically help. Expect talk on recovery, inflammation, mitochondrial mechanisms, dosing rules, and surprising uses like sleep and hair.

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INSIGHT

Near-Infrared Is The Deeply Penetrating Therapeutic Light

Red and near-infrared light have different biological roles and near-infrared penetrates deeper to affect tissues and organs.
Bjorn Ekeberg explains near-infrared is invisible, penetrates skin, and stimulates mitochondria for deeper therapeutic effects.

ADVICE

Ignore Low-Power Red Light Gimmicks

Avoid gimmicks like red-light toothbrushes or showerheads because power and placement make them ineffective.
Bjorn warns physics prevents meaningful penetration from low-output, poorly placed consumer gadgets.

ADVICE

Place Devices Directly On The Skin For Targeted Recovery

Target therapy straight on skin for musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and recovery rather than distant ambient light.
Bjorn says wearables like FlexBeam deliver a focused dose to injured areas for better outcomes.

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The red light therapy market is full of junk science and real breakthroughs. Recharge Health CEO Bjorn Ekeberg is here to separate scams from the science.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1298

What We Discuss with Bjorn Ekeberg:

Red light therapy has real, evidence-backed benefits — particularly for musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and recovery — but the market is flooded with junk products like LED toothbrushes and shower heads that can't deliver a meaningful dose, threatening to discredit the legitimate science behind it.
The real power of light therapy lies in near-infrared wavelengths — not just visible red light. Red light works on the skin's surface, but near-infrared penetrates deeper into tissue, stimulating mitochondrial function and improving cellular efficiency — which is why the distinction matters more than most people realize.
NASA research in the early 2000s showed that without exposure to red and near-infrared light, astronauts' healing processes slowed dramatically — confirming that our bodies depend on these wavelengths the way plants depend on sunlight, a connection modern indoor life has severed.
The biohacking and wellness industry moves faster than the evidence, creating a cycle where legitimate therapies get buried under wild marketing claims — from hair regrowth caps to fat-melting irons — which trains consumers to dismiss everything as snake oil.
Consistency and correct dosing are the keys to real results with red light therapy — whether for pain, gut health, or even deep sleep improvement — so start with a targeted protocol, track your progress, and treat it like any other health habit that compounds over time.
And much more...

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This Episode Is Sponsored By:

FlexBeam is a powerful wearable red light therapy device that's transforming the world of recovery and longevity. Developed with NASA-inspired technology and trusted by global elite athletes, FlexBeam is leading the way in optimizing recovery, and enhancing athletic performance, and championing long-term well-being. Check out FlexBeam here!

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