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Naturopathic Sleep Doctor: A Natural Approach to Better Rest

Written on . Posted in Articles, Red Light Therapy.

Sleep is one of the most powerful and most underestimated healing tools available to the human body. Historically, sleep is often referred to as “the silent nurse,” as it is essential for restoring physical energy, preserving cognitive health, regulating hormones, and supporting long-term wellness. As a lyme disease specialist and naturopathic sleep doctor, I regularly see how poor sleep hygiene can quietly undermine even the most comprehensive treatment plans. 

Proper sleep supports nearly every physiological system in the body, including immune function, metabolic health, tissue repair, hormone balance, and cellular cleanup through autophagy. For patients navigating complex chronic illness, tick-borne infections, or environmental illness, sleep is often the missing piece that determines whether healing can truly occur.

When sleep quality declines, inflammation increases, healing slows, and aging accelerates, especially in individuals managing Lyme disease, mold exposure, or post-viral syndromes.

Why Sleep Is Essential for Healing and Longevity

Consistent, restorative sleep plays a critical role in:

  • Slowing the aging process (senescence)
  • Supporting memory, mood, and brain health — particularly important for those experiencing neurological symptoms or cognitive decline
  • Regulating cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones
  • Promoting immune defense and infection recovery
  • Enhancing metabolic efficiency
  • Supporting glymphatic drainage and detoxification
  • Facilitating cellular repair and tissue regeneration

From a naturopathic perspective, sleep is not optional; it is foundational.

Understanding the Stages of Sleep

During a typical night, the body cycles through three stages of non-REM sleep followed by REM sleep, completing approximately four full sleep cycles over 7–8 hours.

Non-REM Sleep

  • Each stage lasts 20–40 minutes
  • Characterized by slow delta brain waves
  • Responsible for physical restoration and cellular repair

REM Sleep

  • Lasts approximately 30–60 minutes
  • Marked by vivid dreaming, rapid eye movement, and temporary muscle paralysis
  • Essential for emotional processing, memory consolidation, and brain health

Disruption of this rhythm prevents true restorative sleep, even if total time in bed appears adequate.

How the Brain Regulates Sleep

Sleep regulation occurs primarily in the hypothalamus, a small but critical brain region responsible for coordinating transitions between wakefulness and sleep.

Another key player is the reticular activating system (RAS) located in the brainstem. The RAS regulates alertness by managing neurotransmitters such as:

  • Acetylcholine
  • Norepinephrine
  • Serotonin

During non-REM sleep, RAS activity decreases. During REM sleep, it becomes active again, producing dream states similar to wakefulness.

When RAS neurons are disrupted,  due to infection, inflammation, head trauma, or traumatic brain injury, the sleep cycle can become dysregulated, leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or cycling through sleep stages properly.

A classic alarm clock sits on a bed in the foreground, while a person lies under striped sheets in the background, covering their face as if stressed or unable to sleep— naturopathic sleep doctor

Insomnia: Causes and Clinical Considerations

Insomnia is a hallmark symptom of tick-borne illness and mycotoxin illness, often driven by:

  • Neuroinflammation
  • Excess quinolinic acid production
  • Impaired glymphatic drainage

Types of Insomnia

Primary Insomnia

  • Often related to infection or inflammation
  • Patients frequently report feeling “wired but tired”

Secondary Insomnia

  • Caused by medication side effects
  • Mental health conditions
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Sleep apnea

Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment, something a naturopathic sleep doctor is uniquely trained to evaluate.

At-Home Sleep Testing: WatchPAT

Advances in technology now allow patients to complete a comprehensive sleep study from home using WatchPAT.

  • One-night test
  • Data uploaded securely online
  • Includes a detailed sleep analysis report
  • Follow-up Zoom consultation with a respiratory therapist

Learn more about why WatchPAT is a preferred affiliate with Dr. Susan Marra. You can learn more or order a kit on their website.

WatchPAT Sleep Kit

Sleep Metrics Measured Include:

  • Epworth Daytime Sleepiness Score
  • Insomnia Severity Index
  • Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)
  • Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI)
  • Oxygen Desaturation
  • Total Sleep Time
  • REM Sleep Duration
  • Sleep Latency and REM Latency
  • Number of Nighttime Awakenings
  • Pulse Rate and Basal Metabolic Rate
  • Risk of Snoring

This data can identify sleep apnea, oxygen disturbances, or disruptions in sleep architecture that impact overall health. If sleep apnea is identified, referral to a sleep specialist is essential.

Natural and Nutritional Support for Sleep

Many patients benefit from nutraceutical and herbal support, which can often be combined:

  • GABA
  • DMG
  • Honokiol
  • Melatonin
  • Valerian Root
  • CBD gummies

These interventions should always be personalized and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts from a Naturopathic Sleep Doctor

Sleep hygiene is not optional; it is a prerequisite for healing, especially for individuals navigating chronic infections, mold exposure, or systemic inflammation. If sleep disruption is impacting your health, working with a naturopathic sleep doctor can help identify underlying causes and create a personalized, data-driven care plan.

Dr. Susan Marra offers integrative sleep support rooted in naturopathic medicine, functional testing, and whole-body systems evaluation.

Take the next step toward restorative sleep:

Prioritizing sleep is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your long-term health, vitality, and resilience. Expert guidance from a naturopathic sleep doctor can help you move from exhaustion to restoration, one night at a time.

A person with long white hair, wearing sunglasses, a dark cardigan, light yellow pants, and sandals, stands indoors holding a device emitting purple light, near medical equipment and abstract artwork—perhaps studying ticks in summer.

The Use of Red Light Therapy for Lyme Disease in Healing Tick-Borne Diseases and Mycotoxin Illness

Written on . Posted in Lyme Disease, Articles, Red Light Therapy.

Chronic illnesses like tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia, as well as mycotoxin-related illness from mold exposure, are notoriously difficult to treat. These conditions often trigger systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction — leaving patients feeling exhausted, in pain, and with a range of debilitating symptoms. At Dr. Marra’s integrative medical clinic, we focus on root-cause healing strategies tailored to complex chronic illness.
One powerful, science-backed therapy growing in popularity for these conditions is red light laser therapy for Lyme disease, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Originally developed in the 1960s, this non-invasive treatment utilizes specific wavelengths of light to support cellular healing.

What Is Red Light Laser Therapy?

Red light therapy utilizes low-level light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. Depending on the wavelength, the light can reach different depths in the body:

  • Blue light (400–500nm) – targets the skin’s surface, helpful for skin conditions
  • Red and near-infrared light (700–1,400nm) – penetrates deeper into soft tissues and organs
  • Far-infrared light (3,000–1,000,000nm) – reaches deeper structures, including muscles, bones, and internal organs

When light is absorbed by cells, it stimulates a molecule in the mitochondria called cytochrome C oxidase, which enhances the conversion of ADP to ATP, your body’s primary source of energy. This boost in ATP production, along with improved blood flow, oxygenation, and nitric oxide release, creates an ideal internal environment for healing.

How Red Light Therapy Helps with Tick-Borne and Mycotoxin Illness

Patients with tick-borne or mold-related illnesses often deal with:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and low ATP
  • Hypoxia (low oxygen in tissues)
  • Chronic pain and neuropathy
  • Brain fog and cognitive issues
  • Immune dysregulation
  • Persistent inflammation

Red light laser therapy directly addresses many of these root causes.

  • Reduces Systemic Inflammation: Red light reduces inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, allowing the immune system to function more efficiently.
  • Boosts Mitochondrial Energy Production: In conditions like Bartonella, where VEGF and HIF pathways are disrupted, PBM helps normalize oxygen sensing and ATP generation at the cellular level.
  • Enhances Brain Function: Infrared light penetrates deep into the brain, improving blood flow, neural connectivity, and cognitive performance. Patients with neurological symptoms, common in Lyme and mold illness, often report improved clarity, memory, and mood.
  • Improves Circulation and Tissue Repair: By stimulating the release of nitric oxide and enhancing oxygen delivery, red light therapy promotes the healing of damaged tissues, nerves, and organs affected by chronic infections or toxic mold exposure.

Conditions Treated with Red Light Laser Therapy

In Dr. Marra’s office, we use red light laser therapy to help with a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Inflammation & Pain Relief
  • Neuropathy (burning, stinging, numbness)
  • Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, fatigue)
  • Sleep disorders & circadian rhythm imbalance
  • Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
  • Chronic joint and muscle pain
  • Immune system support
  • Wound healing and skin repair
  • Gut dysbiosis and esophageal injury
  • Fatigue, tremors, and overall energy restoration

For patients with tick-borne diseases and mycotoxin illnesses, these benefits can be life-changing, especially when combined with a comprehensive integrative treatment plan.

Are There Any Contraindications?

While red light therapy is safe for most people, it is not recommended for patients with:

  • Seizure disorders
  • Light hypersensitivity
  • Active cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Open, oozing skin lesions

Dr. Marra will review your medical history to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Book a Red Light Therapy for Lyme Disease Session with Dr. Marra

If you’re struggling with the long-term effects of Lyme disease, tick-borne infection, or mycotoxin exposure, red light therapy for Lyme disease may be a powerful tool in your recovery.

To schedule a session or learn more about photobiomodulation therapy, contact Dr. Marra’s office online or call 206-299-2676. We offer package deals to help make your healing journey affordable, accessible, and impactful.

More Resources:

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.

Dr Susan Marra wearing the Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Therapy Helmet

How a Red Light Therapy Helmet Can Boost Brain Health and Mood

Written on . Posted in Articles, Red Light Therapy.

Dr. Susan L. Marra is excited to introduce one of the most innovative tools in brain-focused healing: the Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Helmet, also known as the Neuronic Helmet. This advanced, medical-grade red light therapy helmet offers new hope for individuals struggling with brain fog, mood challenges, cognitive decline, and neurological dysfunction caused by chronic illness or aging.

What Is a Red Light Therapy Helmet?

A red light therapy helmet uses low-level near-infrared light to stimulate the brain’s cellular function, support tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. The light penetrates the skull and interacts directly with mitochondria, the “power plants” of your cells, boosting ATP production and helping your brain perform at its best. Think of it like giving your brain cells a much-needed energy boost so they can do their jobs more efficiently.

Historically, red light therapy has been proven to improve circulation, accelerate healing, and reduce inflammation. When targeted to the brain, those same benefits can translate into sharper memory, a more balanced mood, improved sleep, and better focus. Many people describe feeling mentally clearer and more emotionally grounded after just a few sessions.

Introducing the Neuronic Helmet (Neuroradiant 1070)

The Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Helmet is a state-of-the-art medical device engineered to deliver 1070 nm red light to the brain at varying pulse rates, intensities, and durations. It’s far more advanced than other consumer-grade light therapy devices and is carefully calibrated for therapeutic impact on brain tissue. This device targets deep brain structures responsible for mood, memory, and executive function. 

Brain Health Benefits of a Red Light Therapy Helmet

Man wearing red light therapy helmet

Dr. Marra uses the Neuroradiant 1070 to help optimize and restore several key brain functions. Patients may experience improvements in:

  • Memory creation, storage, and recall
  • Clarity of abstract thought
  • Deep, rejuvenating sleep
  • Focus and executive function
  • Mood regulation
  • Symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • PTSD and emotional trauma recovery
  • Fine motor coordination in hands and feet
  • Neurocognitive and neuromuscular performance

Many of Dr. Marra’s patients come to her after years of chronic illness or brain-related symptoms that conventional medicine hasn’t resolved. This red light therapy helmet offers a gentle yet powerful way to support long-term recovery and brain resilience.

Who Can Benefit from the Neuronic Helmet?

The Neuronic Helmet can benefit a wide range of individuals, especially those dealing with chronic, neuroinflammatory, or degenerative issues. You may be a good candidate if you’re managing:

  • Chronic Lyme disease or co-infections
  • Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease
  • Traumatic brain injury or stroke 
  • Mold toxicity or biotoxin-related brain fog
  • Long COVID or post-viral fatigue
  • Autoimmune neurological disorders
  • Cognitive aging or early-stage memory loss
  • PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, or depression
  • Coordination issues or fine motor dysfunction

Red light therapy is also valuable for healthy aging adults who want to maintain a sharp, high-performing brain well into their 80s and 90s.

Personalized Treatment with the Neuroradiant 1070 Helmet

Dr. Susan Marra begins each red light therapy program with a Cognivue brain assessment, which is a noninvasive evaluation of cognitive function that helps identify areas for support.

From there, she develops a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and sensitivities. Dr. Marra follows a “start low, go slow” protocol, gradually increasing exposure to light therapy to ensure your brain adapts safely and effectively. She carefully monitors your response and adjusts session duration and intensity as needed.

“There is a clear therapeutic window for all red light wavelengths, especially when delivered to the brain,” Dr. Marra explains. “Too little will have no effect, but doing too much could have a detrimental effect. Starting low and going slow is the best way to proceed with red light therapy delivered directly to the brain.”

Is A Red Light Helmet Therapy Safe for the Brain?

When used correctly, red light therapy is safe and noninvasive for the brain. It produces no heat, requires no recovery time, and has few side effects. Most patients feel calm, mentally clear, or pleasantly relaxed after a session.

Receiving treatment under the guidance of a trained professional is essential for optimized results. Dr. Marra ensures every session is personalized and safely dosed based on your unique treatment plan.

How to Get Started with Red Light Helmet Therapy

Your first session with Dr. Marra will be gentle, supportive, and focused on comfort. Here’s what to expect:

  • A brain health assessment (Cognivue) to measure cognitive function
  • Review of your health history, symptoms, and goals
  • A measured session with the red light therapy helmet
  • Personalized settings based on your brain’s sensitivity
  • Education on what to expect after the session

Most patients start with short treatments and gradually increase duration as their brain acclimates to the therapy. 

Contact Dr. Marra today to see if red light therapy is right for you. 

Ready to Try A Red Light Therapy Helmet for Brain Health?

The Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Helmet isn’t just a wellness trend; it’s a medical-grade device designed to support neurological balance, cognitive clarity, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re dealing with brain fog, trauma, mood changes, or simply want to stay sharp as you age, a red light therapy helmet may be the transformative tool your brain has been waiting for.

Dr. Marra provides personalized treatment plans using the Neuronic Helmet based on science-backed protocols and a thorough cognitive assessment. She aims to help you feel clearer, calmer, and more focused – naturally and noninvasively. Call Dr. Marra today at 206-299-2676 to schedule your first session and experience the healing power of a red light therapy helmet for yourself. 

Read more of Dr. Marra’s blogs and find more patient resources now!

Dr Susan Marra wearing the Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Therapy Helmet

A medical device with a white control unit and two handheld applicators connected by cables, all placed on a purple surface with a purple background. The device emits blue light from the applicators.

Revolutionize Your Healing with Firefly Red Light Laser Technology 

Written on . Posted in Articles, Red Light Therapy, Treatments.

We’re thrilled to announce a cutting-edge addition to our wellness services: the Firefly red light laser. Developed by Dr. Maurice Bales of Bales Photonics, this advanced technology is now available exclusively at the office of Dr. Susan L. Marra, making us the only provider on the Kitsap Peninsula to offer this medical-grade red light laser therapy. We’re proud to be the only provider in the region offering this powerful, medical-grade red light laser therapy. Read on to learn what it is, how it works, and whether it might be the right fit for your health goals, plus how to book your first appointment!

What Is the Firefly Red Light Laser?

The Firefly red light laser is a revolutionary form of red light therapy that uses specific wavelengths to stimulate deep tissue healing, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and regenerate mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell. It is 10x more powerful than traditional LED technology – as powerful as Class IV lasers. Unlike traditional red light beds, this laser offers targeted, physician-grade precision for more effective treatment of both surface and deep tissues.

How Does Red Light Laser Therapy Work?

Red light falls within the near-infrared (625–750 nm) and far-infrared (750–1100 nm) spectrum. While near-infrared light treats surface tissues, far-infrared light penetrates deeper layers, including muscle and bone. The red light is absorbed by mitochondria, specifically the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which then triggers a chemical reaction that boosts ATP production—fuel for cellular repair and regeneration.

Proven Benefits of Firefly Red Light Laser Therapy

The Firefly red light laser has shown effectiveness in a wide range of clinical and wellness applications:

  • Accelerates wound healing
  • Promotes increased blood circulation
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Stimulates ATP production
  • Enhances tissue regeneration
  • Encourages hair growth

Conditions That May Improve with Red Light Laser Therapy

Due to its broad cellular benefits, this therapy may support treatment for:

  • Diabetes and circulatory issues
  • Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
  • IBS and digestive inflammation
  • Sinusitis, bursitis, and arthritis
  • Bone injuries and fractures
  • Gingivitis and mouth ulcers
  • Dermatitis, fungal infections, and parasites
    Autoimmune imbalances
  • Muscle pain and fatigue
  • Insomnia and stress-related conditions

Firefly Red Light Laser vs. Traditional Red Light Therapy

Unlike generalized red light therapy (e.g., red light beds), the Firefly red light laser delivers precise, high-intensity light to a focused area. This allows for deep tissue penetration, enabling it to assist with more complex issues such as bone repair, chronic inflammation, and even cellular detoxification.

Is Firefly Red Light Laser Safe?

This is a medical-grade device that must be operated by a trained physician or certified light therapist due to potential risks like tissue or eye damage. At our office, all sessions are carefully supervised. We start slow, typically 2–15 minutes per session, to ensure safety and optimal results.

However, red light laser therapy is not recommended for:

  • Individuals with active cancer
  • Those with epilepsy
  • Patients with infectious open wounds
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Anyone exposed without protective eyewear

Additionally, those with chronic infections may experience a Herxheimer reaction (detox symptoms due to pathogen die-off), which can be managed with guidance from our team.

Try Firefly Red Light Laser—Free First Session Available!

Dr. Marra is proud to be the first in the region to bring you this powerful, physician-exclusive healing modality. Whether you’re seeking recovery from injury, reducing inflammation, or managing chronic pain, the Firefly red light laser could be a transformative solution. Call us today at 206-299-2676 to schedule your free trial session and experience the healing power of red light laser for yourself. Read more of Dr. Marra’s blogs and find more patient resources now!

Photobiomodulation (PBM) Information Sheet

Written on . Posted in Red Light Therapy.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) Information Sheet

September, 2024

Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer disease:

  • decreased cognitive functioning
  • decreased capacity to learn new information
  • decreased memory capacity
  • decreased ability for decision-making
  • decreased language abilities
  • decreased motor activities
  • decreased mitochondrial functioning due to decreased enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity
  • abnormal deposition of Beta-Amyloid protein in the brain
  • imbalance of mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins
  • increased neuronal inflammation by microglial and astrocyte cell activity
  • induction of heat shock proteins
  • induction of cyclooxygenase pathway
  • NF Kappa beta stimulated neuritis
  • increased oxidative stress from increased reactivity oxygen species (ROS)
  • decreased ATP production by the mitochondria
  • increased expression of neurofibrillary tangles

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Alzheimer disease:

  • transcranial application of:
  • red light (600-770nm)
  • near infrared light (760-1200nm)
  • removes deposition of Beta-Amyloid protein in the brain
  • induces changes in the genetic expression BACE1 and Cathepsin B enzymes
  • inactivates JNK3 gene that leads to decreased endocytosis resulting in less beta-amyloid protein deposition
  • 1070nm NIR depletes beta-amyloid deposition
  • improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning
  • promotes vasodilation by increasing cerebral blood flow
  • this removes metabolic waste
  • helps remove beta-amyloid breakdown debris
  • disaffiliates the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor and thereby increasing the availability of cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) enzyme in maintaining mitochondrial membrane function and potential
  • increases oxygen consumption
  • increases glucose metabolism
  • increases ATP biosynthesis by the mitochondria
  • regulates mitochondrial homeostasis
  • allows for recovery of damaged human neuronal progenitor cells by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis
  • enhances cytochrome C oxidase activity (CCO)
  • increases the efficiency of ATP production by the mitochondria
  • improves the flow of electrons through the electron transport chain
  • increases mitochondrial membrane potential
  • specifically stimulates the activity of complex VI in the mitochondria
  • promotes new mitochondria generation
  • lowers inflammatory response
  • decreases neuronal degradation
  • shifts the microglial phenotype from M1 (proinflammatory) to M2 (anti-inflammatory)
  • decreases Beta-Amyloid production
  • decreases the expression of inflammatory markers in Alzheimer disease
  • modulates proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha)
  • near infrared (NIR) light decreases microglial toxicity
  • near infrared (NIR) light promotes neuron survival
  • decreases oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS), toxins, heavy metal, etc…
  • increases antioxidant enzyme capacity
  • increase the positive aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by provoking cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-necrotic effects of neurons
  • increases cerebral blood flow through nitric oxide (NO) mediated vasodilation
  • decreases depression by altering glutamatergic dysfunction by regulating GLT-1 mRNA protein
  • enhances tissue repair
  • utilizes neuroprotective properties
  • stimulates neurogenesis (formation of new neurons)
  • promotes synaptogenesis (formation of new synapses)
  • promotes neural repair and functional recovery
  • influences neuronal activity by altering ion channel functioning and neurotransmitter release
  • has a positive effect on the rest-activity rhythm of Alzheimer disease

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

  • improves cognitive function
  • decreases post concussive symptoms
  • accelerate recovery in patients with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • neuroprotective effects
  • anti-inflammatory effects

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Stroke:

  • enhances neurogenesis (growth of new neurons)
  • decreases brain damage
  • improves functional recovery
  • improves motor function
  • enhances rehab outcomes

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in Parkinson disease:

  • neuroprotective from continued loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra part of the brain
  • may lower the accumulation of alpha synuclein within neurons called Lewy Bodies
  • may heal vascular damage from proinflammatory cytokines
  • may heal blood brain barrier leakage from proinflammatory cytokines
  • may heal the gut microbiome
  • increases mitochondrial function by increasing ATP production
  • lowers microglial activation from inflammation
  • may restore gut motility and vagus nerve activity
  • may reduce alpha synuclein accumulation in the gut
  • reduces inflammation by lowering proinflammatory cytokine levels such as TNF alpha, interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6)
  • decreases neuronal damage
  • slows disease progression
  • improves cognitive function
  • improves motor and mobility performance (i.e., walking, gait, tremors, writing, fine motor control)
  • may improve sense of smell
  • may improve mood
  • may improve social interactions
  • influences the gut microbiome to reduce alpha synuclein accumulation in the gut
  • may improve glymphatics which helps remove toxins from the brain
  • may improve confidence
  • may improve balance
  • improves angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) 
  • improves collateral and capillary revascularization
  • improves blood flow
  • improves blood filling in the cerebral hemispheres
  • decreases gliosis (scarring in the brain)
  • induces neurogenesis (new neuron formation)
  • induces regenerative cerebral changes

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for Pain:

  • analgesic effect on pain
  • decreases inflammation
  • increases tissue repair
  • decreases neuropathic pain by decreasing inflammation

Benefits of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for Depression:

  • influences brain activity of glutamatergic neurons
  • promotes neuroplasticity
  • has mood modulating effects
  • used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and NOT in place of meds

Excerpted from: 

“Unleashing light’s healing power: an overview of photobiomodulation for Alzheimer treatment”. Ramanishankar, A., Singh, A., Begum, R., Jayasankar, N., Prajapati, B., Nirenjen, S. Future Science OA, 10:1/ fsoa-2023-0155, 2024.

“Parkinson’s Disease and Photobiomodulation: Potential for Treatment.” Bicknell, B., Liebert, A., Herkes, G. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2024, 14, 112, pages 1-32.

“Photobiomodulation for the Brain. Photobiomodulation Therapy in Neurology and Neuropsychiatry” Salehpour, F, Sadigh-Eteghad, S., Mamoudi, J., Kamari, F., Cassano, P., Hamblin, M. Springer, 2023.

“Photobiomodulation in the Brain. Low Level Laser Light Therapy in Neurology and Neuroscience.” Edited by: Hamblin, M., Huang, Y.Y. Elsevier Academic Press, 2019.