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

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

Revolutionize Your Healing with Firefly Red Light Laser Technology 

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

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 lead 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 (antiinflammatory)
  • 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 Lwey 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.