While many are familiar with red light therapy's benefits for skin and muscle health, its application in brain health is gaining attention. Currently, most discussions revolve around the 810nm and 850nm wavelengths of red light therapy (RLT) for neurological treatment. However, the 830nm wavelength has also shown potential in providing the same neurological red light therapy benefits as the first two wavelengths.
Explore the science behind the 830nm RLT wavelength and its potential benefits for neurological health with our RLT experts at Rojo Light Therapy EU.
The 830nm wavelength stands out in red light therapy for its unique ability to penetrate deep into biological tissues, including the brain. Let’s discuss this factor by factor below:
830nm, which is in the near-infrared range, can penetrate up to 3 cm through the skull and into the brain. However, some studies state that the amount of light reaching this depth is significantly reduced as it passes through tissue.
This capability is essential for stimulating cellular processes within the brain, which can aid in neurological therapies.
At the cellular level, 830nm light interacts with cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a key enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This interaction enhances mitochondrial activity, leading to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells.
Enhanced ATP production supports neuronal function and may contribute to neuroprotective and cognitive improvements.
Beyond energy production, 830nm light has been associated with neuroprotective effects through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, factors implicated in various neurological disorders.Â
By influencing these pathways, 830nm light may aid in preserving neuronal integrity and function.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when external mechanical force causes brain dysfunction, often resulting from falls, vehicular accidents, or sports-related impacts. The aftermath can include persistent cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, and fatigue, with few effective non-invasive treatment options currently available.
A compelling study by Naeser et al. investigated the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation using LEDs emitting a mixture of 830nm and 660nm light on two chronic TBI patients. The treatment resulted in:
The researchers attributed this improvement to increased cerebral blood flow and mitochondrial function stimulated by the light therapy.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Traditional treatment typically involves anti-seizure medications, but 20% - 30% of patients are drug-resistant and seek alternative interventions.
In a preclinical study on rats with pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, 830nm photobiomodulation modulated cortical and hippocampal amino acid levels. This restored balance to their glutamate and GABA, key neurotransmitters in seizure activity.Â
Another study involving Mongolian gerbils showed that 830nm light significantly reduced spike potentials, hinting at the wavelength’s possible anticonvulsant properties.
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are characterised by the progressive death of neurons, often linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, and chronic inflammation.
These conditions have no cure, and current therapies only slow progression. However, red light therapy may offer a complementary solution.
Research has shown that 830nm light can enhance mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress, factors implicated in neurodegeneration. But for now, more targeted studies are still needed to conclusively determine the efficacy of 830nm in treating these conditions.
Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions worldwide. They are associated with impaired neuroplasticity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced cerebral metabolism, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, an area crucial for emotional regulation and executive functioning.
According to research, red light therapy may be able to help manage these disorders. In a preclinical study published in Lasers in Medical Science, exploring the antidepressant effects of the 830nm red light therapy on rats, researchers found that a single transcranial session significantly increased cytochrome oxidase activity.
This is a marker of cellular metabolic energy production, which is correlated with antidepressant-like behavioural outcomes in the forced swim test, a widely accepted model of depressive symptoms.
This outcome supports the hypothesis that this wavelength may alleviate depressive symptoms by enhancing mitochondrial function and brain metabolism in key mood-regulating areas.
Clinical-grade red light therapy systems used in hospitals or research environments typically deliver higher irradiance (power output) and operate under controlled conditions. These devices often include precision-engineered laser arrays or LED clusters that can penetrate deep tissue layers, which are used to treat neurological targets like the brain.
At-home devices, on the other hand, are typically designed for safety, accessibility, and convenience.
While many reputable consumer-grade systems use the 830nm wavelength, they may vary widely in terms of power density (measured in mW/cm²), treatment area, beam collimation, and cooling efficiency. These differences can affect therapeutic outcomes, especially for neurological applications where consistent energy delivery to deeper tissues is important.
A number of transcranial photobiomodulation studies have used 830nm LED arrays, not lasers. This is important because it indicates that non-laser, lower-risk devices can still achieve meaningful results.
So, it’s possible that with proper specifications and usage protocols, at-home treatment may be both effective and safe to deliver certain neurological red light therapy benefits.
From supporting mood and memory to aiding recovery after brain injury, the 830nm wavelength is carving out a unique niche in red light therapy, particularly for neurological health.
That said, every neurological condition is complex. Before starting any light therapy regimen, especially for brain-related concerns. It’s essential to speak with a qualified healthcare provider. Photobiomodulation may be powerful, but it works best when integrated into a personalised care strategy.
If you're considering 830nm red light therapy at home, ROJO Light Therapy offers advanced, evidence-aligned systems engineered for neurological support.
Explore our range today!
