Author name: Be Superhuman

Red Light Therapy

Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy is one of the modern-day biohacking techniques that has gained a lot of popularity in recent times.  In this article, we will discuss what exactly Red Light Therapy (RLT) is? How does it work? What are its benefits? And what are the options?  Let’s quickly look at a brief history of lighting therapy first to understand how it all began. Modern-day Light therapy dates back to 1903, where Niels Ryberg Finsen won the Nobel Prize for Early Light Therapy Treatments [1]. But it was not until the early 1990s where the actual advancements started happening with reduced lighting costs and improved efficiency. It was during this time NASA tested red light therapy to grow a plant’s space in the absence of sunlight. It worked as the plants started responding, leading to several further experiments and studies.[2] What is Red Light Therapy? And How Does It Work?  Red light therapy (RLT) is basically exposing your body to a low-level red wavelength of light. This red light is natural and penetrates deep into the skin, where the cells (mitochondria) can absorb and produce more adenosine triphosphate, which is the energy source for all cells. It is believed that with this extra energy, the cell can effectively repair itself from the common damages caused by the modern-day lifestyle like pollution, radiation, free radical damage, etc. RTL also has several other names like : photobiomodulation (PBM),  low-level light therapy (LLLT),  biostimulation,  photonic stimulation. Benefits of Red Light Therapy: Many studies have shown the potential benefits of RTL on skin and hair health. In many instances, RTL has also been used to treat wounds, scars, wrinkles, and spots.  As we discussed above, RTL helps in protecting and restoring the damaged cells.  One of the review journals states that RTL improves collagen production, which gives skin elasticity. It also increases the blood circulation between the blood and tissue cells, improving the complexion of the skin, reducing wrinkles, and improving the overall health of the skin.  RTL is also said to have positive effects on reducing inflammation, healing wounds, and muscle breakdown.  There are also other benefits like increased oxygen production, increase anti-oxidant defense, improved circadian rhythm, improved mood, better sleep and faster muscle recovery. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Red Light Therapy Options: ⁣ ⁣ There are many red light therapies out on their market. Let’s have a look at a few of them.  ⁣ Red Light Rising is a great panel due to its length (it’s longer than other panels) and the most powerful, meaning that you don’t have to spend as much time in front of it. ⁣⁣ Joovv is another option. It is not as powerful or as large as Red Light Rising but the advantage here is a timer. Timers are usually handy to plan your sessions and snapback in case you dose off or go into a deep meditative state. Joov is comparatively more expensive than the Red Light Rising, making the latter a little more appealing. The next option is Flex Beam. Flex Beam is one-of-a-kind because you can wrap this around your shoulder, back, neck, abdomen, or anywhere you want to target specifically without having to stay in one position.This is great for busy individuals, as you can multi-task wearing this. It also has 3 settings for superficial such as skin, thyroid or injury. Joov Go is a great option for frequent travelers or commuting individuals. This is a very small panel but useful when you travel, especially to different countries and timezones. This helps by providing restorative red light to your retina when you are spending most of your time indoors.⁣ Clearlight Sauna⁣ is the last one we will discuss here. The full spectrum Infrared heaters in the Clearlight Saunas warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight. Infrared heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sunlight that heats the body in the same way as natural sunlight. Takeaway RTL has shown some promising results in improving overall health. It will be a great addition to your routine if overall health and performance is your priority. As always, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before starting with RTL, especially if you have any conditions.

Oxygen Therapy

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing almost pure oxygen in a special room or small chamber. This therapy helps by increasing the atmospheric pressure in the body. It’s possible to micronize the oxygen molecule into the blood plasma instead of the haemoglobin. Haemoglobin has a specific amount of oxygen it can absorb, then after a certain point, it is maxed out. But when enough pressure is applied to the body, the plasma can absorb up to five times the normal oxygen amount which allows for carbonation of the blood plasma. This promotes an accelerated regeneration of cells throughout the body which attributes to rapid recovery and repair of body tissues. From a chemistry standpoint, we are utilizing Henry’s law of diffusion and Boyle’s Law of permeability of cells. Benefits of HBOT: – Increased blood oxygen levels – Increased Recovery – Increased Anti-bacterial activity – Promotes Healing and Angiogenesis – Prevents release of proteases and free radicals which is the cause of cellular damage Procedure for Hyperbaric oxygen therapy It’s always recommended to check with the doctor before going through this therapy. All the metal objects and electronics are outside the hyperbaric chamber. These objects could create sparks, which could cause a fire in the high-oxygen environment. During the procedure, depending on the chamber you sit or lie in a special chamber. Most hyperbaric chambers are only designed for one person. You would have to lie on a table that slides into the hyperbaric chamber, where you’ll continue lying during the entire session. 100% oxygen delivered in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber will, in effect, deliver “250-300%” O2, depending on the atmospheric pressure. Sessions usually last between 1 and 2 hours. The number of sessions would usually vary from person to person depending on their individual goals. People can usual resume their daily activities immediately following a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. Most people see benefits from this therapy after several sessions. It’s important to continue the recommended full course of treatment as advised by the healthcare team. Is HBOT Safe? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not a cure-all for any and every medical condition. In order to be most effective, HBOT must be prescribed by a doctor or a professional healthcare team who specifically understands what the user’s body needs. Similarly, the hyperbaric treatment must be administered in a clinical environment, under strict supervision. Although there are minor risks, HBOT is safe. The most common side effects are sinus and barotrauma caused by the shift in pressure – not unlike the pressure one would experience during the ascent and descent of a commercial flight. One can learn different techniques to help clear the ear during compression and decompression, and prevent discomfort during treatment.

IV Therapy

What Is IV Therapy?

IV therapy where IV stands for “intravenous” or “inside the vein” is a technique used to deliver fluids, nutrition, or medication directly into a person’s vein. Off late IV Therapies have become very popular and are sought by many health and fitness enthusiasts around the world.  It can be used to help with some conditions such as nutrient deficiencies, boosting the immune system, increasing energy levels, and fighting oxidative stress. By administering therapeutic doses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids into the veins directly, your body’s tissues can absorb more than through oral administration. Unlike traditional methods of nutrient delivery such as oral supplements, IV infusion therapy bypasses the gastrointestinal tract which allows for 100% nutrient absorption into the bloodstream. This also allows for a reduction of side effects such as cramping and diarrhea which can occur with some oral supplements. While a well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is necessary for optimal health, many patients require supplementation to achieve a therapeutic benefit. IV Therapy is able to fill in this nutrient gap, safely and effectively. Some other benefits seen with IV Therapy are: General hydration Detoxification of multiple organs Restores energy levels Immune boosting Enhanced cognitive performance Athletic recovery Reduces signs of Ageing IS IT SAFE? By providing your body with the building blocks that it needs to function optimally you can improve your health overall. The administration of intravenous fluids via IV infusion is common and generally safe under professional guidance. But it is always advised to consult with your doctor prior to avoid any complications, especially if you have a medical condition or allergies.