Red Light Therapy and Yoga: What You Need to Know

Last summer, after a particularly tough yoga session, I was left with some serious muscle soreness. A friend suggested I try red light therapy, something I had always been curious about but have yet to look into.

To my surprise, the combination of yoga and RLT not only reduced my pain but also increased my flexibility and overall well-being. Have you ever wondered how you can take your yoga to the next level?

Let’s get into how adding red light therapy to your routine can be a total game changer for your body and mind.

Red light therapy (RLT) also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) has been studied for its effects on the tendons and joints which are the most used in yoga practice.

It’s also affordable compared to many other pain management options making it an accessible way to overall well being.

Professional treatment varies in cost, $25 to $300 per session, while home devices which target smaller areas cost between $100 to $1000 on average.

There’s a comparison of these prices on Therapeutic Beams where it’s stated that the prices may be even higher. Home red light devices are perfect for yoga practitioners as they can target specific areas at an affordable price.

Also read >>> The Spiritual Approach to Yoga Therapy

Tendons and Joints

Pain Relief Red light therapy (RLT) has been proven to reduce pain in people with tendon and joint problems. RLT releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

RLT reduces inflammation, a major cause of pain in tendinitis and arthritis. A non-invasive way to manage chronic pain at a cellular level and quality of life.

Inflammation Reduction

RLT can reduce inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that play a major role in the body’s inflammatory response and high levels can cause chronic inflammation and pain.

It modulates the production of these cytokines and that’s how RLT manages inflammation in tendinitis and arthritis. Reduces further tissue damage.

Healing Promotion

The therapy increases cellular repair and regeneration by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the energy carrier in cells, and increased ATP production speeds up the healing of tendons and joints.

This cellular energy means faster tissue repair and quicker recovery times. Athletes and people with acute injuries will benefit the most from this accelerated healing and can get back to their activities sooner.

Increased Blood Flow

RLT increases blood flow to the treated area, which is important for delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Increased blood flow supports the healing process by providing the building blocks for tissue repair and reducing stiffness in the joints and tendons.

It also helps remove waste products and reduces edema (swelling) and discomfort and promotes recovery.

Collagen Production

RLT stimulates collagen production, which is important for the repair and maintenance of tendons and joint structures.

Collagen is the main structural protein in the body which gives strength and flexibility to connective tissues.

Increased collagen production strengthens tendons and joints making them more resilient to stress and less prone to future injuries.

This is good for people with chronic joint conditions and those recovering from tendon and ligament injuries.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy with Yoga

Combining red light therapy (RLT) with yoga can have synergistic effects on physical and mental well-being. Here’s how yogis can benefit from RLT with their yoga practice:

Increased Flexibility and Mobility

RLT can increase flexibility and joint mobility, which are key components of a good yoga practice. Yogis can get deeper into their stretches and more fluid movements.

This increased flexibility means better performance in various yoga poses and more range of motion.

Faster Muscle Recovery

Yoga involves intense stretching and strengthening exercises, which can sometimes cause muscle soreness and fatigue.

RLT can speed up muscle recovery by increasing blood flow and ATP production, which supports cellular repair. Yogis can recover faster from their sessions and experience less muscle soreness.

Less Pain and Inflammation

Many yogis experience pain and inflammation due to repetitive movements or underlying conditions like arthritis. RLT reduces pain and inflammation so yoga practice is more comfortable and accessible.

Faster Injury Healing

Yoga practitioners can get injured, especially in the tendons and joints. RLT can promote faster healing of these injuries by increasing cellular repair and collagen production.

Yogis can get back to their practice sooner and with less risk of re-injury. RLT with gentle yoga can also support rehabilitation and restore strength and flexibility in the injured areas.

Deeper Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Both yoga and RLT promote relaxation and reduce stress. RLT helps by increasing endorphins and reducing cortisol levels which can enhance the relaxing effects of yoga.

This combination can lead to deeper relaxation, mental clarity and more sense of well being.

Better Sleep Quality

Regular yoga practice with RLT can improve sleep quality. Yoga promotes relaxation and stress reduction, RLT regulates circadian rhythms and increases melatonin production.

Together, they can improve sleep patterns and lead to more restful and restorative sleep.

Better sleep quality means overall health and well-being and makes it easier for yogis to maintain a consistent and effective practice.

How to Use

You can use red light therapy (RLT) with your yoga practice in various ways to get the most out of it. Here’s when and how:

Before Yoga

Use RLT before a yoga session to warm up the muscles and joints and, reduce the risk of injury, and increase flexibility.

A short session of RLT can prepare the body for the physical demands of yoga and make it easier to get into and hold the poses.

This pre-session is especially good for those with stiffness or chronic pain.

After Yoga

Using RLT after a yoga session can aid in muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise soreness. This can help yogis recover faster and feel more comfortable after intense sessions.

Post-yoga RLT can also support relaxation and enhance the relaxing effects of the practice. This recovery phase is key to maintaining consistency in practice without the hindrance of prolonged soreness or discomfort.

Integrated Practice: If you have access to RLT equipment, you can integrate it into your yoga space.

Practising yoga in an RLT-equipped space can provide benefits throughout the session for both the physical and mental aspects of yoga.

This setup is especially good for yoga studios or home practice areas where you can have a seamless integration of both therapies.

Note

There is a common misconception among those who don’t practice yoga that yogis rely on their practice for everything. Many think that yogis do nothing else and are inherently well, just as they are.

But that’s not true.

Practicing yoga is indeed a powerful tool for physical, mental and spiritual health but it’s not the only tool yogis use to support their overall well being.

Yogis often use other natural and technological aids to get the most out of their health benefits and quality of life.

Conclusion

Combining red light therapy with yoga can be beneficial for flexibility, pain reduction, recovery and overall well-being. Whether used before, during or after yoga sessions, RLT can be a great addition to your wellness routine to help you achieve a more balanced and healthy life.