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Proven effective for decades against colds: infrared light
August 19, 2025
Birgitta Dunckel
- Health
How body and mind benefit from red light, infrared, and LED
From pain management to strengthening the immune system to anti-aging - this is how the healing power of red light, infrared, and LED works.
Red light and infrared therapy have evolved from traditional home remedies to scientifically based, high-tech treatment methods. Whether a classic red light lamp for acute complaints, infrared emitters for pain relief and deep relaxation, or modern LED systems for cellular regeneration – the right light therapy can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Heat is one of the world's oldest and most proven remedies – and today it has its firm place in medicine, wellness, and cosmetics more than ever. Particularly red light and infrared therapy are in focus when it comes to pain relief, relaxation, or skin regeneration. With the development of modern LED technology, the application of these light and heat therapies has revolutionized and refined.
Heat meets light: The scientific principle of action
Red light and infrared therapy use electromagnetic light of specific wavelengths, which is absorbed by the body and processed in various ways. While classic red light is mainly converted into heat, modern LED systems primarily work through photobiomodulation – a process that acts directly at the cellular level.
The modern variety of devices
The range of therapeutic devices is constantly growing: There are now LED masks, large panels, handy mobile devices, special helmets for head treatment, classic IR emitters, luxurious infrared cabins, LED combination devices, and flexible pads for targeted application. But how do classic red light lamps, infrared emitters, and LED red light devices differ? And what are they best suited for?
The physiological effects in detail
These therapeutic light forms activate various healing mechanisms:
- Promotion of circulation: The heat dilates blood vessels and improves microcirculation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the treated tissues.
- Muscle relaxation: Targeted heat relieves muscle tension and reduces stiffness, which is especially helpful for chronic conditions.
- Pain relief: According to the gate control theory and the release of endogenous endorphins, the sensation of pain is significantly reduced.
- Inflammation regulation: Both thermal and photobiomodulatory effects can positively influence inflammatory processes and accelerate healing.
- Cell metabolism activation: The mitochondrial activity is increased, leading to higher ATP production and improved cell regeneration.
- Immune system strengthening: Regular applications can strengthen the body's defenses and promote overall vitality.
The special feature: The treatment is completely painless, non-invasive, and can be conveniently applied at home – provided you know which light is best suited for which purpose.
The three main categories in detail
Red light: The proven heat classic for superficial treatments
For colds and tense neck muscles, it has proven itself over decades: the classic red light lamp. This visible red light (about 600–700 nm wavelength) penetrates about 2-3 millimeters into the skin and creates a pleasant, relaxing surface warmth.
Mode of action: The effect is mainly thermal – blood vessels dilate, tensions are gradually released, and the natural healing process is gently stimulated.
Optimal application duration: 10-20 minutes per session, 1-3 times daily as needed.
Typical applications:
- Cold symptoms and sinusitis
- Tension headaches and neck tension
- Skin impurities and local skin irritations
- Relaxation from stress and tension
- Support for ear pain (external use only)
Infrared therapy: Invisible power for deep-acting healing
Infrared rays (especially IR-A in the range of 700–1400 nm wavelength) are invisible to the human eye but highly effective therapeutically. They have the unique ability to penetrate significantly deeper into tissues, muscles, and even joints than visible red light.
Mode of action: Unlike superficial red light, infrared not only generates heat at the skin's surface, but directly in the deeper tissue. This leads to particularly intense stimulation of blood circulation and regeneration processes.
Optimal application: 15-30 minutes per session, can be used daily for chronic complaints.
Popular applications:
- Back pain, sciatica, arthritic pain
- Joint inflammation and chronic muscle tension
- Accelerated regeneration after sports or physical exertion
- Whole-body heat cabins for systematic stress reduction and immune system strengthening
- Support with rheumatism and fibromyalgia
- Improvement of joint mobility
LED red light therapy: high-tech light for cellular renewal and beauty
LED red light devices represent the most modern form of light therapy. They are not heat emitters in the traditional sense, but highly precise light sources with exactly defined wavelengths. Particularly effective are scientifically tested combinations of 630–660 nm (visible red light) and 810–850 nm (near infrared).
Revolutionary mode of action: The therapeutic light does not primarily work through warming, but through photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). This "cold" light produces hardly noticeable warmth and unfolds its effect exclusively through the precise emission of specific photons.
The cellular mechanism: the light photons specifically stimulate the mitochondria – the "powerhouses" of our cells – and promote the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the universal energy currency of the body. The result: optimized cell regeneration, reduced inflammatory reactions, and accelerated healing processes.
Medical applications: In ophthalmology, PBM is successfully used, for example, to treat various retinal diseases, especially dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The therapy can slow the progression of the disease and measurably improve vision.
Optimal treatment protocols: 10-20 minutes per session, 3-5 times weekly for best results.
Versatile applications:
- Aesthetic medicine: Skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, natural collagen enhancement
- Dermatology: Treatment of acne, scar therapy, wound healing
- Pain therapy: Effective relief for arthritis, tendon irritations, chronic pain
- Regenerative medicine: Accelerated healing after injuries or surgical procedures
- Wellness: Improvement of sleep quality, natural stress reduction
- Anti-aging: Alleviation of age-related complaints, vitality enhancement
- Mental Health: Supportive treatment for depression and seasonal affective disorder
- Sports Medicine: Preventive muscle relaxation and performance optimization
Scientific evidence and study situation
The therapeutic effects of red light and infrared are demonstrated by numerous scientific studies:
Pain Therapy
Clinical studies show significant pain reduction in chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. The effects are detectable both short-term (immediate pain relief) and long-term (improved mobility).
Wound Healing
Photobiomodulation has been shown to accelerate wound healing by 25-40% and reduce scarring. Particularly impressive results are seen in diabetic wounds and postoperative healing processes.
Skin health
LED therapy with 630-660 nm stimulates collagen production by up to 30% and reduces fine lines and age spots. Anti-acne effects are visible after 2-4 weeks of regular use.
What remains important: In cases of persistent or severe symptoms, medical clarification should always be sought first. Light therapy can usefully complement many conventional treatments, but it cannot replace them in every case.
