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The benefits of light therapy

light therapy

Background on light therapy

Light therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light to produce therapeutic benefits. It is also referred to as phototherapy, photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), and low power laser therapy (LPLT). Red light therapy (RLT), where devices use the red light wavelength, has gained a lot of attention lately as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. Light therapy dates back to the early 1900s as a treatment for skin tuberculosis. NASA used red light therapy to help plants grow in space stations, and then to help astronauts who might become ill or injured on long space flights.

 

Applying light at specific wavelengths to human cells allows the cells to absorb the light energy and stimulates cell function and performance. It stimulates circulation and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, facilitating repair and increasing health and vitality.

 

Light therapy is used as a facial rejuvenation tool to treat acne, kill bacteria, heal wounds and scars, treat pigmentation, redness, and sun damage, stimulate circulation, promote fibroblast formation and collagen production, and improve the tone and texture of the skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been shown to stimulate hair growth.

 

A Chinese medicine perspective

Light influences our “qi”, or energy. Light is believed to move the qi and directly enters the acupuncture channels. Concentrated light in the form of lasers has been used for decades to stimulate acupuncture points as an alternative to needles. Light therapy has a similar effect to that of acupuncture needles by bringing blood and qi to the area being treated. Additionally, research studies like the study Clinical effectiveness of laser acupuncture: a systematic review have shown the effectiveness of light therapy in the treatment of a variety of conditions.

 

Light for facial rejuvenation

The kind of light used for facial rejuvenation is produced through light emitting diodes, also known as LED, bulbs. This kind of light does not produce any ultraviolet (UV) rays. There is no risk of UV damage to skin tissue. In fact, light therapy can help heal damage caused by UV rays.

Read more about how LED therapy has been shown to increase protection against UV rays in the research article LED photoprevention: reduced MED response following multiple LED exposures.

 

Additionally, LED lights are non-ablative, which means they do not cause any injury to the skin surface. They are also non-thermal which means that they do not produce heat. Light therapy is safe and non-invasive, with no harmful or long-term side effects. It can be used on all skin types. There is no recovery time.

 

How light therapy works

The light device emits photons, which are tiny particles of light. The photons penetrate deeply into the skin’s epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous layers. The energy is absorbed into the mitochondria of the cells at these layers, and the photons are transformed into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP fuels the metabolic events of the cells, and in particular, the energy that cells use for growth and repair.

 

An important part of this process involves fibroblast production. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that make connective tissue. They secrete collagen and elastin proteins that build skin and give skin its structure and elasticity. Additionally, light therapy increases blood circulation to the tissues and reduces inflammation.

 

Benefits

  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves facial tone and texture
  • Repairs sun damage
  • Can help heal eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
  • Improves the appearance of scars and varicose veins
  • Accelerates the healing of cold sores
  • Kills the bacteria that causes acne
  • Helps heal wounds
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Helps stimulate hair growth

 

About the AcuLight – our preferred light therapy device

We use the AcuLight light therapy device at HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine. The AcuLight is a professional grade device from AcuMicro. AcuMicro developed the light with input from a Licensed Acupuncturist. It has 1,226 LED bulbs with red, blue, and yellow light. There are many light therapy devices available for home use. It is important to note that home devices are less powerful than devices used by trained professionals.

 

The AcuLight uses three types of light:

  • Blue light (Wavelength 423 nm): Produces singlet oxygen in the skin that destroys the P.acnes bacteria, improves acne, cleans skin, heals wounds

 

  • Yellow light (Wavelength 583nm): Promotes circulation, benefits uneven pigmentation, rosacea, skin redness, sun damage, bruising, spider veins

 

  • Red light (Wavelength 680 nm): Regenerates skin, stimulates circulation, assists wound healing, promotes fibroblast production of collagen and elastin, improves fine lines and wrinkles, eases pain, enhances energy

 

What to expect during a light therapy treatment

A light therapy treatment is relaxing. You’ll rest comfortably on a massage table for about 20 minutes while you listen to soft music. We provide protective eyewear and will position the light at a comfortable distance about eight inches above your face. There is no downtime, so after the treatment you’ll be free to go about your day and resume your normal activities.

 

Recommended treatment frequency 

The benefits from light therapy are cumulative. Light therapy is most effective when done on a regular basis, and it takes consistency and time to notice results. We recommend a series of 12 sessions for facial rejuvenation. We suggest scheduling sessions either 3 times per week for 4 weeks, or 2 times per week for 6 weeks.

 

While results will likely be visible even months after the treatment series is complete, maintenance is recommended to continue to support your skin’s vitality. You might think of regular light therapy treatments like you would regular exercise workouts.  When starting an exercise program, results are often seen after several weeks of consistent exercise, and continued exercise is important to maintain those results. While light therapy is safe to use as frequently as every day, it can be tailored to your needs. Even weekly maintenance treatments can be beneficial.

 

Before and after photos

Here are before and after photos from our practice. These photos were taken before light therapy treatment started and again after 12 treatments.

 

Contraindications and considerations 

Light therapy is a safe and effective treatment option. Side effects from light therapy are rare, like temporary redness of the skin on the face. Here are contraindications and things to consider when deciding if light therapy is right for you:

  • Do not use on people under the age of 12.
  • Do not use over a known cancer or tumor, any active skin cancer, or where cancer has metastasized.
  • Need to wait at least one week after using steroids or cortisol.
  • Do not use if you have a photosensitizing medical condition, like lupus.
  • Do not use while using photosensitive medications, including tetracycline, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, or naproxen. Check with your doctor if you are on any medications or have any conditions that prohibit the use of light therapy.
  • Do not use while using photosensitive herbs, supplements, or topicals like citrus oil.
  • Do not use if you have seizures or epilepsy.
  • Do not use if you have a migraine.
  • Not for use with pregnant women or near the breasts of nursing women.
  • Do not use if you have an eye disorder that would prevent you from wearing the protective goggles.
  • Skin should be clean and dry before treatment.

 

A note on retinoids, retinols, and retinoic acid 

Retinoids refer to the class of topical skincare that contains vitamin A derivatives. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A. Retinol requires enzymes within the skin to convert retinol to retinoic acid, which is the active component in prescription products like Tretinoin or Retin-A. Thus, the body’s conversion of retinol to retinoic acid can be a slow process.

 

Since retinols do not contain retinoic acid, over the counter products containing retinol are safe to use with light therapy. While there is no consensus on whether retinoids need to be discontinued before treatment, the most conservative approach is to discontinue prescription products containing retinoic acid 5 days before using light therapy treatment. The rationale is that retinoic acid makes the skin more sensitive to light and may cause redness.

 

Research articles

Light therapy is a proven therapy that has been studied over the past several decades in thousands of clinical trials. Below is a sampling of some of the many research studies available.

Overall

Cosmetic

Wound healing

Hair growth

 

When to seek medical attention 

Please seek medical attention if you have particularly severe acne, hair loss, skin disease, or a wound that recurs or won’t heal. Also, please be sure to read through the list of contraindicated conditions listed above. Talk to your doctor to see if light therapy is right for you.

 

Want to talk about how light therapy can help you? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out and email me through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.

Telehealth now available to patients in North Carolina

Telehealth in North Carolina

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is now offering Telehealth in North Carolina

People often ask me, “How can you practice acupuncture and Chinese medicine in North Carolina through Telehealth? What do you do when you can’t use needles?” People are surprised to learn that Chinese medicine covers much more than acupuncture. Telehealth is a great option for someone who is scared of needles or reluctant to try acupuncture. One of the techniques used during a Telehealth session is acupressure. Acupressure is the application of gentle pressure to acupressure points. Many people don’t know that acupressure can be just as effective as using needles on acupuncture points. It is easy to learn and do.

 

Telehealth is a great option for people who cannot or do not want to leave their home. This is beneficial to parents when childcare is not available, and they don’t have an option to leave the house. Sometimes personal protective equipment is not available, and people don’t feel safe leaving their homes. With Telehealth, you do not need to go into an office. Instead, you relax comfortably in your own home during a session. Another benefit of Telehealth is that patients can be located anywhere in North Carolina. You don’t have to travel to Wilmington. You can still get a customized treatment without leaving your home.

 

How it works

All you need is a computer, tablet or phone, and an internet connection. Just like in an office session, we’ll go through a comprehensive health history. This includes the medications and supplements you are taking, and previous and current conditions. We’ll discuss your primary concerns and goals.

 

Patients send me a picture of their tongue and ears before their appointment. This sounds weird, and it is! It’s also really easy to do. The pictures give me a lot of information about what is going on in the body.

 

When I review tongue pictures, I look at the size, shape, color, and qualities of the tongue. The tongue shows the status of  the major organs in the body. Looking at the tongue gives insight into how the organs are processing energy.

 

The ear is a microcosm of the body. This means that the different areas of the ear represent all of the parts of the body. For example, issues with the head can be seen on the earlobe. When I review ear pictures, I look for areas of redness, swelling, and dark or white patches. Recently, when reviewing ear pictures, I noticed markings on a patient’s ear that coincide with lower back pain. The patient had not mentioned lower back pain. During our appointment, I asked them if they had any trouble with their lower back. The answer was a surprised “Yes!” Patients are often amazed at what I am able to see just by looking at the ears.

 

Finally, I can also see what’s going on in your body by examining your face over the camera during a Telehealth session. Chinese face reading and facial diagnosis can be a very powerful tool. Various colorings, markings, and lines can give clues about overall health and what’s going on in the body.

 

Telehealth can help with many health concerns

The Telehealth sessions I offer can address many of the conditions commonly treated with acupuncture. This includes pain, headaches, digestive, respiratory, dermatological, neurological, reproductive and sleep issues. Sessions are also very effective in supporting emotional well-being, including stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Sessions can also focus on boosting immunity.

 

A customized treatment plan is developed during a Telehealth session. This may include acupressure, ear seeds, gua sha, moxa, qigong, as well as nutrition and lifestyle advice. Any tools needed are delivered or sent to the patient for home use. Detailed instructions are provided.

 

Available treatment modalities

Here’s a quick overview of the different modalities that are available:

  • Acupressure is the application of pressure to acupuncture points. This is done through gentle massage or tapping on acupuncture points.
  • Ear seeds are small seeds that are held to acupuncture points on the ear with adhesive tape. They can treat conditions throughout the entire body and often have a very calming and relaxing effect.
  • Gua sha is a gentle massage technique that incorporates a smooth-edged tool that stimulates blood flow, removes stagnation, improves circulation, produces an anti-inflammatory effect, and increases immunity to promote healing.
  • Moxa is a Chinese herb that is lit like incense. Moxa burns close to the surface of the skin and stimulates acupuncture points. It is a great tool for building immunity. It helps relieve pain, and also warms and encourages the flow of blood and “qi” (energy) in the body.
  • Qigong refers to gentle exercises that help smooth and strengthen the body’s energy.
    “Qi” means energy and “gong” means work. Qigong is a practice of working with the body’s energy.
  • Nutrition and lifestyle: We’ll discuss your current diet, exercise, stress-reduction and sleep habits. I’ll share advice on what foods may help balance your energy from a Chinese medicine perspective. I’ll give lifestyle recommendations to support you and your goals.

 

Telehealth for facial health and beauty

With so many offices and salons closed, people are excited to learn that facial procedures can easily be practiced at home. This includes lifting, toning and brightening the skin and minimizing wrinkles. I offer a facial gua sha protocol that I teach you during a Facial Gua Sha Telehealth session. I’ll give you instructions and the tools you need to practice at home. Read more about facial gua sha by clicking this link.

 

Are you located in North Carolina and interested in Telehealth? Call 910-622-4269 to learn more.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. HAVEN now offers Telehealth in North Carolina. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.

What is Facial Gua Sha?

facial gua sha wilmington nc

Facial gua sha in Wilmington, NC

Facial gua sha is a natural, non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical treatment for renewing the face. It has been used for centuries to increase facial health and beauty and has even been referred to as a non-surgical face-lift. People who are afraid of needles are happy to learn that this is a treatment that does not involve needles. The treatment is called “gua sha” because the word “gua” refers to the stroking motion that is applied to the face, and “sha” refers to the appearance of pink in the skin that results from the stroking motion. When gua sha is performed on the face during a facial gua sha treatment, it is done so very gently with the intention of improving circulation and lifting tissues.

In a facial gua sha treatment, a hydrating spray and nourishing oil are applied into the face and décolletage, and a delicate smooth jade tool is used to massage the face. The jade tool gently smooths, invigorates, and sculpts the skin and underlying tissues. Facial gua sha lifts and sculpts the face and neck and focuses on key areas including the brow, eyelids, cheeks, and jowls, often revealing a brighter, toned and lifted complexion and a more clearly defined jaw line. Gua sha can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, and dullness, as well as darkness and puffiness under the eyes. Results can also include a reduction in sinus congestion, jaw tension, and headaches.

 

What I love about facial gua sha

I love facial Gua sha, and what I notice immediately after a treatment is the resulting glow. One of the biggest areas of improvement I’ve seen in my own complexion is in the evenness of my facial features. One of my eyebrows is lower than the other, and I find that by doubling the amount of massage strokes made to lift the lower eyebrow I can achieve symmetry between my two eyebrows. When I work around the area of my mouth, I’m pleased to see that my lips get lifted so they are more in the shape of a smile than a frown. I also love how gentle and relaxing the overall massage is. It’s definitely a treat!

What’s amazing to me is that results are typically seen after just one session. It’s important to keep reminding the muscles to stay lifted and create new habits, so weekly maintenance for a period of 8 – 10 weeks is recommended for lasting results. After that, maintenance treatments can be spread out more. This technique is gentle enough that it can also be performed daily if desired, and in my practice, I offer a take-home kit with instructions for people who want to continue the maintenance on their own at home.

 

Who should try facial gua sha

Facial gua sha can benefit almost anyone. It’s also important to know that Facial Gua Sha is not recommended for everyone. For example, it’s not a good fit those who are pregnant or have: conjunctivitis, a contagious skin condition, skin irritation other than acne, any growth or injury to facial skin, any blood vessel disorder, blood disease or history of blood clots. It’s a good rule of thumb to wait at least 10 weeks after chemical or surgical treatments the on face and neck and 3 months after Botox or fillers.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she practices facial gua sha in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.