The realm of alternative healing therapies is vast and diverse, but few have garnered as much scientific interest and enthusiasm as PEMF. PEMF, or Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, is a revolutionary approach to healing that's been making waves in the medical community. Let's dive deeper into this cutting-edge therapy and explore the unique benefits of the Kala PEMF Mat.
Understanding PEMF Therapy
PEMF therapy utilizes electromagnetic fields to improve overall health and wellness. Every cell in our body has its own tiny electrical charge. As we go through daily life, these cells can become damaged or tired, losing their natural charge. PEMF acts as a kind of "battery charger" for our cells. By exposing the body to these pulsed magnetic fields, cellular function can be enhanced, leading to a cascade of positive health effects.
How PEMF Benefits the Human Body
1. Cellular Repair and Rejuvenation: PEMF promotes accelerated healing by stimulating cellular repair. This makes it particularly effective for wounds, bone fractures, and conditions like osteoporosis.
2. Improved Circulation: By aiding the vasodilation process, PEMF boosts blood flow, ensuring that nutrients and oxygen reach every part of the body efficiently.
3. Pain Relief: Numerous studies indicate that PEMF can be a solution for chronic pain, reducing inflammation and even promoting endorphin release.
4. Enhanced Sleep: The relaxing effects of PEMF therapy can also support deeper, more restorative sleep cycles.
Research and PEMF:
Various studies have showcased the effectiveness of PEMF. For instance, a 2015 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found significant pain relief and improved function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis post-PEMF therapy. Another study from the Pain Research & Management journal in 2016 highlighted PEMF's potential in reducing pain intensity and sensation for individuals with fibromyalgia.
These are just a couple of examples from a vast body of research, but they underline the tangible, evidence-based benefits of this therapy.
The Kala PEMF Mat: A Revolution in PEMF Therapy
Moving from the broader spectrum of PEMF, let's focus on a product that embodies all its fantastic benefits and then some: The Kala PEMF Mat.
At a glance, the Kala PEMF Mat is not just a typical therapeutic mat. It's a fusion of ancient healing wisdom with modern science. Here's what makes it unique:
1. 7 Gemstones Integration: Infused with Amethyst, Jade, Tourmaline, Obsidian, Quartz, Chrysocolla, and Lapis Lazuli, the Kala mat ensures a comprehensive healing experience, leveraging the innate properties of these gemstones.
2. Advanced PEMF: Operating at an optimal 7.8Hz frequency, the same as the Earth's magnetic frequency, the Kala mat offers a deeply harmonizing PEMF experience.
3. Infrared Healing: Beyond PEMF, the Kala mat also emits far-infrared rays, penetrating deep into the body to further stimulate healing and relaxation.
4. Heat Therapy: The mat's heating capabilities, adjustable up to 70°C (158°F), not only provide comfort but also enhance the therapeutic effects of the gemstones.
5. Durable and User-friendly Design: Crafted for longevity and ease of use, the Kala mat features a premium PU leather surface, waterproof layers, and a simple-to-use controller.
In essence, the Kala PEMF Mat is more than just a product; it's a holistic healing experience.
In Conclusion
PEMF therapy, backed by a rich tapestry of research, is transforming the way we view healing and wellness. And with innovations like the Kala PEMF Mat, accessing these transformative benefits has never been easier. Whether you're exploring PEMF for its renowned health advantages or seeking a comprehensive therapeutic tool, the Kala PEMF Mat promises a journey of rejuvenation and holistic well-being.
Red light therapy works wonders for humans, this we know. But how does it work on animals? Is it safe? Is it effective?
Let's dive in.
Similar to humans, energetic animals are prone to injuries, inflammation, breaks, sprains and cuts. Not to mention muscle and joint pain and arthritis. Trips to the vet can quickly become rather costly as surgeries, medications and other treatments can rack up a big bill.
In the same way that many humans are shifting towards non-invasive, holistic, effective treatments for illness, disease and other injuries, animal owners are too. With a lot of people being open to alternative therapies for their beloved pets.
Kala's red light therapy devices are a highly effective and safe treatment for pets. You may be surprised to learn that some veterinarians, animal naturopaths and pet owners have already been using our red light therapy devices to heal their furry family members. Kala's warm, therapeutic, soothing wavelengths have become a house-hold favourite among many pets North American wide.
Red light therapy can help your pet with a vast amount of issues such as:
Consistent use of Kala red light devices also promises preventative benefits for your pet and animals alike. Our advanced, 650nm red and 850nm infrared light wavelengths helps keep joints, muscles and tissue healthy by promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation.
Red light therapy works on animals in much the same way that it works on humans. Nearly all forms of life benefit from red and near-infrared light exposure when it is administered with consistent use.
Light wavelengths within the range of 600nm to 1000nm impact on cellular mitochondria, where energy is generated. Red and near-infrared light wavelengths increase the production of cellular energy. This increase occurs because the light wavelengths facilitate the production of cytochrome c oxidase, a protein which is essential for the creation of energy. Cytochrome c oxidase is present in nearly all species.
Energized cells perform their normal functions faster and more effectively, enabling improved functioning, healing and recovery, and better overall health.
There is some research we have in the red light space are actually studies performed on rats and mice, commonly known as pre-clinical trials.
Additionally, there is already an impressive range of scientific literature documenting the advantages of red light therapy for other animals as diverse as chickens, pigs, cows, fish, and even worms. Some of the most commonly studied animals are dogs, cats, and horses.
A 2017 study evaluated the effects of preoperative red light therapy on dogs undergoing bone surgery. Twenty-seven dogs were divided into two groups, one of which received the red light treatment pre-operatively, the other of which received a placebo treatment. Eight a few weeks of consistent treatments, a greater proportion of the dogs treated with light therapy had healed. These findings were supported by another study which found near-infrared wavelengths significantly accelerated bone healing in dogs.
Red light therapy also looks very promising for enhancing recovery of dogs with herniated discs. Dogs which received postoperative red light therapy daily for five days were able to walk sooner than those which hadn’t received the light treatment.
A study carried out on fourteen horses in 1987 found that infrared light therapy alleviated chronic back pain. The horses had been unable to perform at their expected standards due to longterm back pain. They had received little benefit from other therapies. They received a light therapy treatment weekly, for an average of 11 weeks.
Ten of the fourteen horses experienced an improvement in their back pain that was so significant they were able to return to training and competing. At the one-year follow-up, nine of these ten horses continued to perform well.
Another study found that horses with soft tissue injuries heal significantly faster when treated with a red light wavelength of 635nm. Wounds were made in the mid-metacarpal region of the legs of eight horses. After eighty days, horses treated with the red light had fully healed, while those in the control group (which hadn’t received the treatment) were still in the process of healing.
The study’s authors examined that red light therapy did in-fact promote tissue regeneration while reducing inflammation and pain in the horses. Kala Devices use customizable frequencies to promote healing, inflammation and recovery. You can read about the Kala Pulse Recovery+ Mode here.
It’s undeniable that scientific studies offer valuable factual proof that red light therapy assists in healing in both humans and animals. With thousands of clinical, unbiased studies reiterating the therapeutic benefits of red light therapy, the debate is evident. Red light therapy works. Not all devices are created equal, it's important to get a device that has 0 EMF and high irradiance. Kala devices have 0 EMF from up to 6" away making it the safest device in the industry. Not to mention, its high-powered irradiance provides effective treatments.
The Kala team suggests you reach out to your vet to find out their opinion before you begin using red light therapy on your animal. However, it is a proven safe, non-invasive treatment for an array of conditions.
Once you have received the green light to go ahead, there are a few practical matters to consider. As animals respond to light therapy in much the same way as humans, longer sessions are not needed. Consistent treatments of 10-minutes daily are optimal. More light and longer sessions isn't always better.
Smaller sized animals may need less exposure to light, while larger animals are likely to benefit from higher exposure to light. Fur should not result in less effective treatments, but it is important to be 6" away rather than further as it may hinder absorption. Consistent daily sessions are very important for optimal results and benefits.
Most felines enjoy warmth, chances are, you're furry friend will love his/her Kala light just as much as you! It's calming, warm sensations will have your animal relaxed, sleepy and recovering.
If you’re already using Kala red light therapy devices for your own health, you can also use flip it over to your pet to try. Most pets appear comfortable around red and near-infrared light wavelengths, especially if their devoted owners are providing them with lots of attention and love during their treatment. Additionally, due to animals limited colour perception, they are less sensitive to the high powered red light device.
If you’re trying to target a very specific, targeted area, shaving your pets fur can be optimal. However, this is not necessarily needed as our Kala devices have 1:1 red and NIR light which can penetrate the skin and reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. Helping heal your pets muscles, joints, ligaments and connective tissue.
Share the love of red and infrared light therapy with your pet to help them recover from an array of different conditions.
Get back to those long winter walks and pain-free living!
]]>So, summer is quickly coming to an end. The sun goes up earlier and you find yourself working most of the day without getting any exposure natural sunlight. If lack of sunlight causes or contributes to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), then getting more light must help reverse it, right?
Bright light, specifically 10,000 lux works by stimulating cells in the retina that connect to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps control circadian rhythms. This has been proven to have a profound impact on how you feel, your energy levels and how you sleep. Activating the hypothalamus at a specific time daily can help restore a normal circadian rhythm and thus reduce and even banish seasonal depression symptoms.
To best understand seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), we must understand the symptoms that come along with not getting enough sunlight.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms may start in the fall and continue far into the winter months, sapping your energy and mood. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.
You may brush-off how you feel as a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk, but it is most certainly more than that. This isn't something that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
Possible signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include:
Light Therapy Lamps
Light therapy entails sitting close to a Kala light source for at leased 30 minutes a day, generally as soon after waking up as possible. You can optimize the effects of this treatment if performed within a dark room.
This specially engineered light source provides 10,000 lux (“lux” is a measure of light intensity). For reference, the Kala Therapy Lamp is about 100 times brighter than any usual indoor light; a super bright, sunny day is 50,000 lux or more.
Kala's unconventional design was created over 2 years and countless hours of engineering. Kala designed a multifunctional light lamp that can be used to improve mood, energy, well-being am-to-pm, all year round.
Proven to simulate the sun with three-adjustable colour temperatures and dimming features. With a reduced-blue light content in evening mode, you can feel rested and recovered with promoted rest.
You will feel the luminous glow of 98% natural sunlight with our broad-radius design. You don't have to cuddle up too close to our device as the effects can be seen from up to 24" away.
Kala's unconventional circular design is engineered to bring a full radius of therapeutic light so you can absorb the light even from up to 24" away. While other light boxes are made of plastic and sometimes contain toxic materials, the Kala Therapy Lamp is 100% safe and effective. You can truly feel the calming difference of a Kala Therapy Lamp, guaranteed.
Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions with direct exposure to artificial light. The Kala Therapy Lamp mimics sunlight to 98%, the highest imitation on the market. This ensures the light from the Kala Therapy Lamp provides enough natural outdoor sunlight that you need, even in the gloomy, winter months.
With the touch of a button, you can seamlessly improve your SAD symptoms and light up your day.
Even though the risk of eye damage from bright light is extremely low, anyone with diabetes (which can damage the retina) or pre-existing eye disease should check with a doctor before trying light therapy or any medical treatments.
However, for the vast majority of people, light therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to improve mood, increase energy, reset sleep cycles and feel their best. No doctors script is needed to purchase The Kala Lamp or any light source.
Light therapy is used as a treatment for several conditions, including:
Although you don't need a prescription to buy a Kala Therapy Lamp, it's always suggested that you ask your doctor or mental health provider if light therapy is a good option for you.
Ask whether you need to take any special precautions. Kala's Therapy Lamp was designed so you can get the most benefit and minimize possible side effects from poorly designed light boxes that may not be effective or bright enough.
Generally, most people with seasonal affective disorder begin to feel relief after just a few hours of using the Kala Therapy Lamp. Most clients begin usage in the early fall, when it typically becomes cloudy or dark in many regions of the country.
If you typically have less energy, moodiness and gloomy thoughts during fall and winter, you may notice symptoms during prolonged periods of cloudy or rainy weather during other seasons. You and your doctor can adjust your light usage treatments based on the timing and duration of your symptoms.
If you want to try light therapy for nonseasonal depression or another condition, talk to your doctor about how light therapy can be most effective for other conditions such as skin-health, sleep, hair-growth, energy and so much more. Our Kala Red Light Therapy devices are amazing for these other benefits. You can find them here and learn more about the benefits of Kala Red Light Therapy here.
During your Kala Therapy Lamp sessions, you may sit or work near your Kala Therapy Lamp. We suggest using it within a dark room for between 30-minutes to 2-hours every morning. To be as effective as possible, light from the ring must enter your eyes indirectly. You can't get the same effect merely by exposing your skin to the light.
While your eyes must be open, don't look directly at the light source. The bright light can damage your eyes. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations and the user manual treatment guidelines. Essentially, as long as the light is facing you, you are receiving the amazing benefits. Similar to the sun, you do not need to look directly in it to receive the therapeutic benefits known as heliotherapy.
Light therapy requires time and consistency. While you may start to feel better shortly after use, Kala suggests consistent daily use for the duration of the winter months. You may set your Kala Therapy Lamp on a table or desk in your home or office. Stick to a consistent usage schedule and no need to overdue it!
Not to mention, it provides a beautiful glow for all your work-from-home Zoom calls. Client may even commend you for how your skin is glowing!
Light therapy is most effective when you have the proper combination of light intensity, duration, timing and quality.
Check out our Kala Therapy Lamp here to see why 2000+ clients rely on us for their SAD needs.
[1] Light Therapy. Mayo Clinic.
[2] Lam RW, Levitt AJ, Levitan RD, Enns MW, Morehouse R, Michalak EE, Tam EM. The Can-SAD study: a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of light therapy and fluoxetine in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 May;163(5):805-12.
]]>Parkinson’s disease seems to be more common than ever before and has a profound effect on one’s day-to-day life. There is a misconception that people who get diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are only of the senior demographic and elder population. When in fact, 5% of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed under the age of 60. Specifically, a majority of those diagnosed are in their 30’s and 40’s.
Parkinson’s disease severity differentiates from person to person so it’s important to understand that each prognosis is unique and to be accompanied with different symptoms. On the bright side, it’s common to see people whom are in their early stages of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis live a fairly normal life without the debilitating effects the disease may have.
Despite Parkinson’s disease being a devastating illness with no known cures or treatments, there are ways to improve the symptoms through medication as well as lifestyle implementations that can have tremendous benefits to one’s health and livelihood.
As mentioned, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary depending on the individual affected. While some may symptoms may even go unnoticed for many years.
The majority of those affected by Parkinson’s disease experience:
Tremors: characterized by the shaking of limbs, hands or fingers.
Bradykinesia: The clinical term for slowed movement which becomes worse over time. It might affect the way the person walks and make it more difficult for them to lift their feet.
Stiff muscles: This may also affect any part of the person’s body, potentially causing cause pain and restrictions with range of motion in their muscles and joints.
Poor Posture and Balance: Some individuals may experience a loss of coordination and balance. This generally has negative effects on one’s posture. Overtime, they may appear hunched over.
Impaired Movements and Bodily Functions: There may be a diminished capacity to do regular body functions such as blink, form facial expressions, swing arms when walking and other
Speaking Difficulty: Individuals affected by Parkinson’s may find it difficult to make themselves heard, speech may become soft, quick or slurred.
Writing Difficulty: handwriting may be severely affected, making it more difficult to write and the writing may be less legible.
Causes
The cause of Parkinson’s is not entirely known yet. There is speculation however that Parkinson’s disease may be linked to specific genetic or environmental conditions and factors. There is an assumption that genetics play a large role in Parkinson’s disease and relatives with the disease or exposure to certain toxins may become affected. Some speculate about an additional correlation between Parkinson’s disease and an unbalanced gut microbiome.
What we do know is the effects of this disease cause certain nerve cells in the brain to deteriorate and eventually die off. This lessens the brain’s ability to create dopamine, leading to impaired brain activity which causes the tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease can also cause neurological problems such as depression, poor sleep, memory loss and confusion.
The current mainstay of treatment involves physical therapy as well as medications which act to increase dopamine levels in the brain. These medications can provide significant improvements but their effectiveness tends to wear off with time, and they can cause a number of side effects. In addition, they treat the symptoms only, without actually slowing, or reversing, the natural course of the disease.
One avenue of research that has shown unexpected promise is red and infrared light therapy, with a number of studies showing that it may decrease the level of damage and improve motor function in animal testing for Parkinson’s disease.
Red Light Therapy and Parkinson's Disease?
Believe it or not, many clinical studies have tested this hypothesis and passed with stunning results.
As mentioned, Parkinson’s disease may cause neurological complications such as depression, poor sleep, memory loss and confusion which are scientifically proven to be alleviated with the use of red light therapy. Check out how red light therapy can improve your sleep and reset circadian rhythm.
Retired Tasmanian Federal Politician Max Burr is a sufferer of Parkinson’s who tried light therapy after reading a research paper published by The Sydney University’s Professor John Mitrofanis on the use of photobiomodulation – the term used for light’s ability to modulate key biological processes at a cellular level – in animal testing for Parkinson’s.”
Aware that his condition was not going to wait while scientists went through the long process of obtaining approval for human trials, Burr went ahead and began using a device that incorporated 670nm wavelengths, proven to provide health benefits and cellular support. Burr began using the device on his head for twenty minutes twice a day.
Burr’s description of what happened is remarkable. “I recovered my sense of smell, my writing is now firm and concise, my gait has improved and I can climb stairs,” he says. “From week to week, it might have only been a subtle change, but the cumulative effect over the months has been quite significant”. You can read more about Burr’s findings here.
Ok, so shining some red light on my body everyday can cure me from disease and aging?
Well, yes. Evidence suggests there’s a key enzyme in the body’s cells that absorb light at specific wavelengths. These wavelengths trigger intracellular cascade signalling within the brain that’s proven to have a protective effect. Light therapy stresses the cells at a low-level that encourages a response that will simulate a repair process to begin and this conditions the cells to upgrade. This allows for your response system to be able to fight against a more severe insult down the line.
Similar to how your body provides antibodies after an infection, the red light therapy stresses the body just enough to charge your cells and your body keeping your brain and body healthy and safe.
Red light therapy is effective for people with Parkinson’s disease in many ways, including regenerating nerves, protecting nerves from further damage, reducing inflammation, and stimulating healthy cell activity.
The Use of Red and Infrared Lights
A prospective proof of concept study, which just came out in June 2021, determined that current Parkinson’s patient experienced many positive results when using red light therapy.
While most people dealing with Parkinson’s feel limited in their treatments, this provides very promising hope. According to the authors of this clinica lstudy, “Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with PBM treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year”, no negative side effects were observed in this study. Thus, making it a non-invasive, simple solution to a very complex disease.
As with any new therapy or treatment, always check with your physician before starting beginning red light therapy.
With over 5,000 clinical studies, Kala red light therapy is a safe and easy way to heal the body and provide cellular support with healthy light.
Whether you suffer from this disease or one of your loved ones, The Kala Team wishes you tremendous health and strength. Our medical-grade devices were engineered to bring the amazing benefits of red light therapy to the convenience of your own home.
We are proud to have become Canada’s #1 red light therapy company and bring incredible benefits to over 2,000+ clients.
You can find a few more resources below:
https://parkinsonsdisease.net/news/light-therapy-tool-managing-pd
https://www.science.org/news/2020/09/trials-begin-new-weapon-against-parkinson-s-light
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Can you believe that not too long ago they considered banning red light therapy from sport because of the profound benefits it had on athletic performance?
Yes, this is not an exaggeration. You can read this clinical study which emphasizes just how potent the effects of red light therapy are.
Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation or a treatment that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) or low level laser therapy to stimulate cellular activity to achieve therapeutic benefits.
Red Light Therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment during which natural red light penetrates the skin and the cells.
The term ‘optimizing performance’ has been around for a long while in the sports world. It’s the ultimate goal for all, but only a handful have managed to discover the right tools to achieve peak performance and recovery.
So considering all the information and techniques available today, how do you choose the best and safest ones? You turn to one place; Kala Red Light Therapy. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about red light therapy for increased athletic performance.
Over 100+ professional athletes across all different sport backgrounds choose Kala Therapy for recovery. The Essence of success in the league is having your players healthy. Red light therapy is a huge part of that.
Kala Red Light is proven to:Before we get into the details of why you should choose red light therapy, let’s clear the air - light therapy is not a hoax. With thousands of proven clinical studies, the effectiveness of red light therapy has never been more evidential.
This may sound too good to be true, but light therapy has been around since the 1860's and since then, has produced considerable results in treating several health concerns.
Here are some interesting non-biased results of a clinical study that reviewed several placebo-controlled trials in 2016:
In simple terms, red light therapy works by reducing muscle fatigue, boosting endurance, and treating injuries rapidly. The best part, however, is that red light therapy does not have any adverse side effects.
Kala’s Red Light devices are clinically proven to be effective and designed to aid in healing, recovery, muscle and joint pain and much more.
If there is one thing that is worse than burnout for athletes, it’s muscle soreness and inflammation. Most of the time it is inevitable, and not just pushes you off the track for days and weeks but can also lead to injuries if you attempt to work your way through it.
While traditional medicines mainly focus on treating pain, red light therapy works its magic by healing the body at a cellular level. It offers pain relief and supports muscle, bone, as well as connective tissue recovery.
Red light therapy is also a proven solution to aches and pains. Fun fact - Red light therapy works by triggering a biological process like photosynthesis in plants. Reminds you of middle school science? Same concept!
Ever wondered why the tenth repetition is harder than the first? Because of muscle fatigue. When you start exercising, your muscles feel resilient but after a while of repeating the movements, they begin to feel weaker. This eventually causes the performance to drop.
Red light therapy reduces muscle fatigue by increasing the production of ATP in mitochondria, which enhances energy levels. It also decreases the production of lactic acid in the body, which reduces the burning sensation in muscles while exercising. The result? Increased performance times before exhaustion.
We all have days where we just don’t want to...well, stop. We feel incredibly motivated, and wish that we could continue exercising as much as we can. It brings a certain sense of satisfaction, doesn’t it?
The good news is that Kala red light therapy can help you achieve your goals faster.
A 2016 study showed that light therapy enhances strength gains when performed before exercise. Another study concluded that men exposed to red light were the only ones showing enhanced muscle performance in the group. Not just this, but red light therapy has also proved to enhance performance levels in hand and grip exercises.
Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that red light therapy helps the body work out with a lower oxygen deficit.
Let’s have a look at how red light therapy affects endurance with an example.
In 2018, Brazilian researchers conducted a placebo-controlled study to test the effectiveness of red light therapy on professional soccer players. Prior to matches, players received red light therapy. Surprisingly, it was found out that players who received the therapy were able to stay on the field for longer periods. In conclusion, this study found that pre-exercise therapy enhances performance and accelerates recovery players.
Now that we have gone through some of the benefits of red light therapy, let us surprise you with another.
You can use red light therapy both before and after exercising. Science has suggested it doesn’t make a difference when red light therapy is used, as long as you are consistent with your sessions you can expect to see amazing results. Kala Red light therapy can be used before or after physical activity and provides amazing therapeutic benefits.
As we discussed above, red light therapy boosts performance levels and enhances endurance when performed before exercising. However, it is equally beneficial after you wrap up your exercise because of its healing properties. Kala red light therapy will reduce muscle soreness and inflammation to ensure that you are in the best shape for the next big challenge.
Skin-health and surface treatments need much lower doses than deep tissues, muscle, joints, ligaments and bone health. Due to the high powered irradiance and advanced red (850nm) and Infrared (660nm) wavelengths, our devices treat surface level and deep penetration at the same time. With a 1:1 blend, all Kala devices deliver effective wavelengths of light that your body can absorb.
Kala suggests you remove clothing and apply the light to the desired regions - direct to skin. For instance, if you are experiencing back pain, we suggest you take off any clothing and have the light directed towards your back.
The NIR lights on your device are invisible to the human eye - so rest assured all your lights are functioning and working properly even if you do not see them light up. We suggest consistent treatments of 10 minutes per day.
For deeper issues (e.g. muscle, bone, brain, organs, glands, fat, etc.), optimal treatment times are:
You can sit, stand or lay down. Whatever is the most comfortable position for you to treat the desired targeted area of your body! You should be comfortable as your body soaks in the rays of healthy, therapeutic red light. Depending on what part of your body you're treating, you may find different positions more comfortable than others.
Our Kala Red Light Pro and Elite devices both come with a door hanging kit. If you choose to use that, then you'll be standing (or sitting in a chair) next to the device. Many people do it this way. The Kala Red Light Mini is perfect for targeted sessions and on-the-go treatments.
Kala red light therapy is Canada’s best red light therapy company and was designed to optimize health and wellness on a cellular level.
With over 100+ professional athletes using Kala red light therapy, they have seen incredible health benefits for recovery, injuries and muscle and joint pain. You can also recover like a professional with your own Kala red light device. Our devices are designed to provide therapeutic sessions from the convenience of your own home.
Kala Red Light Therapy is used by over 5+ professional sports teams and has helped thousands of our Kala Family weekend warriors as well. Whether you are looking to recover from an injury, reduce inflammation within your body, or just get back to feeling your best with an energy boost, Kala red light has you covered.
With 1 in every 3 Americans suffering from muscle and joint pain, red light therapy is a non-invasive, safe, effective treatment.
We hope this blog shined some light on red light therapy and provided you with the answers you were looking for. Like all athletes, you too want the edge to step up your game! Get your hands on Kala Red Light and let your performance do the talking.
We have a wide range of products that are designed keeping the goals of athletes in mind. The best part is that we also offer portable red lights! Kala Red Light devices offer you support and therapeutic benefits from the convenience of your home. Apart from the incredible athletic performance benefits mentioned above, red light therapy has several other uses, but let’s leave that for another day.
Landon and Cameron, the founders of Kala Red Light Therapy, come from a professional hockey background and landed on red light therapy as they sought out unconventional ways to improve their recovery, health and ultimately performance. After 2 years and countless hours, they engineered and designed high-quality, medical-grade devices that would ACTUALLY make a difference. Recover like a pro with a Kala Red Light device.
Kala Therapy's research & development team has been working hard to develop the perfect "Pulse Mode". This article explains what this mode is, how it works, and why it's a game changer in the fitness and recovery space.
What is Pulsed Led Light Therapy?
Pulse Mode is a setting on Kala Therapy's panels that's focus is to optimize the human body's natural recovery, healing, and regeneration processes. When you use a Kala device, you have the flexibiltity to choose wavelengths of red light, near infrared (NIR) light, or a combination of both. Kala Therapy also has an option to set your session on pulse mode, which delivers pulsed waves or Red Light or NIR light. "Pulsed" essentially means that the delivery of the light is rapidly turning off and on through cycles at different frequencies.
Benefits of using Pulse mode?
Kala Therapy's Pulse Mode is designed to enhance the body's recovery process after exercise or injury. It's also clinically proven to be an effective way to support the body's natural inflammation process.
Kala Therapy's Pulse Mode has been developed on the basis of progressive science that has proven the positive effects of pulsed LED Light Therapy on the body's cellular function. Research by Javad T. Hashmi, MD indicates that a brief, "Quench Period" (Pulse OFF times) can make light therapy more effective as it allows muscles to cool off and penetrate deep tissues which achieve greater treatment depths.
To get a better understanding of why pulsed LED Light Therapy is effective think about your body when you exercise. If you do multiple workout daily and don't take time to rest and recover, the odds of you getting worn down and ultimately suffering from an injury is much higher. This is because you are not letting your body and precious cells the time they need to recover and regenerate. The same synergies apply to pulsed LED Light Therapy: the short "Quench Period" between wavelengths allows for your cells and tissues the time they need to digest, adapt and respond better to the next interlude of Light!
The Worlds Most Advanced Pulse Mode: Kala Therapy
Kala Therapy strongly believes that our pulse mode is the future of athletic recovery and performance. Our technology is used by various NHL, NBA and NFL players, many who have installed the Kala Quad in their facilities so athletes can optimize their recovery process after training and games.
What's the Difference Between Standard & Pulsed Light Therapy?
Kala Therapy's Red light is delivered in the mid-600 nm range, NIR light is delivered in the mid-800 range. These wavelengths have been proven by hundreds of clinical trials to be most beneficial to human health. Typically, Red Light is most effective for surface area benefits like skin health. Where as NIR Light penetrates the human body much deeper which is effective for tissue, bone joint and even neuro health concerns. At Kala Therapy, we spent the time researching and developing the most advanced devices in the world so you can customize the perfect session for your use!
Sources and References:
[1] Hashmi J, Huang Y. Effect of Pulsing in Low-Level Light Therapy. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2010 Aug.
[2] Gavish L, Houreld N. Therapeutic Efficacy of Home-Use Photobiomodulation Devices: A Systematic Literature Review. 2019 Jan.
[3] Chung H, Dai T, et al. The Nuts and Bolts of Low-Level laser Light) Therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 2012 Feb.
]]>Sleep is important. There is no way around that. All human's on earth need sleep to survive, grow, function and excel. In this article, we will discuss the importance of sleep, circadian rhythm, cellular balance, and how exposure to healthy light is a key ingredient to a good night’s rest.
Whether it’s staying in shape or preventing chronic health problems, sleep is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. It shouldn’t be compromised if you want to look and feel your best.
A fundamental ingredient for optimal physical function, receiving the recommended 8 hours of sleep nightly is as important as eating nutritious food, hydration and staying active. Hormones and cellular function depend on sleep to self regulate. Biological balance is a vital pillar of good health. Your bodies cells rely on adequate sleep to function and overcome the stresses of life.
Your bodies cells are constantly working and creating energy to function as efficiently as possible. This is done while maintaining the least amount of inflammation and oxidative stress. When we deprive our bodies of sleep, this can have systemic negative effects on the body and it's ability to preform effectively. Disrupting cellular balance affects the bodies hormones and has other ramifications such as weight gain, lack of concentration, hunger and stress. With sleeping problems being so common among adults, let's break down some simple reasons for why people sleep poorly and the consequences of sleep deprivation. Additionally, we'll also offer some awesome tips for getting a better night's rest!
In the short-term, sleep deprivation affects our mood and makes us less alert, focused and less productive. This can lead us to making erratic, short-sighted decisions. In the long-term, chronic sleep problems contribute to numerous health complications. With 65% of American's stating that they are not sleeping well at night and between 50-70 million American's suffering from chronic sleeping disorders, it is clear we have a sleep problem.
The three main pillars associated with chronic sleep problems are:
Inflammation: Lack of sleep makes it harder for the body to balance our natural inflammatory response. This leads to increased inflammation in the body. When inflammation happens, chemicals in our body's white blood cells enter the blood or tissue to protect your body from harmful invaders. While the blood flow to this region increases to protect from injury or infection, it can cause redness, warmth, swelling and other undesirable effects.
Weight gain: Poor sleep can knock your body and cells out of balance. Maintaining a proper sleep schedule is essential for balancing your hormones and cellular function. Weight gain often is associated with other undesirable conditions and effects such as digestion and metabolism issues. While the stomach and other key organs work to sync with our circadian rhythm, a lack of sleep or schedule can have your body feeling confused. Limiting your food intake prior to sleep is an easy way to help protect this cycle. Additionally, eating your food within a specific timeframe can also be ideal.
Worse mental acuity: A lack of sleep can often leave you feeling drowsy, confused and demotivated. The consensus among experts suggests that lack of sleep leads to slower response times, decreased alertness, and less reliable judgement & performance. Experts also suggest that sleep deprivation can negatively affect both short-term and long-term cognitive learning and development as the brain cleans itself and replenishes itself through a deep-sleep cycle. Feeling tired, cranky and slow are often accompanied with lack of sleep. To attain mental acuity, research suggests going to bed at the same time every night, putting away your phone and waking at the same time the next day. A full 8 hours of sleep should have you feeling refreshed and ready to win the next day.
If you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep or wakeup rested, read below to find out how Kala Red Light can improve your sleep conditions!
Sleep problems are all too familiar to millions of people. As we learned, not all light is created equal and not all light will be better or worse for sleep and balancing a healthy circadian rhythm. The brain understands distinct signals to identify if you are awake or asleep. While your bodies circadian rhythm is designed around the sun, artificial lights from your phone, computer, television and modern life can disrupt the bodies understanding of these signals and knock your circadian rhythm completely out of sync.
Blue Light Disrupts Sleep and Circadian Rhythm: An overload of artificial light can cause sleep disturbances and headaches. When we absorb bright blue lights prior to sleep, whether that be from our laptops, televisions, video-games or other devices—especially before we go to bed, we are telling our bodies to stay alert and awake. This often effects our sleep cycle and keeps us up at night, even if we are tired.
Hormones: Light, cortisol and melatonin assist in regulating the bodies sleep cycle. Cortisol wakes us up and keeps us going. Cortisol levels tend to be highest in the mornings and lowest when we’re in our deepest sleep, typically around 3-4am. Bright artificial light’s stimulative effect on cortisol has been documented in clinical studies. [1]
Melatonin is a counterpart to cortisol that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. Your body usually starts producing melatonin in the early evening, when you’re starting to wind down and get closer to sleep. Bright light, especially bright blue light from phones and computers, has been shown to disrupt melatonin production. [2]
The light that we are often overexposed to throughout our day, especially as we work-from-home, can negatively effect our sleeping behaviours later in the day as we try to sleep.
Not all 8 hour sessions of sleep are created equal. In addition to sleep quality and quantity, timing is important too. To encourage and support your bodies natural process in experiencing optimal recovery, it is important to get to bed at the same time daily, and schedule this around the earths natural sleep rhythms. This means getting to bed when the sun goes down, and waking up as the sun comes up. Simple right?
Circadian Rhythms are naturally occurring processes that happen roughly every 24 hours, like the sleep cycle, digestion, and metabolism. Every living organism has circadian rhythms, and they’re more likely to be successful when they live in line with these biological patterns. [3]
Your circadian sleep rhythm is your internal clock, and it’s tied closely to the sun and the light you take in from your environment. It’s beneficial to follow your body’s natural patterns for sleeping and waking. Your digestion and internal organs can develop a routine for using fat, your body can process inflammation, and cells can repair & regenerate more efficiently when you sleep at a similar time every night, and wake up closer to when the sun rises. [3]
Without the distraction of artificial lights and overstimulation, the human body will naturally sync to the planets cycles. This means rising with the sun and sleeping when it's dark. Sleeping 8 full hours is important, but if it's bright in your bedroom or your television is running in the background, your body will not be experiencing as good as a sleep.
Now that we understand how light effects sleep, what are we supposed to do when we are working inside most of the day and can't experience the joys of the sun? With the weather not alway's cooperating with our busy schedules, how can we ensure the light intake from the sun?
Kala Red Light Therapy treatments provide healthy light to enhance cellular function and support a balanced lifestyle even when the sun isn't around. From the convenience of your own home, you can get a targeted dose of healthy light without the harmful UV rays, excess heat or risk of overexposure to the sun.
Light is essential for how we live. Most people work indoors and don't get the full advantages of the healthy rays of natural sunlight. The average American spends over 90% of their time indoors, often surrounded by bright artificial light that can make it harder to sleep. [4] With a Kala Red Light Device in the palm of your hands, you can ensure you’re always getting the appropriate amount of healthy light your body requires. Your cells can absorb the healthy light no matter the time of the day, year or season. Even if you can't make it outside.
Kala uses specially engineered wavelengths of red and NIR light for deep penetration and targeted absorption. These wavelengths have been found to be the most beneficial across a large body of research for improving cellular function.
Sleep impacts every aspect of our health and is vital for how we feel, think and grow. How we function while we're awake is largely dependent on our sleep behaviours and attaining quality sleep. Living a balanced, healthy life is largely impacted by our sleep cycles. You can help yourself sleep better by following healthy lifestyle habits, which include absorbing light from a Kala Red Light Device and from the sun daily.
[1] Jung C, Khalsa S, et al. Acute Effects of Bright Light Exposure on Cortisol Levels. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 2010 Jun.
[2] Harvard Health. Blue light has a dark side.
[3] Book: Satchin Panda, PhD. The Circadian Code: lose weight, supercharge your energy, and transform your health from morning to midnight. Rodale Books. Jun 12, 2018 | ISBN 9781635652437
[4] N E Klepeis, W C Nelson, et al. The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): a resource for assessing exposure to environmental pollutants. The Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology. 2001 June.
]]>Let’s face it. We all want perfect skin. Right?
Well, taking care of your skin is vital for your overall health, and bigger than the way you look. Your incredible skin protects you from all the viruses and bacteria you are exposed to daily, such as allergens, toxins, carcinogens and chemicals! Healthy skin protects us from the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays, which can permanently damage cells. Your skin even helps your body keep a constant temperature level so you can live comfortably and focus on the things you love! Ultimately, the skin is our largest organ, and it’s the first line of defense for our immune system.
How it works?
Red Light Therapy is a simple and straightforward procedure that encompasses exposing the body to low wavelengths of red light. Since red and near infrared light are contained within the sunlight spectrum, the human body can efficiently absorb these natural wavelengths of light allowing for deep penetration and cell absorption.
A clinical study in the journal “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” states, mitochondria in the skin can absorb these light particles. This process can aid the cells to produce more adenosine triphosphate, which is the energy bank for all cells.
Improving Skin Health
Red and near infrared light are working wonders in the anti-aging communities across the globe. This non-invasive and natural approach to skin health has been widely researched and is a proven anti-aging, akin improvement tool that brings numerous positive effects to facial skin and skin all over the body.
Harvard professor Michael Hamblin, PhD has found that red and near-infrared light therapy can:
Reduce the signs of aging & wrinkle
Red Light Therapy efficiently stimulates both collagen and elastin production which is why it is fast becoming recognized as a safe and welcome alternative to injections and surgeries for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. Bestselling author Ari Whitten illustrates, “Collagen is important — not just for giving us youthful skin and helping us avoid that saggy “schnauzer” look around the neck and jowls — collagen is needed to keep the entire body youthful, resilient, strong, and vital. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the entire body. Even more important than what we can see on the surface of our body, collagen is also what gives our muscles, skin, blood vessels, bones, and digestive system the healthy tissues that they need to keep us healthy, strong, and free from disease. In some schools of medicine popular in Europe, physicians put a lot of emphasis on keeping the “extra-cellular matrix” (the fibrous skeleton that surrounds and supports our cells) healthy, and dysfunction in the extracellular matrix is seen as a major source of disease. Why is this important? Because collagen is an integral part of the extracellular matrix, and red and near-infrared light are integral in supporting the collagen networks of our body.74 Supporting the health of your extracellular matrix may very well turn out to be far more vital for overall health than we currently understand.”
Reduce Scarring & Speed up Wound Healing
Near-infrared and Red Light Therapy are excellent for wound healing and stubborn scarring. Nasa research was actually the forerunner to this benefit which actually made red light therapy popular. “In fact, near-infrared and red light therapy has been found to help close wounds, even wounds resistant to healing, 20% faster and with less scarring. Near-infrared and red light therapy also has proven to reduce the appearance of facial scars.”
The innovative therapy can increase circulation and the formulation of new capillaries which means the wounded area received more of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to initiate and maintain the marvelous healing process. This is accomplished in several ways:
Treats Rosacea, Eczema & Psoriasis
The National Eczema and Psoriasis Foundation documented that Eczema and Psoriasis are some of the most common skin conditions with over 8 million Americans suffering daily. Thankfully, Red Light Therapy provides a simple and non-invasive solution that is highly effective. Research has shown that Red Light Therapy treatments have a therapeutic effect on eczema and psoriasis symptoms:
Red Light Therapy has also been proven to be highly effective to treat Rosacea! This is accomplished in a number of ways:
Sources
Whitten, A. (2018). The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy: How to Use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Anti-Aging, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Performance Enhancement, and Brain Optimization. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. https://theenergyblueprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Red-Light-Therapy-Benefits-Of-Red-and-NIR-Light-Therapy.pdf
Trelles, M. A. et. al. (2006). Red light-emitting diode (LED) therapy accelerates wound healing post-blepharoplasty and periocular laser ablative resurfacing. Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, 8(1): 39-42 99Barolet, D. et. al. (2016). Accelerating Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Wound Healing Recovery by Photobiomodulation, Current Dermatology Reports, 5(3): 232-38.
de Abreu Chaves, M. E. et. al. (2014). Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED* . Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 89(4): 616–623.
de Lima, F. (2014). Use alone or in Combination of Red and Infrared Laser in Skin Wounds. Lasers in Medicine and Science, (2): 51–57. 102Mester, E. et. al. (1978). Stimulation 532 of wound healing by means of laser rays. Acta Chir Acad Sci Hung 19:163–170
Mester, E, et. al. (1985). The biomedical effects of laser application. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 5:31–39.
Kana, J. S., et. al. (1981). Effect of low-power density laser radiation on healing of open skin wound in rats. Archives in Surgery, 116:293–296. 1
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Light is an essential component of life on Earth. It plays a major role in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough sunlight to maintain a healthy and balanced body.
Understanding the basics of light is very important for anyone wanting to improve their health. This article talks about the various wavelengths and colors of light, their importance to the human body, and their potential uses.
Light is energy that flows through the air. It's produced by a specific frequency or wavelength. The longer a wavelength is, the more energy it contains.
The electromagnetic spectrum is a collection of wavelengths of light that have different frequencies and colors. The visible spectrum of light is composed of light that can be seen by humans and invisible light that can be invisible to the human eye. The energy in light depends on the wavelength and the brain's perception of the light.
The sun is responsible for keeping our atmosphere healthy and oxygen-rich. It also helps to cool and heat our oceans and stores carbon dioxide. Sunrays contain all of the wavelengths of light that humans need to stay healthy. However, they also have some less beneficial wavelengths.
Ultraviolet light has short, powerful wavelengths. It's responsible for producing UV rays that are responsible for skin tanning and Vitamin D.
Blue Light is a type of isolated light that's usually bright enough to be perceived as blue. It's used in most modern displays.
Green Light, which is in the 520-560 nm range, is less well-known than UV and blue light, its effects on tissues and cells are still being studied.
Yellow light is similar to green light in terms of its wavelength, scientists are still studying its effects on the body.
Red light comes from the mid-600nm range. It has been shown to have numerous health benefits, and it is known to stimulate plant growth in space. All Kala Red Light devices use both red and infrared light to help penetrate deep into the skin providing therapeutic benefits to the organics, muscle tissues, joints, ligaments and more. The red light has been proven to provide benefits to the surface level enabling healthy skin and benefits such as alleviation of acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.
Studies have shown that red light can stimulate the mitochondria in our cells to generate more ATP energy, which powers everything in humans. It has also been shown to improve skin health and inflammation.
Near Infrared Light: This wavelength is longer than the previous colors and can penetrate deep into the body for more effective healing and regenerative effects. Kala devices combine this NIR light with Red to provide the full spectrum of therapy benefits.
Far and mid infrared light are used in saunas to promote sweating. They are also used for sunburn and skin conditions. Current research shows that red and NIR lights are the most beneficial wavelengths for human health. They have the least risks and downsides.
Through the use of LED technology, Kala is able to isolate the NIR and red wavelengths of light and deliver them directly to the skin. In conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, absorbing red and NIR light help support biological balance and overall improved health and wellness.
Some things in life take patience and dedication. This ranges from losing weight, to mastering a new skill. Perfection right from the start, is hardly attainable. While not seeing perfection or results right away might lead to discouragement, usually at the end of the challenge comes the reward. This is particularly true in our current era of immediate gratification, while most people demand things immediately, it is often the consistent, long-term execution that delivers the best results.
It's safe to say that this goes for red light therapy as well. You likely won't redeem the amazing, hundreds of scientifically proven benefits after just 1 or 2 treatments. This might discourage some or lead to people slacking off from treatments. Some, might even quit them altogether. For this reason, we try to lay out these facts from day one. To encourage the process rather than the destination. Because, you will get there anyways with consistent use.
While some doctors suggest it can take up to 6 months to see results from red light therapy, the majority of #KalaFamily clients see results within 4-6 weeks. Much like weightlifting, dieting or other health and wellness divisions, your body and it's cells need time to adjust, strengthen and improve.
The Kala Team suggests you go easy on your cells: it's a gradual process to feeling, looking and performing your best.
While some see results faster, each individual is different and responds to treatments in their own way. Eventually, with consistent use, the changes and benefits will come and you can start to see why thousands of #KalaFamily members use their Kala devices every single day.
Such as most things in life, consistency is key. To see results, we suggest 3-5 treatments per week. You can find more on specific treatment guidelines with our detailed user manual and use cases here.
We realize how busy life can get. From making dinner, cleaning the house, doing laundry, driving the children around for school and so much more, the list of things to do in a day can feel endless. Not even considering how busy work can get. We realize the challenge in incorporating red light therapy in your daily life.
Yet, there is no greater reward than being disciplined and seeing the labour pay off. Using your Kala Red Light every day will bring all the benefits of red light therapy to your life.
Kala Red Light Therapy has been proven to improve:
...and so much more.
With consistent use, whether it takes you a few days, weeks, or even months to see results, they will surely come.
Steps to stay consistent!
If you’ll allow us to revisit the gym metaphor, you will likely be complimented on your body before you even see or realize the results. Or perhaps you are having trouble fitting into your clothes.
The Kala Team suggests that you keep a log of your progress. Monitor each session and how you feel. Take before and after photos and really examine how the red light therapy is improving the aspects of your life that you are seeking improvements in.
For more deep penetration issues such as chronic pain or sleep disturbances, you might consider keeping a daily journal near your bed in which you record how you feel after each treatment or after each day. This may reveal subtle changes in your bodies progress that you were unaware of, help encourage further use, and promote optimized sessions.
So, you used Kala red light for a few months and absolutely love it.
Your pain is gone, your back and knees feel how they did when you were in your 20's; your eyesight has improved; your skin is clear, wrinkle free and younger looking: so now what should you do?
We suggest keep on rocking in the light world. You can tone your sessions down to 3x a week and keep on shining!
We don’t recommend stopping treatment, unless your issue is completely resolved! An example can be with a slow healing wound. If the wound has completely healed, the scarring has vanished, and you are feeling back to 100%, then sure! You can always taper down your sessions to 2-3x a week or whatever you feel is best for your body. Refer to your daily journal for how your feeling and how you are getting back to being your best self.
The bottom line
If you do not see results from the Kala Red Light after a few sessions, don't sweat it! Give your body time to acclimate to the new therapy sessions. While this may be easier said than done, set goals for daily usage and try your best to follow them. Keep in mind the results you are seeking and your journey to feeling your best, looking your best and performing your best. Consistency is key. Kala Red Lights offer the highest quality of red light therapy in Canada. The innovative setting features and high quality LED's provide the most therapeutic red light wavelengths available. You will see all the benefits of red light therapy with the consistent use of our medical-grade, quality devices.
If you don't know which device is best for you, please feel free to contact us anytime with our 24/7 customer support on our KalaChat or by email at kala@kalaredlight.com
The path to health and wellness is a long one, but with a Kala Red Light, you are on the right journey.
Light it up!
]]>Sleep is the foundation of life. But, not all sleep is created equal. Quality sleep is crucial for health, energy, balance and longevity. Light plays a significant role in your sleep cycle. This is because of the effects is has on your circadian rhythms.
If your seeking longer, more restful sleep at night, here are 7 tips that can help optimize your sleep and having you feeling more refreshed when waking up.
Get Active
Our body’s activity level has its own circadian rhythm. Movement helps the body function properly as we are built to move. Exercise, is a vital part in helping the body sleep better and feel it’s best. Especially early in the morning or afternoon. This has profound effects on your sleep and how you feel later that day. Exercise promotes health by raising the body temperature which provides therapeutic benefits as the body re-establishes its normal temperature. This allows you to feel the relaxing effects that promote sleep.
Follow an Eating Routine and Don’t Eat Before Bed
What foods you consume is important, but when you eat is also vital. The foods we consume effect our bodies digestion and metabolism as they too follow a circadian rhythm. Similarly, to the sleep/wake cycle. [1] Your organs are hard at work while you sleep, processing fat and preparing your body for the next day. They work more efficiently when you eat at roughly the same time every day, helping to establish long-term rhythms. [2]. It takes your body on average 8-10 hours to process food. Anything that you consume prior to sleep will have an effect on the rest you receive. Its best to consume your last meal 2-3 hours before going to bed to allow your body to metabolize and digest. This will switch from creating stored fat to burning it throughout the night. [3]
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine at Night
Caffeine is a potent stimulant that you should avoid beyond the early afternoon. At best, most people need hours to process caffeine, and overcome the shock of energy it gives your body. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can help you feel more ready for bed, especially if you have been consuming them in the late afternoon. While some may feel like drinking alcohol at night can make it seem easier to fall asleep, the truth is, it’s closer to sedation. Try to have your last drink of the evening with dinner so your body has time to process the alcohol or caffeine to have you falling asleep faster.
Keep Your Bedroom Temperature Cool
As we sleep, the human body decreases in temperature. During this process, our heart rate and breathing slow down to help regulate this temperature drop. You can provide your body with the maximum comfort if you set your rooms temperature between the 60-72 degrees range. Hot and stuffy rooms make it harder to get to sleep—and stay asleep. Remain cool at night and allow your body to unwind without waking up in a sweaty mess!
Shhhh..silence helps sleep!
This one is obvious: you sleep better when it’s quiet. Unfortunately, many people have subdued to the comfort of falling asleep to the computer or television playing in the background. This results in waking up half-way through the night to turn off the electronics and proceed with your sleep. This disrupts your circadian rhythm and makes it tougher for your body to process fat and recover properly at night. So, turn off those computers and smart devices and get the rest you deserve.
Healthy Light Intake is Essential for Better Sleep
The overexposure to blue light from our laptops, smart phones and televisions disrupt our bodies natural circadian rhythms. While we know that some kinds of light are better than others when it comes to your sleep quality, blue light is not one of them. The artificial, concentrated wavelengths from the over stimulation of new technology is a problem that many face. Blue light tricks the brain into thinking it’s time to be alert and awake. This is due to the very high colour temperature of the light. Limiting blue light before bed and allowing your body to unwind will surely help with a more peaceful, deeper sleep.
Kala Red Light Therapy for Enhanced Sleep
Using your Kala Mini can help provide targeted treatments first thing in the morning that provide portable light wherever your day takes you. Kala has both red and near infrared wavelengths that support healthy sleep and a balanced circadian rhythm.
You can find all the Kala devices here!
Sources and References:
[1] Konturek PC, Brzozowski T, Konturek SJ. Gut clock: implication of circadian rhythms in the gastrointestinal tract. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011 Apr.
[2] St-Onge AP, Mikic A, and Pietrolungo C. Effects of Diet on Sleep Quality. Advances in Nutrition. 2016 Sept.
[3] Sleep Foundation. Stress and Insomnia.
Significant exposure to red and near infrared (NIR) light has a long list of health benefits. It is completely non-invasive, easy, safe, and convenient. This is particularly true with Canada’s #1 red light therapy device from Kala Therapy, but before we get into that, let’s learn more about the science behind light therapy.
On the surface, because of our everyday experience, it seems silly to think that light could have any sort of useful effect. It is just light after all—what is light going to do?
Counterintuitive as it may be, the answer is rather surprising. All forms of light are biologically useful to us for different purposes. Full-spectrum light, for example, helps to prevent depression caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is experienced most intensely in Nordic countries where natural light levels are just a few hours per day in the wintertime. Further research[i] shows that this effect is strongest with green light. Another study[ii] indicates that green light reduces the perception of chronic or intractable pain for up to four days. This can be helpful as a supplement to drugs, or even replace them.
Highly energetic light, such as ultraviolet, provides the energy our skin needs to make the vitamin D that we need for good health. It lets us treat skin diseases[iii], like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, and vitiligo; it can sterilize water and surfaces; it can also cause premature aging (photoaging), sunburn, and skin cancers from over-exposure.
Other studies[iv] show that blue light causes alertness by triggering cells at the back of our eyes to modify our brain chemistry. These cells signal to inhibit melatonin production and thereby wake us up in the daytime.
Red and NIR light successfully treat acne, wrinkles, slow-healing wounds, muscle & joint pain, sores, and mood. Today our specific interest is in stimulating the growth of scalp hair.
A human body has five million hair follicles, the exact same number as our simian ancestors; however, we evolved so that the vast majority of these are vellus hairs that are so fine you need a magnifying glass or microscope to see them.
One million of that total is above our shoulders, and 9 to 15% of those are on our scalps. Blondes and blonds have about 150,000 scalp hairs, whereas redheads have 90,000; brown and black-haired people sit somewhere around 110,000.
Not all scalp hairs are active at the same time, either. There are four phases:
This means that about 10-20% of your hair is not actively growing, which is a good thing since it would be uncomfortable to go bald all at once at the end of summer for three months and then grow hair for winter. Instead we lose about 25-100 hairs per day, which is offset by the same number that start to grow again. When everything is working synchronously, equilibrium is maintained.
[v]Insults to the body’s normal chemistry, such as chemotherapy, can shut down hair production. Chemo attacks fast-replicating cells such as cancer. Unfortunately, it also affects hair cells, which are fast growing. All the hair goes into telogen mode and then exogen mode, which accounts for the baldness associated with this type of cancer treatment. Even red light therapy cannot change that because the follicles are turned off chemically.
Red light conditions the skin, improves function, and penetrates about 5 mm into the epidermis, allowing the cells to more easily acquire nutrients. The topmost layer is simply the dead skin cells that protect the under-layers and these are shed regularly. The remainder is living cells that need nutrition just like any other cells.
Near Infrared is a longer wavelength of light—it penetrates further and more deeply into individual cells, to the dermal layer, and beyond. This boosts circulation, brings more oxygen and nutrients to cells, and it stimulates the fibroblasts in the skin.
Fibroblasts, which manufacture structural materials and collagen for cells, also produce the precursors to elastin. Together these are the elements necessary for skin repair and the maintenance of the youthful responsiveness and appearance.
Start slowly, and use at least three days per week. You can build up to once-per-day to maximise your results, but follow the time guidelines. Cells can only absorb so much light energy, so keep this chart in mind:
A molecule named Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) provides energy to your cells’ power plants, named mitochondria. ATP yields a lot of energy just by snapping off the last phosphate group (purple in the diagram) and turning the ATP into Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP). The ADP drifts back to the outer edge of the cell where enzymes using energy they get from food reattach the phosphate group and turn ADP back into ATP. One molecule of ATP can cycle in this way thousands of times per day.
Equally important, NIR helps to break down Nitric Oxide (NO), which is a vital biochemical messenger in the body. However, once NO has done its job, it leaves behind oxygen radicals that can cause cellular damage. These need to be cleaned up. NIR greatly speeds up that process, decreasing naturally occurring damage.
All taken together, this makes the skin more capable of supporting the needs of the hair follicles so they grow faster, thicker, and stronger. In addition, NIR stimulates the follicles in the Catagen (transition) and Telogen (resting) phases to move into the Anagen (growing) phase, which can result in up to 20% more hair growth.
One study[vi], which was focused on using external, non-invasive, transcranial NIR for treating traumatic brain injury, noted that the effects of NIR could last not just for days, but weeks, or months post-treatment.
The biggest problem with Red Light Therapy (RLT) and NIR Therapy of any sort is that many sellers are looking to profit from its new found “popularity”—new sellers are jumping onboard, but they are not doing the background work necessary to provide you with a good product.
Ordering “bulk” red and NIR LEDs and slapping them into a plastic housing just isn’t good enough. Research has shown that the most effective wavelength for RTL is centred on 660 nm, and the most efficacious wavelength for NIR is found at 850 nm. Those are exactly the wavelengths produced by Kala panels and devices. Most anything else is not nearly as effective for Red Light and NIR Therapy.
Poor quality red and infrared LEDs can wander far from this requirement (up to 100 nm from specification). This reduces their ability to supply useful light that will actually help you. Some manufacturers don’t even supply their units with cooling fans (in order to save money). Fans are essential to guarantee a trouble-free product that lasts for years.
Kala units are priced competitively, come with a 30-day money back guarantee, a full one year warranty, and include free shipping right to your door! In fact, we’re so confident about the quality that we provide that all our panels are certified by a third party independent investigator. They are flicker-free, safe, and have the lowest Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) of any available device.
We really would like to help you get started on your journey towards improved health with our top quality equipment. Take this opportunity to speak with one of our customer service specialists and discover how Red Light Therapy can change your life for the better! We would love to hear from you!
[i] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2006698/
[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5242385/
[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3427189/
[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288536/
[v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27029/figure/skintissueengineering.F1/
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