Dr. Robin N. Myers, DACM, L.Ac.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
It may sound futuristic, but cold laser therapy has been around for over a century and is anything but new. Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photo biomodulation (PBM), this cutting-edge treatment harnesses the power of light to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and support overall wellness.
How Does It Work?
Cold laser therapy uses low-powered lasers and LED light to stimulate cellular activity. While LED lights provide broad and shallow treatment, laser light is focused and penetrates deeper into the tissues. The wavelength—or color—of the light determines how it interacts with your cells and what healing effects it creates.
This technology isn’t just based on theory, it’s backed by science. In fact, light therapy has been studied for over a hundred years. In 1903, Niels Ryberg Finsen won a Nobel Prize for treating conditions like lupus and smallpox using concentrated light. Since then, research has shown how light plays a vital role in many core biological functions.
The Science Behind Light and Healing
Did you know that every living cell emits a faint glow? When a cell dies, it releases a final burst of light—a biological signal that communicates with surrounding cells. This natural process helps explain why light therapy is so effective: it works in harmony with the body’s built-in light-based communication system.
The human body—just like plants—depends on light for some of its most essential functions, including:
- Melatonin & cortisol production: Light helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.
- Vitamin D synthesis: Sunlight is crucial for strong bones and immune health.
- Mood regulation: Light affects serotonin and dopamine levels, influencing mental health.
- Metabolism balance: Light impacts glucose and fat processing in the body.
- Wound healing & tissue repair: Light supports regeneration at the cellular level.
Even NASA recognizes the power of light. Early astronauts discovered that without sunlight and gravity, their wounds wouldn’t clot properly in space. Now, NASA includes light therapy devices in space missions to support wound healing. If light therapy works in space, imagine what it can do for your body here on Earth.
Understanding Laser Classes
Not all lasers are the same. Cold laser therapy uses Class 3 medical lasers, which are low-powered and designed to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair. These lasers are safe, non-invasive, and widely used in both medical and therapeutic settings.
In contrast, Class 4 lasers are high-powered and used for surgical procedures such as tissue cutting, nerve ablation, and tattoo removal. These are not used in cold laser or light-based healing therapies.
A Perfect Match: Cold Laser and Acupuncture
As a practitioner of acupuncture, I’ve seen firsthand how cold laser therapy can enhance pain relief, nerve healing, and tissue regeneration. It’s especially helpful for targeting areas that are difficult to reach with needles—like parts of the brain or deep joints. For patients who are needle-phobic, laser acupuncture is a fantastic alternative that delivers similar benefits without any discomfort.
What Can Cold Laser Therapy Help With?
- Pain relief: Reduces inflammation and speeds recovery
- Nerve regeneration: Supports healing in conditions like neuropathy
- Wound healing: Accelerates tissue repair (even for astronauts!)
- Improved circulation: Boosts blood flow to support natural healing
- Cellular energy: Enhances mitochondrial function for better cell performance
Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for You?
If you’re curious about how cold laser therapy can support your healing journey, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking for ways to support your overall wellness, this non-invasive, light-powered therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Let’s talk about how light therapy can brighten your path to healing.