Headache or migraine can completely ruin your day. Whether you suffer from a dull headache, bursting headache, or regular migraine attacks, relief is often hard to find. Fortunately, there is increasing attention for a natural treatment option: Red Light Therapy. In this blog, you will read what it is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
Note! The text below is not medical advice. This text is compiled based on our own knowledge, customer experiences, and various online sources.
Table of Contents
Causes and types of headache
Headache, or in medical terms cephalalgia, occurs in many forms. One type is mild and passes quickly, another can last for days and completely exhaust you. Here are the most common types listed:
Migraine
A migraine attack is often severe and one-sided. The pain throbs and can last for hours to days. It is usually accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes visual disturbances (auras).
Tension Headache
This is the most common form. You feel a pressing, constricting pain as if a tight band is around your head. Often the result of stress, poor posture, or fatigue. This headache can occur occasionally but can also become chronic.
Cluster Headache
A rarer but very intense form of headache. The pain is usually around one eye and can occur several times a day. The eye may tear up and the nose on that side can become blocked or runny.
Medication-overuse headache
This type arises from prolonged or excessive use of painkillers. The headache often only disappears when you stop the medication, which can be temporarily difficult due to withdrawal symptoms.
Facial Pain
Facial pain is a sharp, stabbing pain in the face, usually on one side. The pain often occurs in short attacks and can be triggered by touch, cold, or even talking. This type of pain occurs, for example, in trigeminal neuralgia and is often confused with a headache due to the location of the symptoms.
How can Red Light Therapy help with headaches?
Red Light Therapy works with special LED light in the red or near-infrared spectrum. This light penetrates deep into the tissue and stimulates cells to produce more energy (ATP). This speeds up recovery processes in the body.
Red Light Therapy helps with headaches and migraines in several ways:
- Reduction of inflammation: Inflammatory substances that cause pain are suppressed.
- Better circulation: Muscles and blood vessels in the neck and head receive more oxygen.
- Pain relief: Nerve activity is regulated, reducing pain signals.
- Stabilization of serotonin: This substance plays a role in mood and migraine.
Discover Red Light Therapy lamps
What does science say?
Quite a bit of research has already been done on red light for headaches and migraines. Below are some interesting findings:
- Research on sinus headaches (2011): Patients with facial pain experienced significant improvement after Red Light Therapy. The relief even lasted up to two months.
- Study on chronic headaches (2016): In women with tension headaches, pain decreased by 64% after just one treatment. Serotonin levels also increased noticeably.
- Effect on inflammation (2017): Research shows that red and infrared light can reduce inflammation-promoting substances in the body. Less inflammation often also means less pain, including headaches
- Comparison with botox (2018): Both botox and red light lamps reduced the severity and frequency of migraine. Red light had additional benefits for sleep problems.
- Chronic migraine (2019): Several patients with long-term migraine had no attacks for weeks to months after treatments.
- Light and migraine (2022): Although light is often seen as a trigger, recent studies indicate that it is not the light itself but hypersensitivity of the nervous system, especially the trigeminovascular system. Some wavelengths can actually relieve the pain. Clinical tests with narrowband light devices show promising results in people with migraine.
These studies are small in scale but do show a positive trend. More large-scale research is needed, but the results are promising.
Choosing the right light panel
Not every red light device is suitable for headaches or migraine. Effectiveness depends on a few important factors:
- Wavelength: Choose a panel with light between 650 and 980 nanometers. These wavelengths penetrate deep enough to reach nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Especially 660, 810, and 830 nm are widely used for migraine complaints.
- Power density (irradiance): This is the light intensity per cm². Too weak doesn’t work well, too strong can cause irritation. Choose a device with balanced power: safe and effective.
- Panel size: Are you only treating your forehead or temples? Then a small panel is sufficient. Do you often have complaints in your entire head or neck? Then a larger surface is more convenient.
Red light for headache or migraine: Instructions for use
At Liroma you will find red light panels suitable for home use. A treatment is simple and painless:
- Frequency: At least 3 to 5 times per week
- Duration: On average 10 to 20 minutes per session
- Distance: Place the device about 15 to 30 centimeters away
Note: the light must shine on bare skin, without makeup or sunscreen. Always keep some distance from the panel and close your eyes or wear special glasses if the light hits you directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Light Therapy safe?
Yes, if applied correctly, it is a safe and non-invasive method. It feels warm but does not get hot and does not damage the skin.
How quickly will I notice results?
Some people notice a difference after just a few sessions. For others, it takes a few weeks. It depends on your complaints, sensitivity, and how often you apply the therapy.
Can I use it together with medication?
In most cases, yes. But always consult your doctor, especially if you are already taking medication for migraine.
Is it suitable for everyone?
Red light is generally safe, but pregnant women and people with epilepsy should be cautious. Consult a medical professional if in doubt.
Does it also help with other complaints?
Yes, light therapy is also used for muscle pain, inflammation, skin problems, and fatigue. It stimulates the body's self-healing ability.
