The advent of lasers has given birth to an interdisciplinary branch of medicine called photomedicine, which deals with the therapeutic use of light. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or simply light therapy, is a type of photomedicine that uses low-level (low-power) lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

How does Intranasal Light Therapy Work?

Intranasal light therapy works on the principle of low-power laser, using one wavelength for biostimulation; it is classified as a subtype of LLLT. This cold and static stimulation through nasal passages helps alleviate brain symptoms. It is scientifically known as ‘photobiomodulation.’ 

LLLT is based on the principle of photobiomodulation, which describes the ability of light to interact with biological systems to elicit a therapeutic response. LLLT has emerged as a promising modality for treating various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury, in the past few decades.

The exact mechanisms by which LLLT exerts its beneficial effects are not fully understood. However, it is thought that LLLT may work by modulating a number of biological processes, including cell proliferation and survival, cell death, inflammation, and neurotransmission.

Preclinical studies have shown that LLLT can promote neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and improve cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. In addition, LLLT has been shown to reduce inflammation and cell death and to promote nerve cell regeneration in animal models of traumatic brain injury.

Light therapy sounded like pseudoscientific baloney decades ago, but today it’s one of the most accepted treatment modalities in neurology. The non-typical shift in paradigm was made possible after plenty of scientific research, which continues to prove the efficacy of light in treating various neurological conditions.

The Science Of Photobiomodulation 

The ancient Egyptians practiced healing by sunlight in the early seventeen century. Later in 1917, Albert Einstein explained the theory of stimulated emissions that gave birth to ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’ abbreviated to lasers. 

In the 1960s, the first practical laser device was developed, and by the end of this decade, improvement in wound healing was recorded with non-ablative, low-level laser radiation. This science is called photobiomodulation. 

In simpler terms, photo means light, bio means life, and modulation means change; thereby, it becomes a drug-free, non-invasive therapeutic option with 0 side effects. 

Infrared Light Interaction With Human Tissues Explained in 9 Easy Steps  

Here’s the breakdown of how the light made up of photons interacts with human tissues to bring about therapeutic effects: 

1. Photons are energetic. They penetrate the body and underline body structures while holding their intensity until they get absorbed by the body. 
2. Low-level laser therapy involves the delivery of Infrared light to the skin. It penetrates mucous and submucosal layers to make its paths to the cells. 
3. Then it enters the cells that are equipped with organelles called microconidia. 
4. Mitochondria hold chromophores to absorb light. 
5. As a result of this, three chemical molecules show spikes. 
6. Firstly, the adenosine triphosphate increases and paces up most cellular functions.
7. Secondly, the increased reactive oxygen species aids protein formation, perhaps leading to prompt cellular healing and functioning. 
8. Thirdly, nitrous oxide production increases circulation, decreases inflammation and enhances the transport of oxygen and immune cells throughout the tissues. 
9. Altogether, the process helps in the reduction of pain to help improve the quality of life. 

How Do Nasal Lasers (i-PBMT) Work? 

The nose is the non-invasive yet reliable access to introduce therapeutic agents to the brain. Additionally, the thin nasal membrane allows the low-level laser light to penetrate well to produce the intended effects at a low dose. 

The infrared light through this root can easily reach the olfactory bulb and hippocampus of the brain, where it can promote neurogenesis and aid in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

Next, it improves the overall oxygenation of the brain tissue by allowing bonded oxygen to dissociate from its parent hemoglobin molecule. The process is called photo-dissociation, resulting in increased oxygen uptake by the cells in the target area.

Light therapy can also help in the treatment of mood disorders like depression by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters. Also, it improves overall circulation and allows effective treatment of neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic disorders.

Systematically, it brings a positive systemic effect through floating mitochondria, the real storehouse of energy in cells. These organelles can respond to changes in light and can change how they produce energy to support optimal cellular function.

Ultimately, photobiomodulation helps produce more energy at the cellular level by supporting mitochondrial function. This can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s disease, depression, traumatic brain injury, and stroke are some of the conditions that can be treated with intranasal light therapy. The research is ongoing, and more applications are likely to be found in the near future.

Benefits of Intranasal Red Light Therapy 

The potential benefits of i-PBMT devices are listed below: 

1.  It decreases the oxidative stress on the body
2. It decreases inflammation and helps relieve pain. 
3. It increases the production of heat shock proteins. 
4. It improves the overall strength of an individual.
5. It activates heat shock proteins. 
6. It helps relieve muscle soreness. 
7. It helps relieve symptoms associated with neurological deficits. 
8. It also helps improve sleep quality.

Intranasal Red Light Therapy For Improved Brain Health 

Brain-based medical ailments are treated well with intranasal infrared light therapy and are known to bring about positive health results. A few of the conditions that are treatable with the said modality are: 

Mild cognitive impairment:

This is the stage when an individual begins to experience a deterioration of cognitive abilities but does not yet meet the criteria for dementia. Studies have shown that intranasal red and near-infrared light therapy can help improve cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Alzheimer's disease:

This is a progressive brain disease that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. Studies have shown that intranasal red and near-infrared light therapy can help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Parkinson's Disease:

This is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. When used in combination with conventional medical treatment, intranasal red, and near-infrared light therapy has been shown to help improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Depression:

This is a common mental disorder that causes feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and decreased energy levels. Usually, people with depression also have trouble sleeping and concentrating. Intra-nasal red and near-infrared light therapy can help improve symptoms of depression.

Post-traumatic stress disorder:

This is a condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or military combat. People with PTSD may have trouble sleeping and concentrating and feel irritable or on edge. Intranasal red and near-infrared light therapy can help improve symptoms of PTSD.

Ischemic brain injury:

This is an injury to the brain that occurs when the blood supply is cut off. This can happen due to a stroke or other condition that causes blockage of the blood vessels. Intranasal red and near-infrared light therapy can help improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation in people with ischemic brain injury.

Insomnia:

This is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. People with insomnia often feel tired during the day. When used in combination with other treatments, intranasal red and near-infrared light therapy can help improve sleep quality in people with insomnia by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping.

How Infrared Light Works For Neuropathy?

We all know that cells at the micro level contain mitochondria which are the powerhouse of a cell. These are called the energy-carriers because they have ATPs.

These ATPs are carried to cells via the blood. Neuropathic patients have decreased blood flow, which automatically means decreased ATP production.

Nerves in the extremities sense the lacking and send painful signals to the brain. 

To counteract the smaller amount of ATP, infrared lights are used—these help to stimulate ATP production in mitochondria. 

Low-level laser therapy also stimulates the release of nitrous oxide from hemoglobin to help relax the smooth muscles surrounding the blood vessels. It, therefore, increases the blood supply to the brain, relieving the painful and stressful symptoms.

Light at the blue end of the spectrum penetrates 2-3mm in the skin, while at the red end, it penetrates up to 8-10mm. However, its bandwidth increases two to five times at the infrared end with 20-100mm penetration and lesser reflection. Hence, the deeper the penetration, the greater the nitric oxide dissociation and the ATP formation, and the better the results.

The Takeaway 

Nostril-based i-PBMT is currently gaining popularity in the market for the wellness it offers. Such devices can be easily clipped to the nostrils and are highly convenient and portable. 

When compared to transcranial PMBT devices, intranasal devices are relatively affordable. Anyhow, these devices do not just offer neuropathic benefits but are very prompt in offering systemic rejuvenation.