Red Light for Resilience: How Infrared Therapy Supports Mental Health
What if the answer to emotional burnout, seasonal depression, or low mood wasn’t only in talk therapy or supplements—but also in light?
Emerging research suggests that red light and near-infrared (NIR) therapy may offer powerful, natural support for the brain—boosting mood, increasing energy, and calming the nervous system.
As someone who integrates ancient healing wisdom with clinical tools, I’m always watching for strategies that support the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Infrared therapy does exactly that.
💡 What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT), also called photobiomodulation, uses low-wavelength red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. It’s non-invasive, painless, and increasingly accessible through home devices or studio visits.
Unlike UV light (which can damage the skin), red and near-infrared light penetrates deep into your cells, stimulating mitochondria—the “powerhouse” of your cells—to produce more ATP (energy).
Why does this matter for your mental health? Because…
🧠 Red Light & the Brain: What the Science Says
Recent studies have shown that red and NIR light applied to the head or body may:
✅ Increase oxygen and blood flow in the brain
✅ Stimulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which supports neuroplasticity
✅ Reduce neuroinflammation, which is linked to anxiety and depression
✅ Improve mitochondrial function, giving your brain more energy to regulate mood
✅ Boost melatonin and serotonin production (especially when used early or late in the day)
In one 2020 randomized controlled trial, participants with major depressive disorder saw significant symptom relief after just a few weeks of red light therapy, with no side effects reported.
It’s not a magic bullet—but it’s very promising when used in a broader holistic protocol.
🧘🏽♀️ When & How to Use It
If you’re navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, or chronic fatigue, red light therapy can be a gentle and supportive addition to your healing routine.
🌅 Use it:
In the morning to boost energy and mood
In the evening (indirectly or with near-infrared) to calm the nervous system
Over the chest or forehead for mood and cognition
On the gut for vagus nerve and gut-brain support
🎯 Start with:
5–15 minutes per session
3–5 days per week
A reputable device with 660nm (red) and 850nm (NIR) wavelengths
💡 Devices like the Hooga, Mito Red, or Joovv are popular at-home options.
⚠️ What to Know
Red light therapy is safe for most people but may not be recommended if you:
Are photosensitive (e.g., from certain medications)
Have unmanaged eye conditions (always wear protective glasses if using on the face)
Always consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
🌿 My Take as a Holistic Mental Health Coach
I’ve seen firsthand how clients benefit when we go beyond the basics—when we nourish the nervous system in multiple ways. Light, like food and breath and boundaries, can be a form of medicine.
And this kind of healing?
It doesn’t have to be intense.
It just needs to be intentional.
Check out my article in Brainz Magazine where I explore this as a mental health strategy along with other tools.