Chiropractic and Yoga Alignment

Menu
Book Appointment
Give us a Call or Text +61 4 0289 6804

Send us an Email
ChiroYogaAlignment@gmail.com

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8AM-6PM                            Sat-Sun: 10AM- 6PM

Medical Uses of Laser Therapy

Lasers have numerous medical applications, including eye surgery, dentistry and skin cancer treatment. It is increasingly popular to be used for brain training, seeking to ‘stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect brain tissue that has either been injured, is degenerating, or else is at risk of dying.’ This is known as photobiomodulation (PBM).

PBM is a form of brain training that uses low-level laser or LED light to produce energy in brain cells. Red or near-infrared LEDs is placed to several areas on the head, choosing sites above the brain areas targeting for therapy. The light from the lasers sinks deep into brain cells’ mitochondria, the energy-generating powerhouse. There, it creates a cascade of changes that result in increased blood flow and oxygenation, enabling the cells to function better.

The Science

Numerous peer reviewed scientific studies have proven the healing effects of specific light wavelengths on human tissue. Red light at 650 nm and infrared light at 830 nm wavelength have been shown to penetrate human tissue, release nitric oxide, and upregulate cells to produce various natural healing substances. This process is referred to as
photobiomodulation. Clinicians across the country are finding this technology useful in treating various brain disorders including: traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke.

How Autistic Brain Looks Like?

This diagram shows the major abnormalities evident in autism (A; left side) as compared to normal, and after photobiomodulation treatment (B; right side). Autism is characterised by an
 
1. altered microbiome in the gastrointestinal system (red star-like shapes),
 
2. decrease in size of cerebellum and cerebellar cell number,
 
3. increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in brain (yellow shade) and blood plasma,
 
4. gliosis and inflammation in brain (pink cells),
 
5. macrocephaly (increase in size of cortex),
 
6. decrease in activity of long-range connectivity in cortex (thin red arrows),
 
7. synaptic imbalance in brain, imbalance of functional connectivity,
 
8. dysfunction and oxidative stress in brain (red cells)
 
9. increase in local interconnectivity in cortex (thick red arrows).
 
 

According to research studies, photobiomodulation can prompt

  1. an increase in mitochondrial function, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and gene expression,
  2. a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and gliosis,
  3. a restoration of cell homeostasis and growth factor levels,
  4. a restoration of a balanced functional activity across the brain.
Reference
Hamilton, C.; Liebert, A.; Pang, V.; Magistretti, P.; Mitrofanis, J. Lights on for Autism: Exploring Photobiomodulation as an Effective Therapeutic Option. Neurol. Int. 2022, 14, 884-893. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14040071

The Technology

The Head Cap Light System contains red and near infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded in durable neoprene therapy pads that wrap gently around the head and/or body. The system controller automatically pulses the light at 7 different pulsed rates for a predetermined 20-minute session.

How To Use the System

The Head Cap Light System is easy to use. Place the Head Cap directly on your head and turn the controller ON. The red and near infrared LEDs will slightly warm your scalp and penetrate through the skull. The automatic timer will turn the system OFF in 20 minutes ending your session. Many people choose to use their Head Cap System first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. The Head Cap pads can be disassembled and used anywhere on your body to improve circulation.

What You Can Expect

The most common experience people report after using the Head Cap system is “relaxation”. Over time users have also reported reduced anxiety, increasing ability to focus, reduced anger outbursts, clearer thinking, improved memory, and more. Individual results vary according to usage and underlying conditions. That said, numerous scientific findings suggest overall improvement in TBI symptoms in as few as 6 weeks.

References

Hamblin M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA clinical, 6, 113–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002

Harris, B., Andrews, P. J., Murray, G. D., Forbes, J., & Moseley, O. (2012). Systematic review of head cooling in adults after traumatic brain injury and stroke. Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 16(45), 1.

Hipskind, G. Light therapy improves cognitive function after traumatic brain injury. Research Outreach, 108, 54-57. 

Hipskind, S. G., Grover Jr, F. L., Fort, T. R., Helffenstein, D., Burke, T. J., Quint, S. A., … & Hurtado, T. (2018). Pulsed transcranial red/near-infrared light therapy using light-emitting diodes improves cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in veterans with chronic traumatic brain injury: a case series. Photomedicine and laser surgery.

en_GBEnglish
en_GBEnglish zh_CNChinese