Red Light Therapy For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By kathryni | November 21, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. This fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity and is not relieved by sleep.

CFS can severely impact your ability to participate in daily activities and work. Currently, CFS has no cure, but various therapies may help relieve symptoms. One emerging treatment is red light therapy.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy involves exposing the body to low-level red and near-infrared light for therapeutic benefits. Red light is part of the visible spectrum and has wavelengths ranging from 600 to 700 nanometers. These wavelengths can penetrate several millimeters into skin and tissue. When absorbed by cells, red light promotes beneficial cellular and molecular changes through a process called phot biomodulation.

Research shows that phot biomodulation enhances mitochondrial function and energy production in cells. It also stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species, which act as signaling molecules in the body. Additionally, red light exposure may modulate inflammation, increase blood flow, and stimulate the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), collagen, and other molecules related to tissue healing and repair.

Red Light Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Help

The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but studies suggest that red light therapy may help relieve CFS symptoms in several ways:

Increasing Energy Levels

Red light may improve cellular energy metabolism by enhancing mitochondrial function and ATP production. This effect could increase overall energy levels and reduce the fatigue associated with CFS.

Reducing Inflammation

Research indicates that red light exposure can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Lowering inflammation may alleviate CFS symptoms like pain, fatigue, and brain fog.

Improving Sleep Quality

Some studies reveal that red light therapy promotes more profound and restorative sleep. Getting better sleep can make a big difference in energy levels for CFS patients.

Increasing Blood Flow

Red light is thought to enhance microcirculation and increase blood flow. Improved circulation may provide more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, assisting with healing.

Repairing Muscle Damage

The photons in red light penetrate tissue and stimulate the repair of muscle fibers and damage from exercise or exertion. This may aid in recovery from activity for CFS patients.

Elevating Mood

There is early evidence that red light therapy boosts mood and decreases symptoms of depression. Light exposure can influence serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels.

Red Light Therapy Research for CFS

While promising, more extensive controlled studies are still needed to confirm the efficacy of red light therapy for CFS and determine optimal treatment protocols. Researchers continue working to pinpoint the mechanisms by which light affects CFS symptoms.

Trying Red Light Therapy for CFS

If you have CFS, consulting your doctor before trying any new therapy is recommended. That said, red light therapy is very low risk with few reported side effects. It is also easy and convenient to self-administer at home. Here are some tips for integrating red light into your CFS treatment:

Purchase an at-home LED red light device and use it according to device guidelines. Most involve sitting near the light for 10-20 minutes a day.
Start by targeting one area of the body at a time, like your head or legs. Alternate areas on different days.
Use in the morning to boost energy levels for the day. Or apply before bed to improve sleep quality.
Try combining red light therapy with gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga.
Give it a few weeks of regular use to notice a difference in your symptoms. Be patient and persistent.
Keep a diary of your energy levels, pain, sleep quality, and mood to determine if red light therapy is helping.
Work closely with your health provider to determine how red light fits into your treatment plan.

The book “Burning Rubber” by Kathryn Larouche Imler provides a compelling personal account of living with CFS and other medical conditions like fibromyalgia. Kathryn shares her own experiences with the loss of purpose, grief, and struggling to find meaning after becoming disabled by chronic illness. For those living with CFS, Miller’s journey offers both empathy and inspiration.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Books

For those living with CFS, reading books by others with the condition can provide solidarity, insight, and inspiration. Here is one highly recommended read:

Burning Rubber by Kathryn Larouche Imler

Burning Rubber tells the compelling story of a registered nurse and single mom of three who took a dying man back to his home in Myanmar and all the complications that ensued. After returning to Vancouver, her health began to decline to the point of having to retire from her profession. Read about medical conditions like Myalgia Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) that turn life upside down. It covers the topics of loss of purpose, grief, abuse, PTSD, addiction and recovery, perseverance, and bravery. The book shows metaphorical burning rubber – constant motion and constantly running up against the healthcare system. It’s a story of tenacity, stubbornness, and finding the purpose of life after disability. Pick up a copy today for an inspiring read!

Red Light Therapy for CFS

While research on red light therapy for CFS shows promise, more clinical trials are underway. In the meantime, red light presents a relatively accessible treatment option with little downside to explore. A doctor’s guidance and close self-monitoring may relieve symptoms on your road to recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome.