Headaches or migraines can completely ruin your day. Whether you suffer from a nagging headache, a splitting headache, or regular migraine attacks, finding relief is often difficult. Fortunately, there is increasing attention for a natural treatment option: red light therapy. In this blog, you will learn what it is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
Note! The text below is not intended as medical advice. This text is based on our own knowledge, customer experiences, and various online sources.
Table of contents
Causes and types of headaches
Headaches, or cephalalgia in medical terms, come in many forms. One type may be mild and pass quickly, while another can last for days and leave you completely exhausted. Here are the most common types at a glance:
Migraine
A migraine attack is often severe and affects one side of the head. The pain throbs and can last for hours or days. It is usually accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes visual disturbances (auras).
Tension headache
This is the most common type. You feel a pressing, constricting pain, as if a tight band is wrapped around your head. It is often caused by stress, poor posture, or fatigue. This headache may occur occasionally but can also become chronic.
Cluster headache
A rarer but very intense type of headache. The pain is usually located around one eye and can occur several times a day. The eye may water, and the nostril on that side may become blocked or start running.
Medication-overuse headache
This type is caused by prolonged or excessive use of painkillers. The headache often disappears only when you stop taking the medication, which can temporarily be 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, with trigeminal neuralgia and is often confused with a headache because of the location of the symptoms.
How can red light therapy help with headaches?
Red Light Therapy uses special LED light in the red or near-infrared spectrum. This light penetrates deep into the tissue and stimulates cells there to produce more energy (ATP). As a result, the body's healing processes are accelerated.
Red light therapy helps with headaches and migraines in several ways:
- Reduction of inflammation: Inflammatory substances that cause pain are inhibited.
- Improved circulation: Muscles and blood vessels in the neck and head receive more oxygen.
- Pain relief: Nerve activity is regulated, reducing pain signals.
- Serotonin stabilization: This substance plays a role in both mood and migraines.
Discover red light therapy lamps
What does the science say?
Quite a lot of research has already been conducted on red light for headaches and migraines. Here are some interesting findings:
- Research on sinus headaches (2011): Patients with facial pain experienced clear 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 pro-inflammatory substances in the body. Less inflammation often also means fewer pain complaints, including headaches
- Comparison with Botox (2018): Both Botox and Red light lamps reduced the severity and frequency of migraines. Red light offered additional benefits for sleep problems.
- Chronic migraine (2019): Several patients with long-term migraines had no further attacks for weeks to months after treatment.
- Light and migraine (2022): Although light is often seen as a trigger, recent studies suggest that it is not the light itself, but hypersensitivity of the nervous system, particularly the trigeminovascular system. Some wavelengths may actually relieve pain. Clinical trials with narrowband light devices show promising results in people with migraines.
These studies are small in scale, but they 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 migraines. Its effectiveness depends on a few important factors:
- Wavelength: Choose a panel with light between 650 and 980 nanometers. These wavelengths penetrate deeply enough to reach nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. 660, 810, and 830 nm in particular are widely used for migraine symptoms.
- Power density (irradiance): This is the light intensity per cm². Too weak will not work well, while 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 experience symptoms throughout your entire head or neck? Then a larger surface is more convenient.
Red light for headaches or migraines: User guide
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: An average of 10 to 20 minutes per session
- Distance: Position the device approximately 15 to 30 centimeters away
Important: 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 protective glasses if the light shines directly into your eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Light Therapy safe?
Yes, provided it is used correctly, it is a safe and non-invasive method. It feels warm, but does not become 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. However, always consult your doctor, especially if you are already taking medication for migraines.
Is it suitable for everyone?
Red light is generally safe, but pregnant women and people with epilepsy should exercise caution. If in doubt, consult a medical professional.
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.
