Brain Light Therapy (tPBM)

What is tPBM?

tPBM (Transcranial Photobiomodulation) is also referred to as Brain Light Therapy. Low-Level Laser Therapy or Red Light Therapy. It is the use of specific wavelengths of near-infrared light to penetrate the brain and affect cellular processes in the body. A non-invasive approach which helps to improve function and enhance cognitive function, research suggests that near-infrared light has the potential to be neuroprotective, slowing or even completely stopping disease pathology without side effects.  Perhaps most exciting is the possibility that ongoing light therapy treatment may help slow, halt or potentially reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other degenerative brain disorders.  While Light Therapy can be an effective treatment for many physical and mental issues, it is also a good preventive technique for healthy individuals.

What Can the Brain Gain through Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM), also called Light Therapy?

  • Cellular Growth and Regeneration

  • Improved Function of Mitochondria in the Brain resulting in Increased Cellular Energy/Survival

  • Improved Brain Blood Flow/Circulation and Oxygenation

  • Reduced Pain

  • Reduced Inflammation

  • Increased Range of Motion in the Body

What Happens during a session?

After an initial assessment to determine your specific needs and identify the areas of the brain which may be affected, a brain helmet equipped with near-infrared LEDs is placed on the head for a period of 5-30 minutes.  During that time, clients sit quietly, read or watch a show.   The areas of concern are targeted using near-infrared light. Wavelength, pulsing, power, and light placement are all key factors in determining the correct dosing and protocol for each brain. As the brain becomes accustomed to the light therapy, time and potency will be increased.  Although the brain is given an immediate boost, it can take time to notice the effects.  TPBM can be used alone or in combination with neurofeedback, with even greater potential results when combined.  Light Therapy helps to prime and enhance the plasticity of the brain as new brain patterns develop through neurofeedback.

Is Light Therapy supported by scientific research?

Yes, over 8000 studies have been conducted with 999 of those studies pertaining to the brain, and the research continues to expand.   Search areas of interest and see the complete list of studies and their outcomes here. Promising results have been found Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, ADHD, Anxiety, Parkinson’s Disease, Long Covid, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Depression/Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, sleep disturbance, peak performance, memory and executive function.

Outcomes of Studies:

ADHD: Significant decrease in symptoms with improved mood, greater ability to focus, organize and manage ADHD symptoms.

 Anxiety:  Significant reduction of symptoms and improved sleep, with immediate relief after light therapy.

Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia:  Significant improvements in cognitive/executive function, attention, sleep, behavioral symptoms and dementia.

 Autism: Effectively reduced severity of Autism with a reduction in irritability, cognitive and behavioral rigidity, non-compliant behavior and parental stress. Both sleep quality and attention improved.

 Depression: Enhanced mood, reduced depressive symptoms.

Long Covid: Significantly improved cognitive/executive function, processing speed and reduced brain fog. Severe body reactions such as inflammation, breathing problems, organ failure, nerve damage and blood clotting were reduced.

Parkinson's: Improved mobility, gait speed, stride length, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skills.

PTSD: Significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD, cognition, sleep and physical health.

Sleep Disturbance:  Improved sleep with the potential to regulate the circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Positive changes have been demonstrated in brain volume, functional connectivity, cerebral perfusion, cognitive function, verbal memory, PTSD symptoms, and sleep.

Wellness in Healthy Adults: Improved memory consolidation, accuracy rate, attention, cognitive performance, rule-based learning, response time, mood and sleep. Increased brain wave activity in ranges associated with creativity, problem-solving and impulse control.