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Information on LED's- Light Emitting Diodes
(Article provided by: Heidi Mesbah
Skin Renewal

HISTORY OF THE LED

In 1903, a Nobel Prize of Medicine was given to a scientist by the name of Niels Finsen for the use of light therapy; as then named "photo therapy". Research progressed and by the 1960's "photo therapy"- now referred to as LED Therapy (or "LEDT") was being used primarily in Eastern Europe for treatment of chronic pain, arthritis and associated conditions, joint rehabilitation, and soft-tissue injury along with other medical ailments. During this same time LEDT was being used in a small sector of the United States by equestrian practices for animals with joint and soft tissue injury. During the 1980's through current, the field has expanded and more clinics and medical science industries are putting the effects of Light Therapy to work in larger and vaster capacities. Many professional sports teams and athletes have found that LED therapy can be used to aid in sports related injuries, and physical therapists have noted a recovery time of 50faster than without the therapy.

There are many scientifically proven and well-documented life processes that are light dependent.

For instance:
(a) Photosynthesis (plants)
(b) Production of vitamin D in human skin
(c) Regulation of moods and circadian rhythm in both humans and animals

LIGHT therapy stimulates the rejuvenation of living tissue through the process of "photo-bio-stimulation", which means "the stimulation of life with light." Photobiostimulation is very similar to the process of photosynthesis. As you remember from high school, photosynthesis is the process by which plants manufacture chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the energy, which drives the functions of the plant at the cellular level, allowing the plant to thrive. Chlorophyll is to the plant what ATP is to the human body. Neither chlorophyll nor ATP can be manufactured without the presence of specific-wavelengths of light.

If you planted something in the best soil and gave it the highest quality of water and fertilizer but no sunlight, the plant would die. This is because, in the absence of sunlight, the plant cannot make use of the great nutrients at its disposal. Similarly, if you fed your body the best foods, took the highest-grade supplements, drank the purest water available, but didn't have access to specific-wavelengths of light, your body would not be able to produce ATP. As a result, each of the cellular processes would grind to a halt, resulting in death at the cellular level.

Realistically, you are not going to be totally deprived of light. However, as you age, your cellular metabolism slows down and your cells get "tired". While increasing the quality of your nutrient intake may help you look and feel somewhat better, this alone will not significantly affect the rate of cellular metabolism. The nutrients you ingest need to be converted to ATP before they can fuel life processes at the cellular level. This is where light therapy can help. To put it simply, LIGHT therapy is the process of supplementing your body with light, so that the body can repair itself.

ATP is the fuel that powers life at the cellular level. LIGHT therapy stimulates the mitochondria and increases the production of ATP within the treated tissues. In addition to sparking ATP production, LIGHT therapy also stimulates specific cellular organelles, depending on the condition being targeted.

It is important to note that the (visible red and Infra-red) energies used in a LIGHT treatment do not heal/rejuvenate the tissues being treated. LIGHT therapy simply provides the tissues being treated with the energy necessary to spark the production of ATP. Once ATP is produced, the body will use this energy to carry out repair and rejuvenation on a cellular level and in return, the body will visibly repair itself. LED's play a factor in that they provide the source of infra-red and visible red light needed by the body. Red light penetrates the skin more superficially than that of infra-red light which can affect tissue cells as deep as 20cm. Both forms of light stimulate cells in different ways which increases the effectiveness of treatments and increase the spectrum of ailments that can be targeted.

Who needs and can benefit from LED?
As we all inevitably age, our skin looses some its ability to heal and reconstruct itself. Components such as collagen and elastin- necessary in maintaining the physical appearance and vitality of skin- and reduced productivity of aged and damaged cells- scar tissue, toxin and waste build-up (acne, wrinkles, sunspots, hyper-pigmentation, etc.)- Which increase the appearance of physical flaws and characteristic skin discoloration and texture can become overwhelming. Varying frequencies of low-level infrared and visible red light give the skin the necessary aid to reduce these, and many others, signs of aging. These wavelengths of light can also help reduce scarring, and patients requiring pain management and would healing, of all shapes, sizes, age, and colors of skin. Some patients with heat/light sensitivity from medications or medical problems may require means to reduce heat to the skin but can still use the LED system since the heat output is very minimal.

What are LED's and how are they used?
LED's- Light Emitting Diodes- provide infrared (invisible to the eye) and visible red light that helps the cells of the human tissue, the same way sunlight helps the cells of plants, process and utilize food and air, into usable energy. The LED's are programmed to change frequency and patterns of length to offer the most beneficial treatment according to the patients needs and desired effects. Each unit is preprogrammed with easy to understand programs- as easy to operate as pushing a button- which provide the patient with a 20-minute session best suited for the individual's target area. LED technology has long been toted as being an aide in wound treatment; the reduction in appearance of wrinkles, scars, and cellulite; and pain management through its use of deep-penetrating warmth and cell metabolism, and has been the topic of research by NASA for space utilization, medical college research studies, and even physical fitness training facilities everywhere.

Most current medical responses to skin aging currently involve invasive, painful, and often very expensive means of correction. LED Device offers a non-invasive approach that can be used regularly to reduce the appearance of the problem areas that these extensive surgeries and laser-treatments are being used to correct.

When and how often should I use the Light Therapy?
While some patients may require only a few treatments other problems may be more chronic or affecting deeper layers of tissue and require more frequent and extended attention. Patients with recent surgical wounds or trauma can use light therapy for accelerated healing and scar reduction post surgery. Patients with skin discolorations and acne can use LED as frequently as they desire. Some patients with diabetes or other light/heat sensitive ailments may require attention to avoid over-heated skin but can still benefit from the device.

Skin Renewal
Heidi Mesbah
24002 Via Fabricante suite#207
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: (949) 981-3426
Email - Heidi@myskinrenewal.com

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