If you’re familiar with this blog, you know that I have thankfully had great success controlling my lower leg lymphedema with natural treatments. One thing that I had on my list to try for awhile was red light therapy for the lymphatic system. This includes both Red Light Therapy (LED) and Near Infrared therapy. Previously this therapy had shown promise for reducing inflammation and helping increase circulation and lymphatic flow. Well, I recently found out that this therapy has not only advanced, but basically has turned into an entire field of medical research called photomedicine. There are some exciting advancements that appear to have the potential to benefit those of us with lymphatic issues. After some extensive research I took the plunge and bought a full body LED panel that incorporates both LED and Near Infrared Light.

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Updated 4/27/2023

Red Light Therapy for the Lymphatic System – First Impressions

In short, new research shows that red light therapy can provide significant inflammation reduction and help for many of the body’s systems and organs. I figured the best way to find out is to start right away, so once my panel arrived I started using it that day. I’ll have more feedback soon, but already some great news after just five short days:

  1. I already feel less liquid in my left leg. Frustratingly my swelling had started to come back some recently which prompted me to revisit the idea of the red light panel. Fortunately, after just five days of use, I already feel less swelling. This is of course just symptom control. I am hoping that we can achieve more than that based on what research is showing that light can do, but it’s still a fantastic start! (I have noted that a lymphedema therapist had chimed in below on the blog comments saying her clients were already getting good results).
  2. I’m already feeling way more energy. I’m 57 and work on a computer all day. So more energy is always needed as often I end up feeling tired during longer workouts. I’ll share some of the science later but wow, I am impressed. I feel way better and more energized, which apparently is quite common and one reason these red light panels are growing in popularity.
  3. Little aches and pains are almost gone! I have a shoulder that often feels sore because of how I sleep on it. It is not life threatening but it is annoying. Plus I do have some pain in my left hand from times when my left hand swells from the lymphatic stuff (just happens once in awhile if I do alot of exercise, strange). That has created some arthritis. But after just 5 days of treatment it is minimized. Yeah!
  4. I have found it an easy and pleasant addition to my daily routine. These panels require you to sit, stand or lie in front of them for about 10 to 20 minutes a day. For best results, and for whole body issues like lymphatic flow, you need to be naked. I don’t know about you, but for me, that complicates matters. Standing naked for 10 or 20 minutes in front of light sounded irritating. Thankfully I found a workaround that is pleasant. I put the panel on its side and use it lying down. And while I do, I listen to a podcast. The time goes by fast and it is actually enjoyable.

So far, so good!

My Previous Experience with Red Light Therapy

For the past few years, I’ve become a general believer in red light therapy. I’ve been using a red led light mask for my face, it has some strong science behind repairing skin. It’s worked for me–I’m 57 now and my skin looks way (way!) better. If you’re a woman of this age you’ve probably seen how your skin can transform from normal into really dry and thin. That goes away with red light. I had fillers one time about 15 years ago and this light did way more. Yes, you need to keep using it, but it is so worth it. I stopped using Retin A and this does a way better job and no irritation. What’s great is that by getting a panel, you don’t need the mask and you get a stronger treatment. You can do your face for skin benefits and treat your body at the same time, which is cool.

red LED light for lymphedema

The New Research on Red Light Therapy Benefits

What is really exciting is that when I researched red light therapy about 3 years ago, there were just a few studies out there. Now there are thousands!

There is some fascinating science and history behind this technology. It was developed by NASA to help plants grow in space, but apparently the astronauts working in the red light saw their hands look younger (Madge????–remember her?). They also noticed pain go away and other benefits appeared after being around the red light. So that sparked research on what light therapy can do.

Science of the Sun

While sitting in front of bright lights can seem far out, the science actually makes sense. We are creatures that evolved living outside. Our planet revolves around a light source, the Sun. Until recently, us humanoids were outside most of the time. Now we sit in artificial light, look at artificially-lit screens all day (and night, with TVs) and cover up to avoid skin cancer and wrinkles. Apparently there are healing aspects to the light provided by the sun in different wavelengths that we didn’t know about.

I am just starting to dig into this so will be sharing it as I learn more, but there are some researchers out there leading the charge. One is Dr. Michael Hamblin, a Harvard Professor and expert on phototherapy.

He and other researchers are finding that red light therapy potentially can benefit many aspects of health:

  • Markedly decreases inflammation
  • Increases circulation
  • Increases lymphatic system activity

Obviously if you tame inflammation and improve circulation, you can accomplish alot of good in the body. That helps the lymphatic system. They are studying these aspects, but also applications for Alzheimer’s, brain injury, improving eyesight, improving the liver and other organs, and many other purposes.

It is fascinating stuff! From what I’ve read, alot seems to boil down to this: the red light apparently activates our cells. It seems to energize them to do more of what they should do, and act more like younger cells. So…if you’re young and healthy, red light may not do anything for you. But those of us who have any health issues, and oldies like me, may benefit from this. Potentially in a big way!

Red Light Therapy-Documenting My Experience

I’ll be researching and sharing more shortly. I’m tracking my progress, too, as I am hopeful that this can go past just symptom control (which is fine of course and welcome.) I am wondering, can this red light help our lymphatic systems actually improve, or help repair blocked areas? If red light can get old cells working better again, there might be hope here. Some of these studies on lymphatics are extremely exciting.

Anyway, I’ll be providing more soon on red light therapy for the lymphatic system.

If you’re interested in being a guinea pig and maybe reducing your wrinkles in the process (which I can personally attest it is amazing for), here’s the product that I purchased. It is called the MitoPro 1500. (If you’re interested in buying, you can get 5% off with our discount code, FL001.) Now, there’s alot of companies selling these, but this one has more sheer power (which I think is needed to impact deeper organs and tissue, requires more than needed for just the outer layer of skin). It also is larger and costs less than its peers. It doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles but I was happier getting more value for the money. I usually find with electronics simpler is better. This one has everything I need….the right wavelengths, the strength to make an impact, and a timer so you just press a button and veg out. 🙂

Previous Notes on Red Light Therapy for Lymphedema

These are some findings I noted from three years ago. Fortunately the research has come a long way since! But I appreciate this gentleman documenting his experience.

Red Light Treatment: Stops Lymphedema

However it seems this gentleman stopped posting.

And one older study:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28127644/

Interested in a high-quality red LED light panel for home use? Check out the MitoPRO 1500, a full body panel for strong, efficient, convenient everyday light therapy. Or, try the smaller panel, the MitoPRO 300, which can treat larger areas too, just requiring a bit more time.

Has anyone else tried LED light therapy for lymphedema? Let us know your results!