What is the place of photobiomodulation in a neurofeedback practice?

Every neurofeedback practitioner is aware that human brains prioritize resourcing and organization based on what they pay the most attention to. However, not everyone is aware that photobiomodulation can be an effective way to recruit the brain’s attentional networks for better results.

Neurofeedback and photobiomodulation are relatively new fields. For many, they are still somewhat esoteric fields of brain stimulation, training and modulation. Incidentally, both began their development in the late 1950s. The field of neurofeedback originated in California, while the field of PBM started in Hungary by accident. Furthermore, both can help the brain deal with complex issues while complementing each other.

The brain is an adaptive and self-reinforcing system, and neurofeedback, as a form of brain modulation, attempts to retrain neural response patterns. However, even the most effective neurofeedback interventions can encounter less responsive central nervous systems. Luckily, neurofeedback providers can benefit from having multiple ways to supply information to the brain. Thus, some brains will respond better to tPBM or to a combination of tPBM and EEG feedback. Therefore, having access to modern technological tools that offer a variety of viable brain-training options can improve neurofeedback’s outcomes.

Recent Developments in Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation has emerged as a promising therapy for ameliorating symptoms associated with both mental health and neurophysiological conditions. Early findings recorded in the literature indicate that photobiomodulation has significant clinical potential in the treatment of a number of brain-based disorders. These include, but not limited to, traumatic brain injury (Henderson, 2016), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Johnstone, 2015), improving executive function (Barrett, 2013), memory (Rojas, 2012), stroke and developmental disorders (Hamblin, 2016), and depression (Cassano, 2015).

A meta-analysis of articles examining the link between photobiomodulation and biological processes such as metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and neurogenesis suggest that these processes are potentially effective targets for photobiomodulation to treat depression and brain injury. There is also preliminary clinical evidence suggesting the efficacy of photobiomodulation in treating major depressive disorder, comorbid anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation (Cassano, 2016).

Pairing tPBM’s documented enhancement of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and synaptogenesis (Hennessy, 2017) with EEG-based feedback paradigms that focus on supporting neural connectivity (Collura, 2008) potentially offers a novel approach to building better brain infrastructure at any age.

Why is photobiomodulation technology synergetic with neurofeedback? 

Neurofeedback is often based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG), which measures cortical activity, and doesn’t explicitly include activity from subcortical brain regions. However, a specialized transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) system, like Vielight Neuro Pro for example, can deliver NIR light to the brain stem. It can offer a more direct impact to lower central nervous system circuitry. This is one way specialized photobiomodulation technology can complement neurofeedback and help to improve its timeline and effects.

As a source of light, tPBM supports the brain energetically, helping it with energy supply to build new connections. Neurofeedback specialists can take advantage of this new optimized state that is supportive of learning. Furthermore, when this happens, neurofeedback training can help the brain to develop better cognitive functions.

Moreover, technically astute neurofeedback practitioners may prefer additional customization options from their tPBM device to further improve outcomes. They may want to directly impact neural network patterns, particularly if they are qEEG users. This group of neurofeedback specialists may prefer to use advanced features of a professional tPBM system. For example, features like phase synchrony/asynchrony of tPBM pulsing, or options to develop a database of specialized tPBM programs that complement neurofeedback.

What are the benefits of combining neurofeedback and brain photobiomodulation? 

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that is based specifically on brain activity. To put it simply, neurofeedback utilizes neuroplasticity to modulate and change the brain’s response to various stimuli. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change. To attain such change, the brain needs to go through training. Thus, during the training, the brain learns to adopt a new response to a known stimulus.

Interestingly, additional stimulus or stimuli may be introduced to help the brain change its response. For example, light, color, sound, and tactile sensations are some of the primary stimuli that can be used to retrain the brain during neurofeedback sessions.

Brain photobiomodulation is a way to deliver the light to the brain. Therefore, it can be used as an additional stimulus for neurofeedback. A specialized tPBM system can become a very useful and synergetic tool in neurofeedback. For example, it can act as a mechanism for priming the brain prior to a neurofeedback session. It can also open numerous opportunities for creative approaches to improving neurofeedback outcomes.

Furthermore, neurofeedback practitioners are well aware that some individuals have difficulty tolerating initial neurofeedback sessions. This can be either because of anxiety or sensory processing issues. Therefore, having an alternative intervention that is less time-intensive and doesn’t involve pastes or gels can be helpful. It can provide some early alleviation of symptom intensity until the client is more comfortable with the neurofeedback process.

Effects of transcranial PBM on the brain 

Brain PBM, or tPBM, can be helpful for the brain on cellular level. It helps to support the brain by transcranially delivering the energy of the near-infrared (NIR) light directly to the neurons.

Current abundant research shows that NIR has the best penetration rate and is particularly suitable for brain stimulation and modulation. Although the research into tPBM has a long way to go, the science behind tPBM is gaining acceptance

While therapeutic uses of red light across the body are well documented, research into the effects of various light pulsation frequencies on the brain are more limited. The most commonly known tPBM frequencies are 10 Hz (Alpha) and 40 Hz (Gamma). Both correspond to the respective alpha and gamma oscillations in the brain. Most of the tPBM pulse frequency related research is focused on these two frequencies and below. Thus, the effects of the higher frequency pulse rates on the brain need more research. Modern tPBM systems offer more sophisticated options to conduct tPBM-related research.

The importance of specialized tPBM hardware for neurofeedback 

The absence of hardware suitable for extended research utilizing higher pulse frequencies has been somewhat of a hindrance. However, over the last few years, tPBM research has made significant progress opening the doors for deeper knowledge dives. Thus, both the researchers and practitioners utilizing tPBM are showing interest in studying and analyzing the effects of higher pulse frequencies on the brain.

Furthermore, new technologies and growing body of knowledge are helping to improve the capabilities of new tPBM hardware. For example, the recently introduced Vielight Neuro Pro tPBM system allows setting the pulse frequency between 0 and 10,000 Hz. The Neuro Pro’s numerous other variables can also be changed to find the best possible fit for the task at hand.

Why brain photobiomodulation should be of interest for neurofeedback practitioners?

Many neurofeedback practitioners have already discovered the beneficial synergies between neurofeedback and brain photobiomodulation. Thus, some use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), others use Frequency and Power Neurofeedback, and there are other forms and options. While practitioners can use different tools for and types of neurofeedback in their practice, many principles stay common.

For example, the concepts of brain mapping and brain priming are familiar to many neurofeedback practitioners. While brain mapping requires measuring tools, brain priming requires interventional tools. However, interventions do not have to be invasive.

One form of noninvasive intervention for brain priming can be transcranial photobiomodulation. There are neurofeedback practitioners who have already discovered the important and effective synergies that tPBM can offer in their work.

Photobiomodulation Research References: 

Barrett D.W., Gonzalez-Lima F. Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans. Neuroscience. 2013;230:13–23. [PubMed]

Cassano P., Petrie S.R., Hamblin M.R., Henderson T.A., Iosifescu D.V. Review of transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis. Neurophotonics. 2016;3:031404. [PubMed]

Cassano P., Cusin C., Mischoulon D., Hamblin M.R., De Taboada L., Pisoni A., Chang T., Yeung A., Ionescu D.F., Petrie S.R., Nierenberg A.A., Fava M., Iosifescu D.V. Near-infrared transcranial radiation for major depressive disorder: proof of concept study. Psychiatry J. 2015;2015:352979. [PubMed]

Collura, T.F. (2008) Towards a coherent view of brain connectivity. Journal of Neurotherapy. 12, 2–3, 99–110.

De Freitas L.F., Hamblin M.R. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 2016;22:7000417.

Gonzalez-Lima F., Barrett D.W. Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers. Front. Syst. Neurosci. 2014;8:36. [PubMed]

Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002

Henderson T.A., Morries L.D. Near-infrared photonic energy penetration: can infrared phototherapy effectively reach the human brain? Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat. 2015;11:2191–2208.[PubMed]

Henderson T.A. Multi-watt near-infrared light therapy as a neuroregenerative treatment for traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen. Res. 2016;11:563–565. [PubMed]

More References: 

Henderson T.A., Morries L.D. SPECT perfusion imaging demonstrates improvement of traumatic brain injury with transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy. Adv. Mind Body Med. 2015;29:27–33.[PubMed]

Hennessy, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new paradigm. Journal of Optics (2010), 19(1), 013003–. https://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/19/1/013003

Johnstone D.M., Moro C., Stone J., Benabid A.L., Mitrofanis J. Turning on lights to stop neurodegeneration: the potential of near infrared light therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Front. Neurosci. 2015;9:500. [PubMed]

Rojas J.C., Bruchey A.K., Gonzalez-Lima F. Low-level light therapy improves cortical metabolic capacity and memory retention. J. Alzheimers Dis. 2012;32:741–752. [PubMed]

Rojas, JC., Gonzalez-Lima, F. Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs. Biochem Pharmacol. 2013 Aug 15;86(4):447-57. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.012. Epub 2013 Jun 24.

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Readers may recall our intention to test the efficacy of our X-Plus device on COVID-19 in April 2020. After five months of intensive preparation by our team of researchers for this clinical trial, we are now ready. We have received all the required approvals to commence our trial. The trial recruitment has started throughout the US, and will start shortly in Ontario, Canada.

This clinical trial involves the use of the Vielight RX Plus, which is a portable photobiomodulation (PBM) device designed for home use. The LED module delivers near infrared light at 810 nm to the thymus gland and lungs, while the nasal applicator delivers 633 nm red light intranasally. In this way the light of both 810nm and 633nm wavelengths is delivered to different parts of the body. The RX Plus has some modifications to the commercially-available X-Plus device, but the design is largely similar.

Due to the pandemic, we are employing safety measures in the clinical trial. For this reason, the trial is managed remotely by clinical trial sites. One such site is located in Port Orange, Florida, USA. The other one is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The trial subjects are monitored remotely over 30 days. The endpoint of the trial is the time for the patients to recover from an infection.

During the past few months, several parties have announced studies involving the use of PBM devices for treating patients infected with COVID-19. There are some differences between our clinical trial and the others. Firstly, the number of test subjects of 280 is far larger, which provides more realistic representation of outcomes in real life. Secondly, this trial is randomized to remove bias. Half of the trial subjects will receive only the usual standard of care, and the other half will additionally use the Vielight RX Plus. The other major difference is that the patients treat themselves at home. The participants are monitored remotely. Full safety protocols are rigorously implemented to remove the risks of human-transmitted spread of the disease.

“Over the years, there have been suggestions that PBM can boost the immune system and control inflammation, based on the data from cell and animal studies. This trial studies human subjects with COVID-19. We await the results to confirm if PBM delivered via the RX Plus is effective in treating COVID-19 infection. Notably, the intervention does not introduce any substance into the body other than the light energy, and this is done in a controlled manner,” said Dr. Lew Lim, Founder & CEO of Vielight. “As always, we seek to apply rigorous scientific study standards to test our hypotheses, and we will manage our expectations pending the final results.”

Information about participation in this clinical trial can be accessed at www.covidlight.ca. The trial has been registered with clinicaltrials.gov and the information about the trial is available there. If you are based anywhere in the US or in Ontario, Canada, please spread the word to help us to recruit the participants for this clinical trial.

Dr. Lim Awarded Worldwide Patent for the Neuro Invention

We have been receiving a lot of love for the Vielight Neuro Alpha, Gamma and Duo since their release a few years ago. Many users have reported that the devices have positively impacted their quality of life with regards to various mental functions and cognition. The award of this patent for the Vielight Neuro invention covers countries around the globe including the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, China, Japan and Australia. Dr. Lim has assigned the patent to Vielight. Patents covering other territories are pending.

Vielight Welcomes Software Developer, Mark Heydari

We welcome Mark Heydari, a top-level software developer, into our team. Mark is a full-stack developer with over 25 years of experience and a master degree in computer science from the Technical University of Denmark. His skills cover all major computer languages with an impressive record in the field. He will lead the software development work at Vielight, with particular attention paid to the Vielight Neuro Pro apps and backend platform. We expect that with the addition of Mark to our talent pool, we will add more useful and sophisticated offerings to our portfolio of products.

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Intranasal photobiomodulation (iPBM) is a distinct form of application of photobiomodulation. In itself, photobiomodulation (PBM) is a relatively new field. Even the word itself is quite new. It is familiar to mostly a limited group of scientists, engineers, early adopters and health practitioners. However, the applications and effects of PBM are gathering more interest and attention from the scientific and medical communities. Over the last 2-3 years this interest has become stronger, as new research has delivered more supportive evidence.

At this time the research specific to iPBM is limited, and it is no surprise, considering how novel this method is. Nevertheless, some studies point to strong possibilities that intranasal photobiomodulation can support and strengthen immune system via mitochondrial and cellular functions. Importantly, potential applications for intranasal PBM can be numerous, and already research studies are planned in search of more evidence.

As it is often the case with any new technology, it attracts more skepticism than support in its early days. This is a normal course of development for most novelties. History has plenty of examples of misunderstandings directed at important inventions, from cars and airplanes to, more recently, the Internet. The common misunderstanding was to consider those inventions temporary fads. Intranasal photobiomodulation is likely the newest form of PBM, and as such it gathers healthy doses of interest and skepticism.

Is there evidence supporting intranasal photobiomodulation’s effectiveness?

The only way to win the skeptics over is to provide strong evidence in support of intranasal photobiomodulation’s effectiveness. Luckily, a body of such supporting evidence is growing, as more scientists are taking closer looks at PBM.

This momentum-gaining is happening mainly due to four critical factors associated with PBM in general. Factor one is the success of exploratory studies, resulting in robust scientific validation of the PBM method for numerous applications. Factor two is the noninvasive nature of this modality. Simplicity of PBM delivery is factor three. Last, but not least, factor four is cost-effectiveness of the PBM procedures.

However, no matter how attractive PBM may look to researchers, most regulatory bodies require solid data to permit medical use. Intranasal photobiomodulation is no exception. While numerous studies create a generally positive and promising picture of PBM for many applications, these studies present a somewhat fragmented view. Yet, fragmentation, although challenging, is a common starting point to solving any puzzle.

Any reasonable solution would require a creative approach to organizing existing data from numerous photobiomodulation studies into meaningful metrics. Subsequently, when all known pieces are put together, it is much easier to understand what is missing. This approach would allow development of a methodical search for the missing data, which could support medical applications for PBM. Opportunities for such applications are numerous, and those include intranasal photobiomodulation applications.

What prospects for intranasal photobiomodulation does data show?

What about the analytical approach to scientific research in PBM and iPBM? For example, is it important to look at all the data in order to connect the dots for applications of intranasal photobiomodulaton? If you are interested in the future of PBM as a clinical therapy, you may be curious about the answers.

What does photobiomodulation research have to do with detective’s work?

Every once in a while you are likely to catch yourself making an inference based on partial facts, fragmented data, or observations which are not sufficient for a clear-cut conclusion. In some cases a deductive reasoning approach can be very effective. After all, this is what most detectives do. Remember the infamous Mr. Sherlock Holmes and his incredible deductive method and abilities?

Actually, more often than not, intelligence and counterintelligence analysts have to use partial data to understand and complete a puzzle. Research is a lot like the work of detectives and analysts, and similarities in approach are warranted. In general, most analysts use extrapolations and statistics in their analyses. It is reasonable to assume that oftentimes many of such deductions lead to correct conclusions and proofs. Otherwise, analytical deductions would not be an accepted practice.

Photobiomodulation and its applications should not be any different, when it comes to connecting the dots to find missing pieces. Thus, the theory of probabilities can be helpful in solving some convoluted puzzles and offering keys to finding better answers. Whatever the path to finding the right answers may be, the most important part is to find an undeniable validation. Ultimately, such validation will be based on solid scientific data, even if the intermittent research utilized deductions and creative guessing.

Experimental design approach and intranasal photobiomodulation

Experimental design is another practical area where partial data can lead to useful conclusions. Practice of experimental design can provide valuable insights and solutions relevant to intranasal photobiomodulation and PBM in general. The concept of experimental design is used in many industries and for numerous applications, including scientific research.
For example, many scientific studies employ experimental design principles to prove a “concept”, or rather a hypothesis. In addition to complying with regulatory requirements and various standards, researchers have the flexibility to test their hypotheses. Thus, they can manipulate different variables in a study, to achieve and observe changes in the outcomes. This is a form of experimental design in practice.

However, in scientific research, the number of variables can be dramatically high. This fact limits the possibility to test all variations in outcomes. Consequently, in such cases, researchers would have to base their conclusions on the data derived from limited samples. Therefore, they would have to resort to extrapolation based on the sampled data. Thus, the quality and integrity of the sampled data is of critical importance in making correct conclusions.

PBM and iPBM have promising future

This all may sound too scientific for some of you and not enough so for others. Whatever category you are in, you are most likely have some interest in PBM. The important part is that a lot of work is being done to investigate photobiomodulation effects on the human brain and on the body’s systemic functions. In investigations of the former, primarily transcranial photobiomodulation devices emitting near infrared light are used. For investigations of the latter, the red-light emitting intranasal photobiomodulation devices may be of better use. However, in many cases, combinations of both provide promising outcomes and warrant more investigations to gain valuable data.

The more valid scientific data is available, the faster we will answer the numerous PBM-related questions. With science on the side of PBM, the range of its applications to improve human body functions will expand.

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Before delving into a seemingly esoteric subject of intranasal photobiomodulation (iPBM), it makes sense to acknowledge the process of creative discovery.

Every invention started with an idea. Some ideas were products of lucky accidents, leading to a discovery. Ultimately, a few happy flukes ended up spearheading innovations, often very important ones. These serendipitous discoveries usually happened to those who were prepared to recognize and to understand them. For example, the principle of the microwave oven was discovered by accident. Thus, during an experiment a chocolate bar melted in the researcher’s pocket, triggering a series of scientific ideas and conclusions.

In some cases, time was critical in gaining knowledge of the subject matter to make the idea work. Consequently, some inventions took a long time to develop. From an idea to execution of a functional product, years, decades, sometimes centuries, could pass. Such was the case with the helicopter and sewing machine concepts, which Leonardo da Vinci envisioned during Renaissance.

However, what does it all have to do with intranasal photobiomodulation, you may ask? The only commonality is the principle of creative discovery. Interestingly, the idea of intranasal photobiomodulation concept came first, and the strongest support for that idea came years later.

Validating Intranasal Photobiomodulation Concept

In the summer of 2019, a group of French researchers from IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France, published an important research article. Entitled, “Blood contains circulating cell-free respiratory competent mitochondria”, this article presents important new findings. This research study drastically departs from the previous assumptions and confirms the presence of mitochondria in the blood.

Potentially numerous, implications and applications of this finding can have significant impact. Meanwhile, it answers an important question regarding the delivery and effects of the systemic iPBM technique. Furthermore, unintendedly, this study provided strong scientific explanation and validation of the systemic effects of intranasal photobiomodulation.

Notably, it is important not to confuse systemic intranasal photobiomodulation (iPBM) with brain-focused iPBM, which is a form of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM). On the one hand, systemic intranasal photobiomodulation delivers visible red light to the systems of the body via blood. On the other hand, transcranial-intranasal PBM delivers a more powerful, invisible near infrared (NIR) light to the brain transcranially via the nasal passage. The principles of photobiomodulation applied to both of these processes are the same and based on mitochondrial and cellular functions. However, the effects of these two types of PBM on the body are different and variable.

Principles of Intranasal Photobiomodulation and Systemic Applications

The data from the previous years of research was pointing to the fact that the blood absorbed red light energy. This was the initial stage in the blood PBM process. Following the absorption, the blood delivered the energy of the light throughout the body. It is during this delivery stage that stimulation of and increase in mitochondrial activity happened. Consequently, following the latter stage, systemic effects of intranasal photobiomodulation presented themselves. Later studies supported the hypothesis of increased cellular functions and, ultimately, gene transcription.

Research Supports the Benefits of Photobiomodulation

Numerous research studies have been published over the last decade supporting the benefits of photobiomodulation in various applications. For example, in the paper published in the Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, by Ann Liebert et al, the authors state: “It is generally accepted that the single most important chromophore in the red and near infrared (NIR) regions of the spectrum is cytochrome c oxidase (CCO). CCO is unit IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. When CCO absorbs light, the enzyme activity increases. Consequently, it leads to increased electron transport, more oxygen consumption, higher mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased ATP production.¹ Signaling molecules are produced, including a brief burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide, cyclic AMP, and movements in intracellular calcium.

These signaling molecules result in activation of transcription factors. Furthermore, changes in the expression of a multitude of gene products, including structural proteins, enzymes, and mediators of cell division and cell migration occur.” (Ann Liebert et al, 2019 Nov 1; 37(11): 681–693. Published online 2019 Nov 12. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4628).

Furthermore, AMIS Press published an important paper entitled Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation (M. Hamblin 2017). There, Dr. Hamblin notes: “… One of the most reproducible effects of PBM is an overall reduction in inflammation, …”. Overall reduction in inflamation is a factor that speaks to general systemic effect that photobiomodulation can induce. This finding warrants more studies in order to examine further this systemic effect and its implications.

The Anatomy of Systemic iPBM

The hypothesis is that the blood is the primary carrier of the light energy absorbed during PBM sessions. This assumption triggered anatomic research to pinpoint areas with a good access to the bloodstream. The rational was that placement of a PBM source in such areas could provide the best setup for blood PBM to induce systemic effects.

One such area was the nasal passage with its dense capillary network. The capillaries provide the required access to the bloodstream. Thus, the nasal passage offered a good access point option for the light to enter the blood. However, the question regarding the placement of the light source and delivery method of the light remained.

At this point it makes sense to revisit the creative discovery principle. The process of new and imaginative thinking guided and helped to formulate the idea of a nasal applicator. Thus, the nasal applicator was a simple and elegant solution for the PBM delivery method and the light source placement.

Connecting more dots, the research by French scientists, who found free-floating mitochondria in the blood, validates the intranasal PBM concept. Putting aside the complexities of the science behind this discovery, its importance is undeniable. In terms of PBM, the free-floating mitochondria helps to explain the systemic effect nature of the intranasal photobiomodulation approach.

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How does light energy from a Vielight intranasal device positioned inside the nose affect the inner systems? This concept could seem unbelievable to the uninitiated. However, those who have used the Vielight red light intranasal devices recognize (and have reported) these full-body effects. Many users experienced positive changes in remote parts of their body, which are attributed to the intranasal light treatment.

We have consistently observed the same phenomenon in our experience with intranasal photobiomodulation (PBM), consistent with literature on PBM research. Several terms have been used to express this effect. For example, one of the terms, “abscopal effects,” is commonly used in cancer therapy. Thus, cancer-fighting drugs applied at one part of the body affect other, remote parts of the body. Other terms describing this phenomenon include “remote PBM” and “circulating factors”. However, these terms are largely viewed as inadequate. Hypothetical explanations have covered the actions of stem cells, platelets, vasodilation, purinergic signaling – each hypothesis having its own merits.

Mechanism of Photobiomodulation

Traditional explanation usually starts with the fundamental mechanism, that is, the action of the mitochondria. Except for red blood cells, mitochondria are found in all cells in the human body. They are the powerhouses of those cells. Mitochondria absorb nutrients from our food and, in a series of biochemical reactions, produce energy-rich molecules. Consequently, these molecules are used to fuel all processes in our bodies.

What is of great interest to PBM, and largely unnoticed in conventional biology, is the ability of the mitochondria to absorb red and near infrared (NIR) light to improve body and brain functions. However, for PBM to take effect, the light in the red and NIR spectra must reach the mitochondria. When that happens, they turn on the gene activating proteins and release nitric oxide to relax blood vessel walls, which also improves blood circulation.

Free-floating Mitochondria and Its Role in Systemic Intranasal Photobiomodulation

Mitochondria have been commonly recognized as embedded inside eukaryotic cells, which are the most common type of human cells. That is now found to be NOT true. French scientists recently showed that numerous free-floating mitochondria are present in the blood circulatory system. They are not all embedded in our cells. This also means we can now potentially deliver therapeutic lights to mitochondria simply by lighting up the blood.

Furthermore, these free-floating mitochondria are considered “respiratory-competent” or ready for activation via PBM. Importantly, the effect of PBM can spread throughout the body via the circulatory system. Consequently, the intranasal photbiomodulation effect becomes systemic. This means that it can reach regions that are remote from the point of irradiation and deliver whole-body, systemic effects.

A Canadian study has found that platelets release these mitochondria to various parts of the body. Platelets, responsible for blood clotting, are mitochondria-rich cells present in the blood. The mitochondria of these cells can also be activated in the same way as in other eukaryotic cells when they are exposed to red or NIR light. The resulting respiratory-competent, energy-producing mitochondria could be released and be attributable for numerous free-floating or extracellular mitochondria in the blood system.

In summary, the presence of free-floating mitochondria in the blood is a credible explanation for the systemic effect of PBM when the blood is irradiated with red and NIR light. The Vielight intranasal devices, particularly the ones with the visible red light applicators, irradiate the blood and induce the systemic effect. The presence and activity of free-floating mitochondria help to explain why we experience systemic whole-body effects of PBM with the Vielight intranasal devices.

The above content was contributed by Dr. Lew Lim, PhD., Founder & CEO of Vielight.

Vielight to Participate in AAPB 2020

Biofeedback and neurofeedback researchers and practitioners will be gathering for their annual event at AAPB 2020 in La Jolla, California on April 1-4, 2020. Dr. Lew Lim is scheduled to deliver an oral presentation entitled, “Photobiomodulation as Adjunct Intervention for Neurofeedback”.
According to Dr. Lim, “Based on what we have learned over the last few years, we feel that neurofeedback practitioners are missing a lot, if they do not have an understanding of photobiomodulation (PBM). It is a safe and easy intervention that can potentially improve the outcomes significantly. I hope to help with the education with this presentation. In addition, Vielight will also have a booth to showcase the various ways to apply PBM.”

Last, but not least, a Vielight neuroscientist, Dr. Mahta Karimpoor, will showcase the capabilities of the Vielight Neuro Pro device. Representing the next step in Vielight’s transcranial PBM (tPBM) technology, this new device is expected to be ready for production by the end of 2020.

Dr. Lew Lim to speak at the online Brain Degeneration Summit

Take this opportunity to learn about Brain Degeneration Summit without physically attending a conference. It is an online summit held between April 6-12, 2020. A group of 33 knowledge leaders are expected to deliver education-rich material focused on support of brain health, and based on natural medicine.

Dr. Lew Lim of Vielight will be presenting his perspective on the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), and its relevance to brain degeneration. Dr. Lim will cover the rationale for using tPBM in mitigating the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, among other applications. His presentation is entitled “Light Therapy for Brain Degeneration”. More information and registration details can be found on Brain Degeneration Summit website by following this link.

Zara Abbaspour, MD, Joins Vielight as a Research Physician

Dr. Zara Abbaspour adds further to the deep multi-disciplinary research talent pool of Vielight. She will provide her knowledge and experience as a research medical doctor. Zara is a board-certified practicing family physician in Iran and served in Germany, prior to her relocation to Canada. She brings specialized experience in psychosomatic and gastrointestinal medicines, as well as emergency medicine. She has been involved in the applications of EEG at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, researching mood and anxiety disorders, and addiction.

Stacey Phelan Joins Vielight’s Customer Service

Vielight continues to prioritize effective customer service. It is a challenging area in view of responding to the information needs of customers by providing evidence-based support without overstating the therapeutic values of the Vielight technology. Originally from the Republic of Ireland, Stacey now resides in Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Administration.

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