Brief history of Photobiomodulation

PhotoBioModulation (PBM(T)) previously known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as well as Red Light Therapy is defined as the treatment and process of shining red and near infrared light on the body to heal and repair damaged and injured tissue, restore cell function and relieve acute and chronic pain (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215795/). PhotoBioModulation has gathered renewed interest in later days, in part due to increased health awareness caused by this year's outbreak of Covid-19 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7550078/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7194064/).

The science behind PBM however, is far from new. PBM light therapy emerged in the late 1960’s as a credible option to conventional medicine and treatment methods in order to treat different types of illnesses and disorders. Continuing the work done by the early 1960's discovery of Theodore Maiman's first ruby laser and its effects (http://laserfest.org/lasers/history/paper-maiman.pdf), Dr. Endre Mester (1967) conducted an experiment aiming to replicate Paul McGruff (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1408900/) who used the newly discovered ruby laser of that time (1960’s), to cure malignant tumors in mice (Mester, E. Szende, B. and Tota, J. G. (1967). Kiserl Orvostud 19. 628-631., cited in https://www.thorlaser.com/LLLT/history-of-LLLT.htm). These three gentleman, including earlier work of Albert Einstein (https://www.lasitlaser.com/portfolio/laser-marking-history/) laid the foundation for modern day red light therapy as we know it and opened up an entirely new field of scientific research within pain relief, treatment and management that can extend into the infinite future.

In his experiment, Dr. Mester applied doses of low level laser (lower values than McGruff's) on mice and although it didn't cure their cancer, it initiated hair growth and better wound healing according to Michael Hamblin (2017). Based on these findings, numerous studies have since showed that PBM provides significant recovery and healing of injured, damaged and infected tissue and can address a number of health issues, including oral health disorders such as oral mucositis and TMJD (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32764305/, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/photob.2019.4705). 

 

Why Photo Bio Modulation?

Red (visible) and near infrared (invisible) wavelengths of 600 up to 1064 nanometers (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288797/) have a remarkable ability to penetrate skin and effectively reach into the layers and deep tissue of subcutaneous fat, muscle, joints, tendon, bones, nerves, cartilage, ligaments and periodontal area (High Intensity Laser - Medical Effects, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn7JXDGpEfI, Equine Photobiomoduation animation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5G_7_FQ6jg). Absorbed light at these wavelengths passes through the cell membrane where it stimulates the mitochondria, increases oxygen production, releases nitric oxide and binds to cytochrome C oxidase which produces Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP) and carries energy throughout the body (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553175/). 

In short, PBM leads to enhanced blood flow (goes straight to and through the blood brain barrier), reduces inflammation and improves circulation within the body’s complex eco system to improve cognitive performance and many other critical functions. That is why it is beneficial to have a small, portable unit for home use such as the PBM Light by Oral IQ. Placed in the palm of your hand, it conveniently transmits the power and energy you need to supplement a healthy and active daily lifestyle from now and beyond. 

 

References and sources:

Photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy

Michael R. Hamblin, Ph.D.

Probable positive effects of the photobiomodulation as an adjunctive treatment in COVID-19: A systematic review

Marzieh Nejatifard,^a Sohrab Asefi,^b Raika Jamali,^c Michael R. Hamblin,^d,⁎ and Reza Fekrazad^e,f,⁎

Light as a potential treatment for pandemic coronavirus infections: A perspective

Chukuka Samuel Enwemeka,^a,⁎ Violet Vakunseh Bumah,^a,b and Daniela Santos Masson-Meyers^c

Maiman TH. Stimulated optical radiation in ruby. Nature 1960; 187 (4736): 493-494

https://laserpaintherapy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Prof-Endre-Mester-Father-of-PBM.pdf1967

Surgical application of laser

Effect of laser on hair Growth of mice (in Hungarian). Mester, E. Szende, B. and Tota, J. G. (1967). Kiserl Orvostud 19. 628-631

Einstein and the Laser by Dr. Rudiger Paschotta

Photobiomodulation and Oral Mucositis: A Systematic Review Mark Cronshaw ^1 2, Steven Parker ¹, Eugenia Anagnostaki ¹, Valina Mylona ¹, Edward Lynch ^1 3, Martin Grootveld ^1 3

Photobiomodulation in Temporomandibular Disorders Jan Tune’ r, DDS,1 Sepanta Hosseinpour, DDS, MPH, PhD,2 and Reza Fekrazad, DDS, PhD, FLD, FICD3,4

Role of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Neurorehabilitation

Javad T. Hashmi, MD, Ying-Ying Huang, MD, Bushra Z. Osmani, MD, Sulbha K. Sharma, PhD, Margaret A. Naeser, PhD, LAc, and Michael R. Hamblin, PhD

The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy

High Intensity Laser - Medical Effects, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn7JXDGpEfI

Equine Photobiomoduation animation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5G_7_FQ6jg

Physiology, Adenosine Triphosphate. Jacob Dunn; Michael Grinder.