Near-Infrared Therapy: A Simple Solution for Migraines

Headaches are always unwelcome and compromise the ability of one to lead their best life. Most people tend to go for painkillers to get rid of headaches, which only dull or mask the pain temporarily.

Near-infrared therapy is excellent for you if you are suffering from similar problems and looking for a better solution. This therapy addresses the root of the problem and starts working instantly to help you get rid of headaches.

Here, we will discuss this therapy in detail.

Near-Infrared Therapy

Natural light offers multiple health benefits to people. However, due to multiple reasons, one may not spend enough time under the shining sun. Light therapy was invented exactly for this reason to help people receive the benefits of natural light without inconveniences.

However, research has proven that 630 - 670 nm red light wavelengths and 810 - 870 near-infrared wavelengths work best to offer numerous benefits. Thus, most light therapy devices are now offering these wavelengths.

LED light bulbs are used to help emit those specific wavelengths. Each therapy session lasts for 10 to 20 minutes which is enough to receive the best health benefits. However, the therapeutic benefits of red light and near-infrared light therapy are not permanent. One will need to keep having therapy sessions periodically to sustain these benefits.

Types of Headaches

Before discussing how near-infrared therapy treats headaches and migraines, let’s explore the illness a bit.

Almost everyone on the planet has suffered their own share of headaches. 1.7 -4% of the world population is estimated to suffer from headaches for two weeks or more in a month. Also, the type of headache can vary from person to person.

Here are some prominent types of headaches and the underlying reasons behind them:

Migraine: Almost 88.2% of the world's population are affected by headaches due to migraine. The problem is recurring and can affect a person throughout their life. The exact reason for migraines is still unknown. However, it is believed that temporary changes in the brain's blood vessels, chemicals, and nerves trigger this problem.
Cluster headaches: This kind of headache occurs around the eye of the patient several times a day and can affect the eye to water or droop. This kind of headache can occur when the body’s biological clock faces abnormalities.
Tension-type headaches: One may experience tension headaches due to musculoskeletal strain or stress in the back or neck. This condition can progress into a chronic condition and cause disability.
Medication-overuse headaches: This kind of headache occurs when someone is under acute medication. The symptoms may go away as soon as the medication is stopped. However, some patients may go through withdrawal symptoms when those medications are not being used.

How Near-infrared Light Can Treat Headaches

Whenever someone is administered infrared light therapy, several bodily procedures start to occur immediately. First of all, the mitochondria of body cells gather energy from light wavelengths and improve metabolism.

Due to increased metabolism, damaged body cells can repair themselves rapidly. As a result, healthy replication occurs, and the cells get rejuvenated.

Increased metabolism also helps blood circulation to increase. Thus the body cells can receive oxygen and other necessary nutrients to protect the body from damage and damage repair.

Also, near-infrared wavelengths offer slight heat to the body. This helps the body to release tension and makes the body less susceptible to harmful bacteria. Thus, one can manage inflammation effectively with the help of this therapy.

Moreover, infrared wavelengths can travel deeper into the skin and reach bones and hormone glands. Thus, several crucial hormones like melatonin production are boosted in the body. Melatonin helps one to manage stress and fall asleep. Thus, near-infrared therapy plays a crucial role in helping users to restore circadian rhythm.

When migraine patients administer this therapy, the light wavelengths will help them balance the abnormality and get rid of the pain. People with cluster headaches will be able to restore their circadian rhythm as well as manage their headaches with this therapy’s help.

Tension headaches also become manageable as infrared therapy heats up the body and helps remove tension from the back and neck. People using acute medications may be healed rapidly when using light therapy regularly and can stop their medications as soon as possible. Therefore, they will be able to get rid of headaches and lead healthy life.

Infrared Light Therapy Devices

Several brands are now marketing infrared light therapy devices. These devices offer different treatment benefits and come in different shapes and sizes.

People who want to gain full body treatment from NIR therapy should get a NIR therapy panel for ultimate benefits. Otherwise, they can purchase therapy masks or spectacles if they want to target headaches.

One will simply need to turn on the device and expose themselves to the light wavelengths for 10 - 20 minutes to get the therapy. The therapy time may change depending on the condition of the patient.

NIR therapy has almost no side effects. However, some may experience temporary redness and burn when not used properly. Therefore, it is wise to consult a doctor before getting this therapy for headaches.

Bottom Line

The possibility of treating multiple health conditions with near-infrared light therapy has made it immensely popular. Now people are keener to incorporate this therapy to gain the best possible health results.

Multiple studies and research has shown significant results in treating headaches with near-infrared therapy. So, if you are tired of suffering from headaches and looking for a sustainable solution, you should try near-infrared therapy.