Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM)
How can PBM nourish you?
Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) offers a gentle yet powerful way to support the body’s innate healing mechanisms using light by therapeutic use of non-ionising light to stimulate biological processes that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and restore cellular function.
Non-ionising light refers to electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms—meaning it cannot ionise (or alter) cellular structures in harmful ways. In contrast, ionising radiation (such as X-rays or gamma rays) has enough energy to cause cellular damage and increase cancer risk with prolonged exposure. PBM exclusively uses non-ionising wavelengths, making it a safe, low-risk therapy when applied appropriately.
PBM typically operates in the visible and near-infrared spectrum (400–1100 nanometres), using a variety of light sources:
- LED (Light Emitting Diode): A non-coherent (diffused) light source that emits low-level red, blue, or near-infrared light. LED devices are widely used for skin, mood, and general wellness applications due to their safety, affordability, and broad coverage[1].
- Low-Level Laser (LLLT): A coherent, focused light source that penetrates more deeply than LED. Lasers used in PBM do not heat tissue and are effective for deeper therapeutic applications, including joint, nerve, and muscle conditions[2].
- Near-Infrared (NIR) Light: Invisible to the human eye, NIR penetrates deeper into tissue than visible light and is particularly effective in reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue repair, and supporting neurological function[3].
- Red Light: Typically around 630–700 nm, red light penetrates skin moderately and is often used for anti-ageing, wound healing, and reducing surface inflammation[4].
- Blue Light: Shorter in wavelength (approximately 400–470 nm), blue light has antibacterial properties and is primarily used in dermatological settings, especially for acne treatment and skin purification[5].
Each of these light sources interacts with cells—particularly the mitochondria—to trigger photochemical reactions that enhance cellular energy (ATP) production, improve circulation, modulate inflammation, and support regeneration.
Rooted in decades of scientific research https://pbmfoundation.org/areas-of-pbm-study/ and increasingly used in clinical, wellness, and rehabilitation settings, PBM provides a non-invasive, drug-free option for pain relief, cellular repair, and nervous system regulation.
While PBM is grounded in modern science, the idea that light can nourish and heal us is not new. In many traditional and Indigenous cultures, light has long been revered as sacred—symbolically and practically. From ancient Egyptian sun temples to the light-based ceremonies of Andean and Aboriginal Australian cultures, illumination has always been seen as both metaphor and medicine[6][7]. The sun was (and still is) honoured for its vital role in sustaining life, regulating circadian rhythms, and supporting emotional and physical wellbeing.
PBM builds on this ancestral reverence by using targeted, refined light to initiate biological processes that reduce inflammation, stimulate circulation, and encourage cellular regeneration. It’s a meeting point between ancient wisdom and contemporary therapeutic innovation—an approach that honours the body’s intelligence while activating its potential to heal.
Benefits of PBM
PBM works at the cellular level, where light photons penetrate the skin and are absorbed by mitochondria—the energy producers within our cells. This interaction stimulates biochemical changes that promote tissue repair, reduce oxidative stress, and improve cellular function. Some of the evidence-based benefits of PBM therapy include:
- Reduced inflammation and pain relief: Red and near-infrared light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers and modulate pain in conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and joint injuries.
- Accelerated wound and tissue healing PBM can support recovery from surgery, sports injuries, and skin damage by enhancing cellular repair, improving circulation, and stimulating collagen production[8].
- Support for neurological health: Preliminary research suggests PBM may be helpful in managing symptoms of traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, and even neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Improved mood and sleep: Light exposure—especially blue and red light at certain frequencies—can help regulate circadian rhythms, supporting deeper sleep and improved mood, especially in those experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or disrupted sleep cycles[9].
- Skin rejuvenation and acne reduction: PBM is frequently used in aesthetic settings for its anti-aging effects, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as its antibacterial benefits in the treatment of acne.
Whether used as a primary wellness practice or to complement other therapeutic approaches, PBM is increasingly recognised for its versatility and safety.
What to expect from a PBM session
PBM sessions are typically short, comfortable, and deeply relaxing. Depending on the equipment used and the issue being addressed, sessions can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. You may receive PBM using LED panels, handheld devices, or targeted laser therapy equipment, depending on the setting and practitioner. You’ll either sit or lie comfortably while the specific area of your body is exposed to low-level red, near-infrared, or blue light. PBM is painless—there is no heat, no vibration, and no invasive procedure. Most clients report feeling calm, grounded, or even uplifted after a session.
For some, the effects are felt immediately, while for others, results accumulate over a series of sessions. Your practitioner will likely begin with a brief consultation to understand your needs and tailor the session to support your goals—whether that’s pain relief, faster injury recovery, nervous system support, or skin repair. Some practitioners may combine PBM with massage, physiotherapy, or other modalities, enhancing overall outcomes.
A Light-Guided Path to Healing Photobiomodulation Therapy bridges science and subtlety, inviting the body to remember how to heal with the help of one of nature’s oldest medicines: light. In a world where stress, injury, and imbalance can dim our internal vitality, PBM offers a safe and effective way to rekindle wellbeing—cell by cell, session by session.
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2. Treatments Using Lasers and Energy-Based Devices. The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS); 2025.
3. Dmochowski GM , Shereen AD , Berisha D , Dmochowski JP. Near-Infrared Light Increases Functional Connectivity with a Non-thermal Mechanism. Cerebral Cortex Communications; 2020.
4. Recent Findings on Light Therapy Applications. My Red Light Care; 2025.
5. Lodi G, Cassalia F, Sannino M, Cannarozzo G, Baroni A, Amato S, Zappia E, Pellacani G, Nisticò SP. Blue Light Therapy in Dermatological Practice: A Review. Cosmetics; 2025.
6. The Fascinating Duality of Ancient Deities: Light vs. Darkness. Mythology Worldwide; 2024.
7. Mohamed F. Yule Traditions: Honouring the Winter Solstice with Warmth and Light. Connolly Cove; 2025.
8. Opel DR, Hagstrom E, Pace AK, Sisto K, Hirano-Ali SA, Desai S, Swan J. Light-emitting Diodes. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology; 2015.
9. Wallace DA, Redline S, Sofer T. Environmental Bright Light Exposure, Depression Symptoms, and Sleep Regularity. JAMA Network; 2024.