Using Light Therapy to Restore and Maintain Brain Function

Photo: Our grateful thanks to Noah Buscher on Unsplash!

by Marcel Hernandez, ND

A major advance in safe, well-researched, non-invasive therapy: now available in our clinic to address foggy brain, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, brain Injury, depression, anxiety, and other conditions affecting the quality of you life

Are there any of us who wouldn’t welcome a significant improvement in our brain function and memory?

The brain can suffer from disorders that can be classified in three broad groupings: traumatic events (stroke, traumatic brain injury, global ischemia), degenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) and psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.).

Marcel Hernandez, ND

Numerous respected studies (see below) have demonstrated that all of these seemingly diverse conditions can be beneficially affected by applying light of a specific wavelength to the head. The studies have shown that this therapy could be used for cognitive enhancement in normal healthy people as well.

Other conditions that may be addressed by this type of light-application therapy include sleep disorders, autism, herpes zoster, Lyme disease and fatigue.  

In 2022, Dr. Connie and I attended a continuing education neurology conference where several lecturers presented astounding new information about transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM).

Now, that’s a mouthful! Let’s break it down:

  • Trans means through
  • Cranium means skull
  • Photo means light
  • Bio means body(or life)
  • Modulation means controlling influence.

Here’s a slightly more focused description. Transcranial photobiomodulation is the application of low levels of red or near-infrared light to stimulate neural tissues.  

tPBM  heals, regenerates, and protects neural tissue in the brain that have been injured, are degenerating, or are at risk of dying.

We’ve known about this therapeutic approach for some time, but only now, after hundreds of positive studies conducted by the medically conservative NIH, are we offering it to our patients (and ourselves).

There are many studies, all positive, that point to specific brain issues. Here’s a sampling – follow the links to learn more :

For, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis

For depression

For cognition

How does it work?  

The patient sits in a relaxed state for 30 minutes – they may read quietly or just close their eyes and rest.

A specific (810nm) wavelength of light is applied by a device that resembles a bicycle helmet;  320 diodes inside the helmet produce a light that penetrates the skull to reach the brain.

The light is absorbed by cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria, resulting in increased blood flow, neuroprotection, and reduced inflammation. 

  • ATP (energy) production is increased.
  • Oxygen availability and oxygen consumption are also increased.
  • A protective antioxidant effect is stimulated, prolonging the life cycle of brain cells.

The light produced by the LED therapy is non-invasive, painless, radiation-free, and non-thermal. 

Compared to therapies like drugs or surgery, light therapy is completely safe, without side effects.

tPBM therapy has a cumulative effect. We offer the therapy in a package of 10 sessions. For established patients, only an appointment is necessary. For new patients, a 15-minute intake ($50) is required before therapy.

Would you like to try it?  Ccall us for more information: 650-961-1660. For general information about our services, you can also use the convenient Contact Form to get in touch, or follow the link to: Consultations – Pacific Naturopathic. Thank you!