This is not tanning. This is not heat. This is precision medicine using photons to stimulate your mitochondria, the very engines of life within your cells.
How It Works: Precision, Not Heat
Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of red (620–700 nm) and near-infrared light (700–1440 nm) to initiate a biological cascade in tissues without generating heat or causing damage. The key player in this process is an enzyme in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase (COX).
When these light wavelengths are absorbed by COX, several critical things happen:
- ATP production increases – this is the core energy currency of your body.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are gently produced – not in excess, but just enough to act as signaling molecules for regeneration.
- Intracellular calcium is modulated – allowing for improved cellular communication and balance.
These shifts set off a ripple effect, activating signaling pathways like PI3K and insulin-like growth factor, which lead to cell proliferation, tissue repair, and inflammation control.[1–3]
What It Helps: From Recovery to Regeneration
This elegant yet potent therapy has been shown in clinical and preclinical studies to support:
- Pain and inflammation reduction
- Wound healing and tissue repair
- Bone regeneration and joint recovery
- Cognitive support and neuroprotection
- Improved circulation and oxygenation
- Reduction in oxidative stress and cellular aging
Its effectiveness lies in its ability to modulate cell behavior at the mitochondrial level, making it applicable across a wide spectrum of systems: musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and dermatological.[2][4–5]
A Molecular Reset for Chronic Conditions
One of the most compelling applications of PBM is in chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. A comprehensive review by Zhang & Qu (2023) in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirmed that PBM promotes joint repair and reduces inflammation at the cellular level, with support from both animal studies and human trials.[6]
PBM also holds potential in neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders. A 2024 review in Brain Research highlighted its role in improving brain metabolism and reducing neural damage in conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, and early-stage dementia.[8] By enhancing mitochondrial function and increasing ATP availability in neurons, PBM creates an environment conducive to neural repair, plasticity, and resilience.
And in the dermatological world, PBM is gaining attention for issues such as peripheral neuropathy, androgenic alopecia, wound ulcers, and acute radiation dermatitis, supported by a 2025 expert consensus in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.[7]
Why We Use It at Heal House
Photobiomodulation is the perfect embodiment of our philosophy: non-invasive, evidence-informed, and energetically intelligent. It fits seamlessly into our biohacking therapies, our longevity assessments, and our regenerative recovery protocols.
We use it to:
- Kickstart healing after assessments
- Regulate the nervous system without pharmacology
- Amplify mitochondrial function in those seeking energy, clarity, and recovery
And most importantly, we use it because it works—gently, profoundly, and consistently.
Part of Your Personalized Health Plan
Whether you’re navigating burnout, recovering from injury, or optimizing performance, PBM is often included as part of your Complete Assessment follow-up plan at Heal House. In some cases, we also integrate transcranial PBM to support brain performance and neurovascular health.
Each session is painless, quick, and deeply regenerative—offering a rare combination of scientific credibility and energetic elevation.
Final Thought: Light Is Information
At its core, light is information. And Photobiomodulation is how we speak that language—quietly instructing your cells to repair, recover, and remember their highest function. It’s one of the many tools we use at Heal House to illuminate the path toward intentional living and a longer, more vibrant life.
References
[1] Maghfour J, Ozog DM, Mineroff J, et al. JAAD. 2024.
[2] Hamblin MR. Photochem Photobiol. 2018.
[3] de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. IEEE JSTQE. 2016.
[4] Frankowski DW, Ferrucci L, Arany PR, et al. GeroScience. 2025.
[5] Dompe C, Moncrieff L, Matys J, et al. J Clin Med. 2020.
[6] Zhang R, Qu J. Int J Mol Sci. 2023.
[7] Maghfour J, Mineroff J, Ozog DM, et al. JAAD. 2025.
[8] Ma H, Du Y, Xie D, et al. Brain Res. 2024.