10Hz versus 40Hz Infrared Light. What is the Differences and Benefits?
Comparing the benefits of 10Hz and 40Hz infrared (IR) light involves understanding how the frequency of pulsation affects the biological responses elicited by infrared therapy. Both frequencies have shown therapeutic potential in various applications, but they may exert different effects on cellular and physiological processes. Here’s a comparison of the potential benefits associated with 10Hz[iii] and 40Hz infrared light:
10Hz Infrared Light:
Cellular Activation: 10Hz infrared light pulses at a frequency of 10 cycles per second. This frequency may stimulate cellular activity and metabolic processes, leading to increased energy production and cellular neurological repair[iv].
Anti-inflammatory Effects: 10Hz infrared light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating cytokine levels, suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways, and promoting tissue healing and regeneration[v].
Pain Relief: By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, 10Hz infrared light therapy may alleviate pain associated with various conditions, including arthritis, muscle strains, joint pain, and neuropathy[vi].
Wound Healing: 10Hz infrared light can accelerate wound healing by enhancing cellular proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis. It may also improve circulation and oxygenation of tissues, facilitating the repair process[vii].
Muscle Recovery: Athletes and individuals recovering from injuries may benefit from 10Hz infrared light therapy to enhance muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve performance[viii]. Click here to order.
40Hz Infrared Light:
Neurological Effects: 40Hz infrared light pulses at a frequency of 40 cycles per second. This frequency has been studied for its effects on brain function and cognitive health. It may synchronize neuronal activity, enhance synaptic connectivity, and promote neuroplasticity[ix].
Cognitive Enhancement: Research suggests that 40Hz infrared light therapy may improve cognitive function, memory, and mood by modulating neurotransmitter levels, increasing cerebral blood flow, and reducing neuroinflammation[x].
Neuroprotection: By stimulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production and promoting neuronal survival, 40Hz infrared light therapy may have neuroprotective effects and potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases[xi].
Mood Regulation: Exposure to 40Hz infrared light may influence mood and emotional well-being[xii], regulating stress hormone levels, and modulating brainwave activity[xiii].
Sleep Enhancement: Some research suggests that 40Hz infrared light therapy may help regulate sleep-wake cycles, improve sleep quality, and alleviate sleep disturbances such as insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders[xiv].
In summary, both 10Hz and 40Hz infrared light therapy offer potential benefits for various physiological and neurological conditions. 10Hz infrared light may be more suited for applications such as pain relief, inflammation reduction, wound healing, and muscle recovery, while 40Hz infrared light may be advantageous for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, mood regulation, and sleep enhancement. The choice between these frequencies depends on the specific therapeutic goals and targeted outcomes of the treatment. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize the use of both 10Hz and 40Hz infrared light therapy in clinical practice. Click here to order.
Citations
[i] Dong T, Zhang Q, Hamblin MR, Wu MX. Low-level light in combination with metabolic modulators for effective therapy of injured brain. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2015 Sep;35(9):1435-44. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.87. Epub 2015 May 13. PMID: 25966949; PMCID: PMC4640344.
[ii] Pooam M, Aguida B, Drahy S, Jourdan N, Ahmad M. Therapeutic application of light and electromagnetic fields to reduce hyper-inflammation triggered by COVID-19. Commun Integr Biol. 2021 Apr 29;14(1):66-77. doi: 10.1080/19420889.2021.1911413. PMID: 33995820; PMCID: PMC8096326.
[iii] Henderson TA, Morries LD. Near-infrared photonic energy penetration: can infrared phototherapy effectively reach the human brain? Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015 Aug 21;11:2191-208. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S78182. PMID: 26346298; PMCID: PMC4552256.
[iv] Dong T, Zhang Q, Hamblin MR, Wu MX. Low-level light in combination with metabolic modulators for effective therapy of injured brain. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2015 Sep;35(9):1435-44. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.87. Epub 2015 May 13. PMID: 25966949; PMCID: PMC4640344.
[v] Pooam M, Aguida B, Drahy S, Jourdan N, Ahmad M. Therapeutic application of light and electromagnetic fields to reduce hyper-inflammation triggered by COVID-19. Commun Integr Biol. 2021 Apr 29;14(1):66-77. doi: 10.1080/19420889.2021.1911413. PMID: 33995820; PMCID: PMC8096326.
[vi] Barretto SR, De Melo GC, Dos Santos JC, de Oliveira MG, Pereira-Filho RN, Alves AV, et al. Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of low-level laser therapy on temporomandibular joint inflammation in rodents. J Photochem Photobiol B: Biol. 2013;129: 135–42
[vii] Keshri GK, Gupta A, Yadav A, Sharma SK, Singh SB. Photobiomodulation with Pulsed and Continuous Wave Near-Infrared Laser (810 nm, Al-Ga-As) Augments Dermal Wound Healing in Immunosuppressed Rats. PLoS One. 2016 Nov 18;11(11):e0166705. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166705. PMID: 27861614; PMCID: PMC5115773.
[viii] Barretto SR, et al
[ix] Cimenser A, Hempel E, Travers T, Strozewski N, Martin K, Malchano Z, Hajós M. Sensory-Evoked 40-Hz Gamma Oscillation Improves Sleep and Daily Living Activities in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients. Front Syst Neurosci. 2021 Sep 24;15:746859. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.746859. PMID: 34630050; PMCID: PMC8500065.
[x] Park SS, Park HS, Kim CJ, Kang HS, Kim DH, Baek SS, Kim TW. Physical exercise during exposure to 40-Hz light flicker improves cognitive functions in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2020 May 20;12(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s13195-020-00631-4. PMID: 32434556; PMCID: PMC7240923.
[xi] Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Luo L, Tong H, Chen F, Hou ST. 40 Hz Light Flicker Alters Human Brain Electroencephalography Microstates and Complexity Implicated in Brain Diseases. Front Neurosci. 2021 Dec 13;15:777183. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.777183. PMID: 34966258; PMCID: PMC8710722.
[xii] Sharpe, R. L., Mahmud, M., Kaiser, M. S., & Chen, J. (2020). Gamma entrainment frequency affects mood, memory and cognition: An exploratory pilot study. Brain Informatics, 7(1), 1–12.
[xiii] Manippa V, Palmisano A, Filardi M, Vilella D, Nitsche MA, Rivolta D, Logroscino G. An update on the use of gamma (multi)sensory stimulation for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Dec 15;14:1095081. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1095081. PMID: 36589536; PMCID: PMC9797689.
[xiv] Zhou X, He Y, Xu T, Wu Z, Guo W, Xu X, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Shang H, Huang L, Yao Z, Li Z, Su L, Li Z, Feng T, Zhang S, Monteiro O, Cunha RA, Huang ZL, Zhang K, Li Y, Cai X, Qu J, Chen JF. 40 Hz light flickering promotes sleep through cortical adenosine signaling. Cell Res. 2024 Mar;34(3):214-231. doi: 10.1038/s41422-023-00920-1. Epub 2024 Feb 8. PMID: 38332199; PMCID: PMC10907382.