Summary:
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Red light (≈620–670 nm): mostly skin-level effects.
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Near-infrared (≈780–900 nm): better tissue penetration; still, only a small fraction reaches deeper layers.
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For athletes, PBM (red/NIR) shows promising but dose-dependent benefits for DOMS and recovery; results vary with device power and timing. Stack NIR with FIR heat and good sleep/nutrition for the most real-world impact. PMC
What Red & NIR actually do
PBM targets cellular chromophores (notably cytochrome-c oxidase) to modulate mitochondrial signaling. The effect follows a biphasic dose curve—moderate doses work best. PMC
How deep do they reach?
Biological tissue absorbs and scatters light. The “optical window” (≈650–950 nm) lets NIR travel further than visible red. Still, most energy is absorbed or scattered within the first centimeters; only a small percentage reaches deeper muscle or through bone. Translation: NIR helps more than red for deeper targets, but dose and proximity matter. PMC
What is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the use of non-thermal red and near-infrared (NIR) light to influence cellular processes. Unlike far-infrared (FIR) heat, PBM doesn’t warm tissues directly; it delivers light energy that cells can use as a signal.
Typical wavelengths
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Red: ~620–670 nm (primarily skin/near-surface)
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NIR: ~780–900 nm (reaches deeper than red, though most energy is still absorbed in the first centimeters)
How it works (plain English)
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Light in these bands is absorbed by chromophores (notably cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria).
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This can modulate cellular signaling (ATP production, oxidative stress, nitric oxide), which is why PBM is studied for skin quality, tissue comfort, and recovery support.
Dose matters (a lot)
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PBM follows a biphasic dose response: too little = no effect; a moderate window = best effect; too much = diminishing returns.
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Practical dials: proximity, irradiance (power per area), time, and frequency (sessions/week). For full-body LED mats/wraps (lower irradiance than panels), that usually means moderate, repeatable sessions rather than ultra-short bursts.
PBM vs FIR heat
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PBM (red/NIR LEDs): non-thermal light exposure for cellular signaling.
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FIR heat: comfortable radiant warmth that helps you loosen and settle; great to stack with PBM for comfort.
Safety basics
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Avoid staring into LEDs; use eye comfort measures as needed.
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If you have photosensitivity or take light-sensitizing medications, consult your clinician.
In this guide, when we mention “Red/NIR,” we’re referring to PBM delivered by LED arrays (as in full-body light mats/wraps or the Lumen Pro). FIR heat is separate—and stackable—for a deeper relaxation effect.
What the athletic evidence says
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Muscle recovery/DOMS: Reviews and trials report reduced soreness and faster recovery in some protocols, though results aren’t universal (dose/timing differ). PMC
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Performance: Mixed findings; pre-exercise PBM sometimes helps, sometimes not—again dose & timing are key. PMC
Dosing without a physics degree
Dose (J/cm²) = irradiance (mW/cm²) × time (sec) / 1000. Consumer mats/wraps typically have lower irradiance than pro panels, so session time is longer to hit a similar dose. Stay within a moderate window—don’t chase unlimited minutes. Ada.org
Practical protocols for your full-body devices:
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NIR-only day: 15–30 min on a mat per side (or rotate), 20–40 min in a wrap.
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Stacked with FIR: Add low–moderate heat to relax tissue; many users report better comfort and perceived effect.
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Frequency: 3–5×/week; taper if you feel overstimulated.
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Safety: Avoid staring into LEDs; photosensitive conditions/meds—consult your clinician.
Where NIR fits in your lineup
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Atlas Pro: FIR + PEMF (grounded nightly ritual).
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Lumen Pro: Atlas plus Red/NIR LEDs for light sessions on rest days.
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Red-light mat/wrap: Full-body light-only sessions; pair with FIR wraps/sauna for deep heat days.
Choose your full-body Red/NIR setup
Lumen Pro — Launch Edition (FIR + PEMF + Red/NIR LEDs)
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Stack cozy FIR heat + gentle PEMF with Red/NIR in a single, nightly ritual
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Folds for storage • Auto shut-off • 110V US
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Launch offer: $300 off with SAVE300 + free matching pillow ($149 value)
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ETA: 2–3 months • Ships from AZ • 30-day satisfaction • 1-year warranty
→ Shop Lumen Pro — Launch Edition
Light Therapy Mat — Full-Body Red/NIR (LED light only)
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Dense, full-length Red/NIR LED array for even, whole-body coverage
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Designed for moderate, repeatable sessions; pairs well with mobility or breathwork
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Quiet, non-heat sessions (add FIR from a wrap/sauna on other days to stack)
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See page for full LED specs and session guidance
→ Shop Light Therapy Mat
References:
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Huang & Hamblin. Biphasic Dose Response in Low-Level Light Therapy. 2009/2011. (dose window). PMC
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Henderson & Morries. Near-infrared photonic energy penetration. 2015. (penetration overview). PMC
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Henderson et al. Can infrared light really be doing what we claim… 2024. (measured penetration %, context). Frontiers
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Ferraresi et al. Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue. 2016. (athletic recovery evidence). PMC
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Meta-analyses/trials on PBM and recovery/performance. PMC
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ADA PBM guidance on irradiance importance. Ada.org
