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Treating thyroid conditions with photobiomodulation — a high yield intervention
🕑 Added 2024-08-29 20:54:28 +0000 UTCRed light therapy has been very well studied for its potential benefits in a variety of disease models, including autoimmune thyroid disorders such as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Research has shown that low-level laser therapy, which is a form of red light therapy, may have efficacy in helping with conditions like hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
One of the reasons that red light therapy is particularly effective for thyroid conditions is because it’s one of the few organs (along with the testicals) that is capable of absorbing a large, therapeutic dose of infrared photons due to its relatively close(er) proximity to the surface of the body compared to more visceral structures like the brain, heart, liver etc. in these cases, we’re working more off the bystanderd effect or systemic benefits that red light therapy has on the body (these are too deep to reach)
The exact depth of the thyroid gland from the surface of the skin can vary depending on factors such as an individual's anatomy, body composition, and neck structure etc. On average, the thyroid gland is located at a depth of around 1 to 2 centimeters beneath the skin surface in adults.
The penetration depth of near-infrared light into the body can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on factors such as the specific wavelength of the light, the tissue type, and the optical properties of the tissue. The relatively shallow location of the thyroid makes it a perfect therapeutic target for both thyroid conditions and and general health.
I don’t think you need to have a thyroid condition for this to be a particularly effective area of the body to treat, along with other endocrine organs like the testes.
One study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology evaluated the safety and efficacy of LLLT for autoimmune thyroiditis. The study involved a long-term follow-up to assess the effects of LLLT six years after the initial randomized clinical trial. The results showed promising outcomes in using LLLT for hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
Another study published explored the efficacy of combined photobiomodulation therapy with supplements versus supplements alone in restoring thyroid gland homeostasis in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This clinical feasibility trial conducted a six-month follow-up and suggested that the combined therapy may have benefits in restoring thyroid gland homeostasis in hashimoto's.
If you’re going to be treating the thyroid, you’re goin to make sure you’re using a red light therapy or laser device with sufficient intensity and the right wavelengths. I recommend using something like the Gembared vector mini. A lot of red light therapy panels won’t fit against the neck. This one can be easily placed on the neck for testing the thyroid. You’ll want to use skin contact and at least 5-15min 3-4x a week
You can further increase the penetration depth of red and near infrared light by cooling the target tissue. This allow for the absorption of more photons. An ice pack for 2-3min prior to applying red light can help.
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Comments
Daniel
Straight red light, or near infrared better for this? Or combined?
