A couple of possible reasons:  

Firstly, light therapy is not a chemical compound that can be patented by pharmaceutical companies to market and monetize as a ‘miracle’ drug.

 Secondly, some of the cellular mechanisms by which it works in human cells are not yet fully understood, which can inhibit physician endorsements.

“It’s still an emerging therapy but holds a lot of promise.” (The Cleveland Clinic).

Therefore it is often through independent research and personal recommendation that the benefits of red and near-infrared light are discovered.

Red light therapy is the process of exposing your uncovered skin to red and near-infrared spectrum light emitting diodes (LED's),
maintaining a distance of around 30cm, for typically 10 minutes per body part.

The mechanism of red light therapy involves the interaction of red and near-infrared light with mitochondria (organelles within cells). When the light is absorbed by mitochondria it stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the only source of energy cells can use to perform their function and heal themselves. This boost in ATP production enhances cellular metabolism, promoting various therapeutic effects. Red light therapy also has a positive influence on nitric oxide, leading to improved blood flow and vasodilation. Additionally, it can modulate inflammation and promote the release of growth factors, supporting tissue repair and regeneration.

Regarding visibility, the red lights are visible whereas the near-infrared lights run at wavelengths invisible to the human eye.  

In terms of cellular effects, the difference between red wavelengths of light (630 nm,
660nm) and near-infrared wavelengths (810nm, 830nm, 850nm) is the depth at which they penetrate tissue. The photons from red light are absorbed more superficially (mostly in the skin layers), whereas near-infrared light penetrates deeper tissues, muscles and organs. Research on how deep near-infrared light can penetrate varies, but devices with high intensity (irradiance) have been demonstrated to reach maximum depths of 40-50mm (4-5cm). 

Studies have demonstrated that different wavelengths of red and infrared can have distinct effects on cellular function. Red and near-infrared wavelengths, typically used in red light therapy, have been shown to stimulate cellular energy production via the mitochondria, while mid and far-infrared wavelengths, commonly used in infrared saunas, primarily produce radiation to heat the body's tissues, promote circulation, and induce sweating.

Infrared saunas use the mid and far-infrared light spectrum (1400-100,00nm) to generate heat whereas red light therapy products use red (620 - 750nm) and near-infrared (750 - 1400nm) wavelengths to stimulate mitochondria to make additional ATP.

SOHL red light therapy panels contain LEDs that emit red light wavelengths (630 nm and 660 nm) and near-infrared wavelengths (810nm 830nm 850nm).

Some infrared saunas may have red and near-infrared wavelengths in their total spectrums however they may be a very small portion of the total mix.

Humans evolved under sunlight, which interacts with human physiology to regulate circadian rhythm, appetite, mood and sleep patterns. Sunlight contains a broad spectrum of light, with red and near-infrared wavelengths representing approx. 34% of this spectrum. These therapeutic wavelengths have been shown to give health, beauty and performance benefits.  

 However, the sunlight spectrum also contains blue, violet and UVA wavelengths. While this broad spectrum is essential for photosynthesis and plant growth, in humans an excess of these wavelengths reduces energy production, damages eyes, and causes sunburn and skin damage (the reason SPF sunscreen is recommended in strong or prolonged sunlight exposure).   

Whilst light therapy cannot completely replace our need for sunlight due to its inability to support vitamin D production (which requires UV light), red light therapy is a powerful compensator for low exposure, or limited access to, natural light (without the risks associated with sunlight). A SOHL device contains a narrower and isolated spectrum of light, 100% of which lies within the therapeutic range (630nm-850nm), shown to have exclusively beneficial effects, with no known side effects or risks.  

In technical terms, irradiance is the power density of red and near-infrared light over a specific area and is measured in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm2). It refers to the amount of photons (a tiny particle of light) that are directed towards an area and available to be absorbed by your cells.

The higher the irradiance of the device, the more efficient the therapy, as greater benefits can be attained in a shorter amount of time.

Near-infrared wavelengths (800-2500nm) are just beyond the visible spectrum of 400-700nm and therefore naked to the human eye. Near-infrared bulbs produce a significant amount of energy and despite appearing off, or emanating a subtle pink hue, they are working as designed. SOHL devices include 60% near-infrared LEDs to target deeper healing and benefits in the areas of performance, recovery and energy.  

You will start to notice benefits in your health and well-being in various areas. These will not be limited to your specific goals as the therapy is acting on all cells exposed to the light. 

These areas may include reduced pain levels, improvements in the appearance or texture of skin and scars, improved performance and recovery from exercise, quality of sleep, and improved and consistent energy levels. These are all good markers of success.  

If these improvements are not obvious at first, continue to be patient and consistent with treatment. The benefits are still happening at a cellular level and they will become apparent in time.  

Red and near-infrared light therapy is a non-invasive safe therapy that has no side effects. If you have specific medical conditions listed in the contradictions or are taking photosensitive medication, please consult with your healthcare professional.  

As the panels are an electrical component they should not be exposed to water or be used in high humidity or hot environments. Also worth noting, the wavelengths (specifically red) have minimal effect on cells once they have travelled through glass.  

Generally, exposure to red light at night doesn’t interfere with sleep in the way that blue light does. Red light doesn’t act as a stimulant and is considered the most conducive wavelength for sleep due to its relaxing effect.  

Additionally, SOHL devices have a dimming feature to vary the intensity of light between 100% and 0%. Utilising this feature has proven useful for those who struggle to wind down. Some individuals may experience a contrary effect, in which case it is advisable to use your device in the first half of the day.  

Our devices have been engineered to have no electromagnetic field (EMF) at treatment distance. Any electrical product that has a current running through it is going to generate some EMF therefore we do not recommend using your device directly against your skin.  

Use minimal lotion and makeup on the skin to maximise cellular uptake of light for best results.  

UV is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sun that can be damaging. UV wavelengths are between 10 nm and 400 nm. SOHL devices do not contain any UV, only therapeutic red and near-infrared wavelengths between 630 nm and 850 nm.  

SOHL devices contain only the therapeutic wavelengths that are emitted from the sun and none of the harmful wavelengths, therefore sunscreen is not required. We recommend using minimal lotion and makeup on the skin to maximise cellular uptake of light for best results.  

Clinical studies have demonstrated that red and near-infrared light therapy is safe and effective. We recommend consulting with your trusted healthcare professional if you have any concerns.  

Yes, as these panels are designed to be positioned in your home, the appropriate electrical certification is essential. SOHL devices comply with the NZ and AU standards.  

In addition, SOHL panels feature high-quality Meanwell drivers that prompt shutdown if a panel begins to overheat. SOHL panel have been left on for days without triggering this mechanism as the fans are highly effective in heat dissipation, but this inclusion provides a back-up safety mechanism.  

Yes, red and near-infrared technology is used in veterinary clinics to improve pain conditions and healing. Often pets will come and lie by you during a session, its warm and relaxing for them too! If you are using it directly on your pet, start slowly and increase treatment gradually, as per the SOHL Session page.  

Yes, you can leave your SOHL device on when not actively using it. The devices contain a safety shutdown if they get too warm. In general, this only happens when left on for a period of days as the fans offer efficient heat dissipation.  

SOHL devices do not require maintenance beyond basic cleaning. To clean, unplug your device and wipe with a cloth or paper towel, do not use harsh cleaning chemicals. We also recommend using a surge protector, as with all electrical equipment inconsistent surges of electricity compromise the function of a device and could result in a bulb blowing.  

There is no evidence that the wavelengths damage eyes. Until further research is completed, we still recommend using the glasses provided, closing your eye and consulting your trusted healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns.  

Do not: get the device wet or submerge it in water; wash electrical parts with liquid or water; or pull, carry or lift the device by its cord. If the cord is damaged do not use the device. 

Please do not: lean or put excessive force on the device; use in or near heated services; modify or attempt to modify or repair the device, as this technology is not user serviceable.  

While likely safe, there has been no clinical red light therapy research on pregnant or nursing subjects due to the ethics of such research, therefore we cannot endorse its use in these circumstances. Please consult with your trusted healthcare provider. 

Photosensitizing drugs: 

If you have pre-existing conditions or take photosensitizing drugs, please consult with your healthcare provider. Steroids work to suppress the immune system while red light therapy may stimulate it.  

Pregnancy: 

While likely safe, there has been no clinical red light therapy research on pregnant or nursing subjects due to the ethics of such research, therefore we cannot endorse its use in these circumstances. Please consult with your trusted healthcare provider. 

Cancer: 

While there are some studies that are promising in this field, we acknowledge that this is a cellular treatment and as non-healthcare professionals, we do not advise on the development, treatment and management of cancer. We therefore do not recommend the use of red and near-infrared light therapy for cancer and recommend you consult with your trusted healthcare professional.

Seizures: 

Anyone diagnosed with light-triggered seizures should consult with their healthcare professional.  

SOHL is one of the only panels on the market to have a versatile stand that allows you to use it both vertically and horizontally, depending on your needs. 

The stand can be screwed onto the side of the panel allowing you to lie down and fully relax. Many users will place their SOHL on their bedside table, to have their treatment in comfort and warmth as an optimal start to their day. 

Refer to the SOHL Session doseage guidelines in this website.

For best results, no clothes should be worn. The greater the skin surface area exposed, the better the outcomes. If this is not suitable or does not allow you to relax, undergarments can be worn, however the covered area will not receive any direct benefit as it is not exposed to light.  

Hydrate with good-quality drinking water. Water is essential for the cellular process that red and near-infrared light therapy is acting upon. One of the benefits of the therapy is that there is no downtime needed after treatment, so you can continue with your day as normal. 

There is no conclusive research to suggest red light ambience during sleep is beneficial for sleep quality.  

As these products are engineered to elicit cellular change there is also a slight risk of overexposure to the therapeutic wavelengths, which can negate some of the benefits.  

While we can recommend using a dimmed SOHL device to gradually wind down in a living area or room once the sun has gone down, we do not recommend bare skin exposure to the light overnight.  

We specialise in selling new devices so do not have a purpose for second-hand devices. We do not have a buy-back programme in place.  

No, the devices use a power plug that needs to be plugged into a wall outlet.