Red Light Therapy for IBS [2024]

Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red light to pentrate the skin – specific red light, instead of hitting the skins surface, can have an effect on underlying tissue.

It can help with GI disorders like IBS, through several mechanisms:

• Reducing inflammation
• Beneficially impacting gut microbiome / gut flora
• Enhancing mitchondrial function & regenerating gut tissues
• Reduce pain & stress

Quotes from Studies – Red Light Therapy & IBS

“Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), which is the use of red (630-700 nm), and near-infrared light (700 and 1200 nm), can stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, and affect the circadian rhythm and gut microbiome beneficially. Our focus in this paper is on the effects of PBMT on gut microbiota, to provide an overview of how it can help control gut microbiota dysbiosis-related disorders.”
Study here

“In 41 patients with chronic constipation, one session of LLLT was executed, using red LED light at a wavelength of 660 nm for 10 minutes and infrared LED light at wavelength of 840 nm for 10 minutes followed by infrared laser light with wavelength of 825 nm for 20 minutes, while measuring the electrocardiogram. One patient received this treatment 8x over 3 weeks
Conclusions

A single session of sacral LLLT markedly affected autonomic nervous activity reflected in changes in HRV. The LLLT is likely affecting the sacral defecation center through peripheral nerves entering and exiting the spinal cord including the dorsal root ganglia. LLLT treatment of a patient with inability to generate spontaneous bowel movements, resulted in ability to have complete evacuations associated with marked reduction in sympathetic reactivity during the supine-standing test, after 4 LLLT sessions.”
Study here

Which Red Light Panel to Buy For IBS?

You basically need a high-quality panel, that can easily be directed at your stomach. You can also direct red light towards your ear, to activate the vagus nerve, which in turn can help with digestion.

I used importyeti.com to find which factories the big brands import from, and found this panel on Aliexpress – https://ko.aliexpress.com/item/1005001954034029.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.4bcb140fxDHH1d&gatewayAdapt=glo2kor

Things I’ve also found that help with IBS –

• Tens machine on ear for vagus nerve stimulation
• NSDR video below
• Keto diet pretty much sorted it, but too expensive! (learning to fish so I can get cheap food)
• Dairy free diet