We have all seen and heard ads about the use of these colorful lights for weight loss and other health claims. Our expert, Brian Greenwald, owner of Lee’s Summit beem® Light Sauna, has taken a deep dive into this industry and shared his research findings.
First of all, what exactly is light therapy and when did it reach popularity? Also called phototherapy, it is the use of specific wavelengths of light to stimulate biological processes in the body. Different colors, or wavelengths, of light interact with cells in a variety of ways, triggering responses related to healing, energy production, hormones, skin health and nervous system signaling.
“In the late 1800s, scientists began observing that sunlight could influence health, particularly skin conditions,” Greenwald explained. “Danish physician, Niels Ryberg Finsen, systematically studied light’s medical effect, and in 1903, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for using light therapy to treat lupus vulgaris, which is tuberculosis of the skin.”
Obviously, his discovery laid the foundation for modern light-based therapies. Today, LEDs, lasers and infrared saunas are used to deliver precise wavelengths without UV damage to target specific issues and cellular pathways.
So, why would you seek out light therapy? It enhances natural healing and balance and helps remove toxins by improving circulation and lymphatic flow, which allows the body to release waste more efficiently.
“By calming the nervous system, it reduces stress and supports a relaxed, restorative state. Light therapy also ignites metabolism by boosting cellular energy and signaling fat cells to release stored fuel. It renews skin by stimulating collagen production and improving blood flow, leading to healthier, more youthful-looking skin,” Greenwald continued. “At the same time, it relieves pain by reducing inflammation and accelerating muscle and joint recovery. Altogether, these effects help boost immunity, giving the body more energy and resilience to protect, repair, and perform at its best.”
He explained that his new advanced light bed combines green, blue, red and infrared wavelengths to deliver full-body results in one session.
What does each light color do? Green can signal fat cells to form temporary pore-like openings, allowing stored fatty acids to be released supporting improved body composition when paired with hydration and movement. This is why it can be considered a non-invasive, “natural” way to lose weight and help to reshape body contouring. Green light can also help with pain relief by calming the nervous system and acting at the cellular level.
Infrared light penetrates deeply to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support overall recovery, metabolism, and immune function throughout the body, while blue light works at the skin’s surface to help kill bacteria promoting clearer, healthier-looking skin. It’s paired with red light therapy and ties everything together by boosting cellular energy, supporting collagen production for skin renewal, encouraging fat mobilization, and reducing inflammation for broad pain relief.
“Together, these wavelengths make the beem® advanced light bed a comprehensive solution for body composition, skin health, pain management, and total-body wellness,” he reiterated.
“While I may not have ‘formal’ education, my expertise in light therapy has been shaped by passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to helping others feel their best. Over the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in studying our emerging wellness technology, listening closely to our clients’ stories, and witnessing their transformations firsthand,” he smiled. “I’m proud to bring something innovative and transformative to the people we serve, offering a therapy that nurtures both body and mind and empowers individuals to feel stronger, healthier, and more energized in their everyday lives.”
This spring, he notes that their goal is to provide therapies that align with the season, supporting radiant skin, renewed energy, and overall vitality as our community embraces a more active time of year.
“With longer days and more time spent outdoors, many people naturally increase their sun exposure while enjoying seasonal activities. Consistent use of red-light therapy may help support the skin’s natural resilience and recovery processes,” he expressed. “Emerging research suggests it could play a role in pre-conditioning skin for UVB exposure.”
That being said, this should never be a replacement for proper sun protection. If you are thinking of light therapy, there is no better time than now.