What is intranasal systemic photomodulation?
Intranasal photobiomodulation works by sending light energy directly through the nose to the brain and surrounding tissues. The photons of light are absorbed by cellular structures, especially mitochondria, leading to increased ATP production, improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and neuroprotective effects. By stimulating these processes, PPE contributes to the recovery and improvement of both physical and cognitive functions. This involves using light energy in the 620nm-750nm range (red light) of the electromagnetic spectrum to irradiate the capillary-rich nasal cavity.
The main reason for placing a source of red light in the nasal cavity is its proximity to the dense network of capillaries. This proximity allows the red light to penetrate the capillaries and reach the blood and thus the entire body, including the brain. The tissue around the nasal cavity has many blood vessels with relatively slow blood flow.
Science-based biological mechanisms of iPBM
Intranasal photobiomodulation (PBM) works on the basis of using specific light (usually red or near-infrared light) administered through the nose to affect biological processes in the body. The nose is a gateway to the brain and blood circulation, allowing the light to directly penetrate deep into the body. Scientifically, this light activates a number of biological mechanisms that ultimately lead to improved cell and tissue functions.
Here is an overview of how intranasal photobiomodulation works scientifically:
1. Mitochondria and energy production
The core of PPE therapy lies in the stimulation of mitochondria, the energy factories of cells. The light waves (in red and near-infrared light) are absorbed by an enzyme in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase (CCO). This enzyme is part of the respiratory chain responsible for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy molecule in cells.
Mechanism: When photons of light are absorbed by CCO, mitochondria function is stimulated, producing more ATP. More energy means cells can work more efficiently and recover faster from damage or stress.
2. Nitric oxide (NO) release from vasodilation
PPE also stimulates the production of nitric oxide (NO). NO is an important vasodilator (a substance that dilates blood vessels), which improves blood flow to tissues and organs.
Mechanism: NO helps dilate blood vessels, which improves circulation, including microcirculation in small blood vessels such as capillaries. This increases oxygenation of tissues, speeds up recovery and improves the overall health of tissues, such as in the brain or damaged organs.
3. Reduction of oxidative stress
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cell damage. PPE has an antioxidant effect by stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes.
Mechanism: PBM promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and catalase. These enzymes neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage.
4. Anti-inflammatory effects
In inflammation, pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines, play an important role. PPE can reduce the production of these pro-inflammatory molecules, leading to a decrease in inflammation.
Mechanism: By activating cellular processes that inhibit inflammation, PBM reduces the levels of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This lowers systemic inflammation and promotes repair processes in damaged or stressed tissue.
5. Improvement of neuroplasticity and cognitive functions
iPBM directly affects the brain, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is involved in cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and emotional regulation. It also promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for stimulating neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adapt and recover).
Mechanism: By stimulating BDNF, PPE promotes the growth and repair of nerve cells, contributing to improved cognitive function and recovery from brain damage caused by brain fog or injury, for example. This is especially relevant in conditions such as lung COVID or neurodegenerative diseases.
6. Cellular repair functions and profileration
PPE can increase the rate of cell proliferation and tissue repair. This is especially important when healing wounds or repairing damaged organs and tissues.
Mechanism: By increasing ATP production and improving cell metabolism, cells become more efficient at repairing damage and dividing (proliferation). This leads to faster regeneration of tissues such as skin, muscles and nerves.
7. Imunnomodulation
Intranasal PBM can have a modulating influence on the immune system, meaning that it is able to calm an overactive immune system or strengthen a weak immune system, depending on what is needed.
Mechanism: PBM affects various immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells, and can balance the immune response by reducing or strengthening inflammatory responses where needed. This can be useful in conditions where the immune system is out of balance, such as autoimmune diseases or long-term infections.
8. Improving sleep quality
Through its effects on the brain, autonomic nervous system and reducing stress and inflammation, PPE can promote the production of sleep-regulating hormones, such as melatonin. This leads to improved sleep quality.
Mechanism: PPE affects the balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and lowers stress levels, leading to an improved sleep-wake cycle. This is particularly useful for people with sleep disorders or chronic stress.
Disclaimer
The IN-Light Pro is a red light wellness laser device for systemic photobiomodulation (intranasal). This high-quality device is a health/wellness product. This category of products are intended for daily use to support general health. The IN-Light Pro makes no direct medical claims because the methodology of low-level laser/photobiomodulation (PBM) focuses on the whole system and not on treating a specific disease. The basis for health products is their ability to deliver a general wellbeing benefit or health benefit. A general health benefit is a health-related benefit that is not a treatment for a specific medical condition.