Red Light (Infrared) Therapy: How It Works, What to Expect, and Why Our Clients Love It
- Atlas Rising
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
Sunlight is medicine—until it isn’t. Red/near-infrared light gives you many of the good parts of sun exposure (mood, circulation, and glow) without the UV damage. Around here, we use medical-grade infrared as a true inside-out therapy: support the cells, calm inflammation, clear stagnation—then let the aesthetics follow.
Below is a clear, no-hype walkthrough of what red light therapy is, how a visit with us works, and the little details that make a big difference in your results.
Why red light, and why now?
Feel better fast: Many clients notice a lift in mood and a drop in “puffy/inflamed” feelings within a few sessions.
Calmer joints + muscles: Light at specific wavelengths supports circulation and eases soreness.
Skin benefits: Tones the look of skin and supports collagen—great alongside fat loss to minimize sagging.
Metabolic support: Helps mobilize stored fat and fluid so your body can actually clear it.
Seasonal sanity: When the sun is scarce (or you’re sunscreened 24/7), this can be a steady, safe “light dose.”
Big picture: we use light to nudge your biology—nervous system, lymph, microcirculation—back toward flow.
What actually happens in the body?
Think photobiomodulation—light feeding your mitochondria (your cells’ powerhouses). In plain speak:
Light gets in (~10 mm): Our device delivers multiple wavelengths (roughly 635–925 nm) chosen for your goals (circulation, lymph, pain, skin).
Cells respond: Energy production rises; blood flow improves; inflammatory signaling calms.
Fat cells “let go”: Lipids and waste liquefy and move out of the cell into the lymph.
You clear it: Your lymph system shuttles it to the liver for packaging, then out via urine, sweat, and bowel movements.
It’s a 72-hour process. What you do before and after a session matters (we’ll show you how to maximize it).
Your first visit, step-by-step
A real consult (not just a form)
We’ll talk through your story—history, current symptoms, goals, and “why.” When we know your why, we can tailor your plan.
Measurements where it matters
We take baseline measurements (waist at 3 points, inner thighs, arms, or custom areas you’d like to target). This isn’t about perfection; it’s about watching your unique response over time.
What to wear
Expose the areas you want treated: Two-piece swimsuit, sports bra/briefs, or whatever makes you comfortable
No lotions or oils on treatment areas; no makeup if we’re treating face/neck (they block light)
The session
20 minutes under six flexible light pads + a face panel (placed exactly where you want results)
10 minutes on a whole-body vibration plate to stimulate lymph flow and circulation
Post-session re-measure
Some people shrink immediately; some hold fluid for a bit before a bigger drop; a few don’t move the first day (that tells us where to support you—often liver/lymph).
“Why did my inches go up right after?”
Totally normal. During that 72-hour window your fat cells can temporarily expand as contents liquefy and begin to exit. Think: activity in progress. By the next check, most see movement in the right direction.
How to maximize your results (the “little hinges”)
Hydrate like crazy: Aim for ~100 oz/day around sessions to help lymph move.
Support your liver: We often suggest gentle support (e.g., milk thistle/silymarin) and anti-inflammatory eating. We’ll personalize this.
Compression helps: If tolerated, wear a light compression garment over treated areas for part of the 72-hour window.
Move gently: Walking, mobility, rebounding—movement = momentum for lymph.
Frequency matters: Twice weekly is the sweet spot (about every 72 hours) to compound benefits.
Not moving at all after 1–2 sessions? That’s a signal, not a failure. We’ll evaluate hormone/liver load, hydration, and nutrition, then adjust.
Safety & quality: not all devices are created equal
We use a medical-grade, multi-wavelength system with smart thermal controls and dialed-in protocols (circulation, lymphatic drainage, pain modulation, skin rejuvenation). Consumer gadgets can be nice add-ons, but they’re not the same in power, coverage, or precision.
“How many sessions do I need?”
It depends on your goals:
8 sessions: Great for a visible tune-up (5–15 lbs to liberate, or focused inch loss/skin toning before events).
16+ sessions: Deeper change—more areas, more skin remodeling, or pairing with a structured fat-loss phase.
We often pair red light with a 9-day nutrition reset to support the liver/lymph and amplify results. If you’re already losing weight, red light is fantastic for skin tightening while you lose.
Will the fat cells “come back”?
We’re not destroying cells; we’re shrinking them. That’s good—no lumpiness, and connective tissue can remodel. But those cells can refill if you slide back into inflammatory eating and chronic stress. That’s why we pair light with doable lifestyle and nutrition support (and coaching when helpful), so your results stick.
Who’s a great candidate?
You want inch loss/skin toning without surgery
You’re in a fat-loss phase and want to protect skin tone
You struggle with stiffness, soreness, or puffiness
You want a mood/circulation lift without UV
Postpartum or perimenopause and seeking pelvic floor/skin support alongside other care
Always tell us if you’re pregnant, nursing, have an implanted electronic device, or active cancer—we’ll advise appropriately.
FAQs
Does it hurt?
No—most people say it feels warm and relaxing.
How soon do I see changes?
Some see inches shift the first day; most see progressive change over several sessions (remember the 72-hour window).
What if I only care about pain, not inches?
Great. We’ll set a pain-focused protocol and placement. The same appointment can target multiple goals.
Can I combine with workouts?
Yes. Many clients lift or walk after sessions; just hydrate and listen to your body.
Ready to try it?
Book a Red Light Discovery Visit and we’ll:
Clarify your goals + “why”
Map a personalized light protocol
Outline an 8- or 16-session plan (and whether a 9-day reset makes sense)
Give you the exact pre/post steps to maximize results
You’ll leave with a plan—not guesswork.
Questions first? Send us a note with what you’re hoping to change (pain, inches, skin, energy), and we’ll point you to the best next step.
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