Expert Insights: What Is Green Light Therapy?

People suffering from chronic pain may have an alternative to drugs. Neuroscientist Laurent Martin, PhD, explains how green light therapy can reduce pain and improve sleep for people suffering from conditions such as migraine and fibromyalgia. 

Dr. Martin is affiliated with the Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center (CPAC) at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and is an assistant research professor of anesthesiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. As part of CPAC, he develops new therapies that do not rely on opioids, focusing on how visual exposure to specific wavelengths of light (or colors) affect brain areas involved in pain processing.

[Midorii-jp]

It works. I tried laser light therapy at Chromatic Wellness in Sacramento CA this year, and it completely changed my life. They use red light and green light, and have another device for other colors depending on the condition. After having back pain and nerve damage from a car accident over 6 years ago, I was walking with pain every step I took. After just 3 sessions using their full spectrum light, I could even start to feel parts of my back that previously had nerve damage and had went numb. After giving my body a break from the pain I think it actually started to heal itself. I knew red light worked for skin health but their full spectrum device took my pain away. I plan to go immediately if the pain picks up again. Go try it...I read a study that the green light is best absorbed through the eyes and not the skin for reducing signals of pain, but you might need red light through the skin to actually decrease muscle fatigue....just be careful over-using those red light devices at home.

[entropy]

Any recommended bulbs? I see a few inexpensive choices on Amazon. Interested in help with insomnia, not pain.

[Usbdh]

I have green light, I never turn on the switch as I think black light is better than green. Should I turn on the green while sleeping?