Christine Rosen Christine Rosen

Red Light & Near-Infrared Light Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You’re Going to Love It 

You’ve probably seen it by now. Someone's face eerily glowing red behind a plastic futuristic looking hockey mask.  Good news, this isn't a modern cult following of horror flicks from the 1980's. The trend of Red Light therapy has reached nightstands in facemask form as a beauty tool. Even better news, there’s real science behind it and our new bed offers more wavelengths and benefits in a 10 minute session than the facemask versions. Plus, it’s not just for your face, but for your entire body, the top of your head to the bottom of your toes receives the benefits. 

What is Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy? 

Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy are forms of photobiomodulation, which is just a fancy way of saying we use specific wavelengths of light to influence how your cells function. Red light typically falls in the 600 to 700 nanometer range, while near-infrared light goes a bit deeper, usually around 800 to 1000 nanometers. The key difference, red light works more on the surface, think skin and superficial tissues. Near-infrared penetrates deeper, reaching muscles, joints, and even some structures below that. No heat damage, no UV exposure, and no tanning involved. This isn’t a beach substitute. It’s just giving your cells a gentle nudge to do their jobs better.

How Does It Work? 

At the cellular level, this comes down to mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). When exposed to these light wavelengths, cells increase ATP production, which supports energy, repair, and function. It also improves blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and helps to regulate inflammation. 

How Often Should You Use It? 

A good starting point is about three sessions per week. More is not always better, as your body still needs time to respond and adapt. But depending on your goals you may be able to use it 5 times a week. 

The Benefits

Skin Health and Appearance:  supports collagen production and improves skin quality. 

Muscle Recovery and Performance:  helps reduce soreness and supports faster recovery. 

Joint Health and Pain Relief:  may reduce stiffness and support joint comfort. 

Sleep and Recovery: can support better sleep and overall recovery. 

Fertility and Sexual Health: emerging research suggests benefits through improved cellular function and blood flow. 

Overall Longevity and Cellular Health: supports mitochondrial health and reduces inflammation. 

What to Expect

Sessions typically last 10 to 15 minutes. You lie down, relax, and let the light do its thing. Consistency matters more than intensity. The bed and light will be warm, but unlike a sauna you’ll be able to go back to work or go out after without needing a shower. 

Who Should Not Use It

If pregnant, photosensitive, or on light-sensitive medications, consult a physician. Also consult your doctor for any existing medical conditions. 

Final Thoughts

This therapy supports your body’s natural processes. It won’t replace exercise, nutrition, or sleep, but it can enhance them. So join us, bring your airpods, find that guided meditation, lie in the warmth, and enjoy the 15 mins just for you and your health!

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Christine Rosen Christine Rosen

Better Together: Healthy Couples Thrive

When people think about health, they often picture a solo journey. Your workouts, your nutrition, your sleep, your stress levels - but research tells a different story. When both partners prioritize their health, the benefits multiply. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and even long-term. In fact, science consistently shows that health is contagious in close relationships and couples who invest in their well-being together tend to live healthier, happier lives than those who go it alone.

Health Habits Are Shared For Better or Worse

Whether we mean to or not, we shape each other’s habits. Over time, couples tend to sync up on things like sleep schedules, eating patterns, and how often they move their bodies. Research following partners for years shows that when couples intentionally share routines like walking together, lifting together, cooking at home those behaviors tend to stay. And when those shared habits are healthy, the benefits compound for both people. One good choice nudges the next, and suddenly you’re reinforcing each other in all the right ways.

Shared Health Goals Actually Stick and They’re Way More Enjoyable

It turns out accountability works even better when it’s someone you care about. Behavioral research consistently shows that people are more likely to follow through on health goals when they do it with a partner. Couples who train together, eat with intention, compared to couples who don’t, tend to be more consistent and motivated over the long haul. Add encouragement, shared progress, and a little friendly competition, and healthy habits stop feeling like a checklist and become a lifestyle.

Love Is a Powerful Stress Regulator And Your Heart Knows It

Strong, supportive relationships don’t just feel good, they actually change how your body handles stress. Studies link positive partner interactions with healthier cortisol responses, lower blood pressure, less anxiety, improved sleep and better cardiovascular markers. Physical closeness and emotional safety also trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps calm the nervous system and protect heart and metabolic health. In other words, feeling supported isn’t just emotional, it’s physiological.

Health Is Easier When It’s Backed by Data

At the end of the day, the science is clear, health isn’t just individual, it’s relational. When both partners commit to understanding their bodies, supporting each other’s goals, and building healthy habits together, they create a foundation that strengthens both their relationship and their long-term well-being.

And February is the perfect time to start because understanding your health is powerful and doing it together is even better! Book your metabolic, skeletal, body composition tests tests at NOVA Body Lab and know your metrics today!


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