What is the Origin of Near Infrared Therapy?

The term is a descriptive clinical name, combining "Near Infrared," a specific band of the electromagnetic spectrum, with "Therapy," indicating a medical treatment. It is a subset of the broader field of Photobiomodulation (PBM) and has its roots in research initially focused on wound healing and tissue regeneration.

What is the Mechanism of Near Infrared Therapy?

The primary mechanism involves the absorption of NIR photons by Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This absorption transiently dissociates inhibitory nitric oxide (NO) from CCO, which immediately increases the efficiency of the electron transport chain and boosts ATP production. The subsequent increase in ATP and mild, transient reactive oxygen species (ROS) acts as a secondary messenger to upregulate gene expression for cellular repair and anti-inflammatory processes.

Near Infrared Therapy ∞ Area

Near Infrared Therapy

Meaning

Near Infrared Therapy (NIR) is a non-invasive therapeutic modality that utilizes light in the near-infrared spectrum (typically 780 to 1100 nanometers) to penetrate deep into biological tissues, inducing beneficial photochemical and photophysical effects at the cellular level. This intervention is used clinically to enhance tissue repair, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mitochondrial function. Unlike visible light, NIR light bypasses surface absorption to directly target chromophores within the mitochondria, making it a powerful tool for bioenergetic optimization.