FAQ about VIVO Red Light Therapy

Wilma Explains:

Frequently asked questions about VIVO Red Light Therapy

These FAQ will be updated regularly with new questions from practice.

BioPhoton 3.0

Is 2 x 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week enough for arthritis?

Yes, this is a good starting point with the BioPhoton 3.0. Take, for example, a 60-year-young woman with severe arthritis and a lot of pain. She deliberately stays active (garden, housework, dogs) so she does not stiffen up. For her, 2 x 15 minutes per day, or 3 x 10 minutes for example, 5 days per week is a solid foundation. She has several problem areas, such as hands, feet, neck and lower back, so she can divide the sessions and alternate between them.

In some short-term studies, you see higher doses, but there is no need to recommend those to everyone as a standard. Stick to this schedule for a few weeks first. If she responds well and wants to do more, she can build up gradually.

Naturopathic addition: light supports energy production and circulation in the tissue, but with arthritis inflammation, nutrition and a shortage of building blocks often play a role as well. Many therapists therefore look at:

• Omega 3 fatty acids (fish or algae oil): support the balance of inflammation.
• Curcumin (with piperine or in a well-absorbed form): widely used for joint inflammation.
• Boswellia serrata: traditionally used for joint pain and stiffness.
• Vitamin D3 with K2: many people with rheumatism and arthritis have low vitamin D levels.
• Magnesium: for muscles, nerves and pain perception.
  Note* choose the right form of Magnesium; ask your therapist about it.
• Collagen, vitamin C and MSM: building blocks for cartilage and connective tissue.

An anti-inflammatory way of eating can also be supportive, with less sugar, processed foods and excessive red meat, and more vegetables, oily fish and herbs such as ginger and turmeric.

Acupuncture addition: many people with joint complaints find acupuncture supportive for pain and stiffness. It can be a nice complement to light therapy, as long as you build up both gradually and have them coordinated by a therapist.

How do I build up, and what should I pay attention to?

If the body clearly responds, that is in itself a good sign that something is happening. Do build up gradually and keep listening to your body. If you notice it is too much, for example through more fatigue, headaches or a stronger reaction than you would like, simply take a step back.

Naturopathic addition: a strong reaction in the early phase (tiredness, headache, temporarily more pain) can indicate that the body has a lot to process. Make sure to drink enough water, go outside for a good walk and fresh air, get enough rest and good sleep, and consider supporting the liver and kidneys, for instance with bitter herbs or enough protein and minerals. Also introduce supplements one at a time, so you can see what the body reacts to.

Can I use the BioPhoton 3.0 every day?

If it feels good, you can safely try it daily, as long as you keep listening to your body.

Acupuncture addition: for people who are sensitive or exhausted, a calmer rhythm with rest days usually works better than intensive use every day. Look at your energy level, your sleep and your recovery the next day.

Torch

What about the Torch and the thyroid, given that it is focused light?

If you place the Torch directly on the thyroid, the light really passes right through it. In that case, keep the sessions short at first, around 1 minute, and preferably use the Torch in the morning or afternoon. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypo) and it starts to function better, you can notice a boost in energy and metabolism fairly quickly.

Naturopathic addition: for good function, the thyroid needs several building blocks and cofactors:

• Selenium: needed for converting T4 to T3 and for protecting thyroid cells.
• Zinc and iron (ferritin): a low ferritin slows down thyroid function.
• Vitamin D, B12 and magnesium: often too low with thyroid complaints.
• Iodine: be careful with this. Both a shortage and an excess can cause symptoms, and with Hashimoto, extra iodine is not always desirable. Only supplement it after lab testing or consultation.

If in doubt, first have TSH, free T4, free T3, and possibly antibodies (TPO) tested. If someone takes thyroid medication, a better functioning thyroid can mean that the doctor needs to review the dose.

Acupuncture addition: in Chinese medicine, a slow metabolism is often seen as a shortage of energy and warmth in the body. Acupuncture, sometimes combined with moxa (warming), can therefore play a supportive role in restoring energy and vitality.

What if I use the Torch for the teeth? Does that affect the thyroid too?

The principle is the same as with the other devices: the thyroid is influenced, but to a much lesser extent. This is simply because the body’s energy balance starts to work better. You are not shining light directly on the thyroid, so expect hardly any effect there.

How do I use the Torch for the teeth?

There are two ways:

• With the convex lens: you shine through the outside of the cheek inwards.
• With the attachment: you use the Torch directly in the mouth, on a molar or on the gums.

Naturopathic addition: for the mouth and gums, you can combine the light well with:

• Vitamin C and CoQ10: support the gums and the energy in the tissue.
• Vitamin D3 and K2 and enough calcium and magnesium: for jawbone and teeth.
• Omega 3: supports the balance of inflammation, also with gum problems.
• Oral probiotics and good oral hygiene: for a healthy oral flora.
• Oil pulling or herbal rinses (for example sage or chamomile) as support.

Acupuncture addition: for jaw complaints and tension in the face, such as stress-related teeth grinding, acupuncture can help you relax.

What does the light actually do in the tissue?

The light works through several mechanisms. The best known is the production of ATP (energy). In addition, you see:

• Better circulation in the treated tissue.
• Lower inflammation markers.
• Increased production of connective tissue-forming proteins, such as collagen and elastin.

Naturopathic addition: for ATP production, the mitochondria depend on enough nutrients. Think of CoQ10, magnesium, B vitamins (especially B2, B3 and B12), L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and iron. For the production of collagen and elastin, vitamin C, zinc, copper, silicon, lysine and proline are important. The light gives the signal, so to speak, and nutrition provides the material.

Choosing the right device

Which device suits which application?

The principle is the same for every VIVO Red Light Therapy device. The choice depends on what you want to use it for:

• Torch: a logical choice for the teeth.
• Cap: a logical choice for the head.
• BioPhoton 3.0: a logical choice for neuropathy in the feet, and also for larger areas such as hands, neck and lower back.
  

Naturopathic addition: with neuropathy, attention often goes to B12 (preferably as methylcobalamin), B1 (benfotiamine), alpha lipoic acid, magnesium and acetyl L carnitine. Also check that blood sugar, B12 status, and any medication use (such as metformin or stomach acid inhibitors, which can lower B12) are in order.

Acupuncture addition: Acupuncture is also used for tingling and pain in the feet, and together with light therapy it can support circulation and nerve sensation.

Do you also see an effect in places where you do not shine the light?

Yes, we definitely see a systemic effect, meaning an effect in places you do not treat directly. That effect is considerably smaller with the Torch. The light surface is very small, and the total amount of light energy (Joules) is lower than with larger panels. So when shining on the thyroid area, hardly any effect is to be expected.

Can I still get a systemic effect with the Torch?

Yes, by choosing locations such as the wrist and the navel. This is called systemic blood irradiation: through the blood, the photons then reach the whole body.

Acupuncture addition: in Chinese medicine, both the navel and the wrist are seen as important places for energy and circulation, which is why they are also widely used in acupuncture.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog is intended as general information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Red light therapy, supplements and acupuncture are complementary and not intended as a replacement for regular care. If you have a serious condition such as arthritis, a thyroid disorder or neuropathy, or if you take medication (for example blood thinners, anti inflammatories or thyroid medication), always consult your general practitioner or treating specialist before starting light therapy or supplements. Supplements can interact with medication. During pregnancy, or with cancer, epilepsy or light sensitivity, extra caution is needed. The examples mentioned are not standard advice, and the choice and dosage are tailored individually. Stop if you notice unusual symptoms and contact a healthcare provider.

Do you have a question that is not covered here yet? Send it in, and we will add it.

Take care of yourself!
With love,
Wilma