Transcranial Photobiomodulation

Transcranial Photobiomodulation (PBM), aka red light therapy, is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses targeted light to stimulate your brain’s natural healing processes. By delivering near-infrared light deep into the brain, PBM helps improve cellular energy, enhance neuroconnectivity, and reduce inflammation—supporting better mood, sharper thinking, and faster recovery.

What does Photobiomodulation do?

Photobiomodulation therapy is defined as the utilization of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures that are receptive to photons. Mitochondria are particularly receptive to this process. At the cellular level, visible red and near-infrared light (NIR) energy are absorbed by mitochondria, which perform the function of producing cellular energy called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), an energy-carrying molecule. The key to this entire process is a mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome oxidase c, a chromophore, which accepts photonic energy of specific wavelengths when functioning below par.

How Does Photonic Diffusion Work?

Electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared (NIR) range provides the most effective photonic diffusion through tissue, blood, and the brain. Within the electromagnetic spectrum, the 810 nm wavelength demonstrates the least photonic scattering and is well absorbed by both blood and water.

Clinical studies show that NIR light with sufficient power density can diffuse transcranially—penetrating the scalp, skull, and brain to depths of 4 cm or more. This penetration allows targeted light energy to reach brain tissue, which may help address conditions such as neuroinflammation, PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain, and other functional concerns.

What PBM Equipment Do We Use?

We use Vielight photobiomodulation (PBM) equipment, which delivers near-infrared (NIR) light to targeted brain locations—F7, F8, FZ, PZ, P3, and P4—along with an intranasal applicator set at either 10 Hz or 40 Hz.

Vielight’s technology allows NIR light to pass through the nasal channel and skull. The human skull is made up of minerals (58%), protein (24.6%), water (12.2%), and carbohydrates (5.2%), all of which contribute to its optical absorption properties. Sensors are placed on the head and in the nasal pathway, but no electrical impulses are ever introduced. These sensors simply emit light, reaching the brain through the nasal passage and skull.

How Long is a PBM Session?

A stand-alone PBM session typically takes about 25 minutes in a clinical setting, including setup and debriefing. The actual PBM treatment lasts up to 20 minutes, depending on your individualized protocol.