The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy: How to Use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Anti-Aging, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Performance Enhancement, and Brain Optimization

by Ari Whitten

Red Light Therapy -- Miracle "Drug"? If there were a pill that was scientifically proven to help you look 10 years younger, lose fat, improve hormonal health, fight pain and inflammation, increase strength/endurance, heal faster, improve your brain health and increase your energy levels, it would be a billion-dollar blockbuster drug. Doctors all over the world would call it a "miracle drug," and millions of people would be told to start taking it. Here's the crazy That "drug" exists. But it's not a pill. It's red light therapy! Did you know that light has the power to heal your body and optimize your health? Of course, everyone knows about the importance of vitamin D from sunlight (from UV light). But few are aware that there is another type of light that may be just as vital to our health - red and near-infrared light. You may have even already heard about the benefits of red light therapy or seen ads for various devices. But maybe you're skeptical and think it's all just hype or pseudoscience. Believe it or not, there are now over 3,000 scientific studies proving the powerful health and anti-aging benefits of red and near-infrared light therapy! So if it's so great, why isn't everyone already using it? You used to have to spend $5,000 or more on a laser device, or spend over $100 for each treatment in a medical or anti-aging clinic (where this technology has been used for decades). So here's the great part... New breakthroughs have allowed us to harness these benefits in the comfort of our own home, without the need to spend thousands on an expensive laser device or $100 per treatment at a health/anti-aging clinic. We can now do red light therapy at home, as much as we want, at a tiny fraction of the cost. In this book, Ari Whitten - bestselling author, health expert and founder of The Energy Blueprint - cuts through all the pseudoscience around this complex topic, and takes you on a deep dive into the science of how to use red/near-infrared light therapy to improve your health, your body and your life in dozens of ways. Inside this book, you'll learn how to use red/near-infrared light therapy * Fight skin aging, wrinkles, and cellulite and look 10 years younger * Lose fat (nearly twice as with diet and exercise alone) * Rid your body of chronic inflammation * Fight the oxidative damage that drives aging * Increase strength, endurance, and muscle mass * Decrease pain * Combat hair loss * Build resilience to stress at the cellular level * Speed up wound/injury healing * Combat some autoimmune conditions and improve hormonal health * Optimize your brain function and mood * Overcome fatigue and improve energy levels You'll also get critical information to get the best results, * Specific dosing guidelines for every type of treatment (and how to avoid the big mistakes most people make) * The 5 "bioactive" types of light that affect human cell function and human health * Which health issues respond best to red/near-infrared light therapy * The best light devices to get (and why most devices on the market are a waste of money) * Exact protocols for how to use red/near-infrared light therapy for everything from fat loss, to brain optimization, to skin anti-aging and everything in between Optimal light exposure habits are as essential to good health as good nutrition habits.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Science, Reference, Self Help, Biology, Technology

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2018

Reviews

[Shena Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the Star Rating System is very subjective. I often read reviews and think I would have given it a different number of stars than the reviewer did based on what they wrote about the book. With that in mind, I decided to share how I define my ratings so you’ll understand my reviews. 😊


⭐️ This Book is terrible. If I were capable of quitting books, I definitely would have quit this book!

⭐️⭐️ This Book was just ok. I got through it, but I don’t feel I got a lot of value from it. I’ll be fine forgetting about it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was good. I enjoyed it, and never felt the need to put it down. I would recommend it to people I think would be interested in it. (This is the category most books I read fall into.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Book was REALLY GOOD! I slacked on other commitments (and sleep) to finish this book! I LOVED this book and will tell everyone I know to read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Book is Obsession and Fangirl Worthy!! I will read it multiple times, create art about it, and make a T-shirt based on it. I will do my best to make everyone I ever talk to read it.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! If you like self care and science, nuff said lol Just be prepared to spend $$$ on a machine
I deciding on investing in a PlatinumLED BIOMAX 900 around after the first chapter :P
I cannot believe there isn't anyone talking about this more publicly. As we breathe air, exercise and eat the right foods, sleep well and manage our stress, red and infra red light therapy is way up there in the must needs for your health and well being.
I won't list all the benefits of red light therapy here because it's almost unbelievable and will probably just make you skeptical lol But there's the science and the thousands of studies to back up the claims.

[Cav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If there were a pill that was proven to have powerful anti-aging effects on our skin, combat neurological disease, fight depression and anxiety, increase fat loss, speed recovery from exercise, increase strength and endurance, combat certain autoimmune conditions, fight hair loss, and speed healing from injury—all with little to no side effects—it would be a billion-dollar blockbuster drug..."

The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy was an excellent look into the topic. Although I read quite a lot of books and watch many of the podcasts from the world's leading practitioners in the health and wellness sphere, I had not come across the topic of red light therapy (properly known as photbiomodulation or from here on PBM) until recently - when I happened to be listening to the "Quirks and Quarks" science podcast on my way to the store a few weeks ago.

What I heard there really had me thinking afterward. Basically, the professor said that modern humans aren't exposed to as much red and infrared light as when life was spent mainly outdoors, resulting in somewhat of an evolutionary mismatch. (from the Quirks and Quarks website):

"The global transition to LED lighting seems to be having some concerning impacts on the natural world and human health. These energy efficient artificial lights produce different spectra than older incandescent technology, or the natural light of the Sun that life on Earth evolved with over billions of years. LED lighting is brighter, bluer, and more widely used than incandescent lighting.
Glen Jeffery, a professor of neuroscience from University College London, said that as a result, we may be paying the price with our health due to being oversaturated with blue light and starved of red and infrared light..."

Author Ari Whitten is a natural health expert who takes an evidence-based approach to human energy optimization. He has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist, has extensive graduate-level training in Clinical Psychology, and holds a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.

Ari Whitten:


The writing here is very heavily annotated, and the author references many different scientific papers. However, even though this book is a science-driven look into the topic, Whitten writes in a very straightforward, down-to-earth manner that manages to convey technical scientific jargon to the reader in an easily digestible manner. Even the scientifically illiterate layperson should have no trouble understanding what is presented here. Points awarded for this effective communication, because all too often, science books fail at just this. They drown the reader in a virtual never-ending torrent of esoteric minutia; effectively losing the forest for the trees...

The quote from the start of this review continues below:

"...Hundreds of millions of people would be told to start taking it by their doctors every day. And doctors all over the world would call it a “miracle drug.”
Here’s the crazy part: That drug exists.
But it’s not a pill. It’s red and near-infrared light.
Red and near-infrared light therapy are one of the biggest breakthrough discoveries in health in the last half century. Scientists have quietly accumulated thousands of studies on the power of red and near-infrared light to enhance human health for the last several decades. And yet, most people have never even heard of it..."

Whitten lays out the aim of the book in this bit of writing:

"In this book, you’ll discover the incredible power of red and near-infrared light therapy and how it can help:
* Increase your energy
* Combat aging and make your skin healthier, reduce wrinkles, and help get rid of cellulite
* Speed up fat loss
* Improve muscle recovery and athletic performance
* Improve mood and cognitive function
* Speed healing from injury
* Improve metabolism and hormonal health
Sound too good to be true? Think again! Red and near-infrared light have already been proven in over 3,000 scientific studies to do all that and more!"

Far from being some new age airy-fairy, tree-hugging pseudoscience, the evidence for the efficacy of PBM on the body is well scientifically grounded:

"There have now been literally thousands of studies conducted upon both animals and humans. Overall, red light has been repeatedly shown to have positive effects on cell function in animal and human studies and aid in improving a wide range of conditions, improving health in numerous ways. Red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy devices have been FDA-approved for several purposes so far, including anti-aging, hair-loss reversal, acne treatment, pain relief, slow to heal wounds, fat loss, among other purposes. (This is worth noting as it proves the abundance of research showing benefits—the therapy has to be proven safe and effective in numerous trials to gain FDA approval.)"

Whitten references Michael R. Hamblin et al.’s 2018 textbook "Low-Level Light Therapy: Photobiomodulation" many times here, and says that Hamblin is one of the world's leading scientists on the topic of photobiomodulation. Click here to read a decent article from him about PBM and its scientific veracity on PubMed.

Having recently purchased a moderately-priced LED red/NIR unit myself, I can (so far) attest to this therapeutic's powerful effects. To be honest, I was extremely skeptical that I would feel any measurable benefit; immediately, or even long-term.

However, after my first ~20 minute session, I felt a huge surge of energy, which lasted the rest of the day. At the gym later that afternoon, I had much more energy than I typically do. Anecdotally speaking, and as I write this review, I have only been doing the PBM therapy for about a week now, but in that short time, I have noticed that:
1) I no longer feel lethargic, and/or tired in the early afternoon anymore. Around 1 pm I'm usually ready for a nap,
2) Overall, my mood is much more improved. I am generally in a more positive frame of mind, and have less anxiety and depressive thoughts. I am less inclined towards negative self-talk and recursive thinking.
3) I have an increased level of energy at the gym, as well, which has led to me breaking some long-held personal strength records, as a middle-aged man who is not taking any AAS,
4) I train very hard at the gym; both cardio (to improve Vo2 Max) as well as strength train. I lift very heavy. Typically, this results in some pretty serious soreness/ DOMS in the day or two following my workouts. The PBM has dramatically reduced the amount of soreness I experience afterwards,
5) My skin also appears markedly more radiant and flush. Subjectively speaking, people have told me that my wrinkles appear to have diminished noticeably,
6) As part of the biochemical process that PBM produces in the body, I really feel the pump from the increase in nitric oxide (NO).

The author spends quite a bit of time covering many of the proposed benefits of PBM, as well as their potential mechanisms of action. All the writing is heavily annotated.
He also talks the reader through calculating the optimal dosage, and notes that (contrary to what you might read elsewhere) PBM is a very potent therapy that's easy to overdo. PBM has a biphasic dose response curve, so more is not necessarily better. In fact, too much can actually be deleterious:



Near the end of the book, he covers a few of the more popular home devices for sale, and makes recommendations to the reader. He says that the two most evidentially-supported therapeutic wavelengths are somewhere around 660nm, and 850nm. He advises the reader to select a device that has a power output of between ~25-100 mW/cm2.



If I were to fault this book, I would note that the author spends quite a bit of time talking about "EMFs" and "detecting EMFs" coming from PBM devices. The entire topic of "EMF sensitivity" is pseudoscientific nonsense. People aren't "sensitive to EMFs." Their supposed sensitivities never hold up to empirical blind testing. There is no known biological mechanism for non-ionizing EMFs (i.e. power lines, cellphones, and wifi) to cause DNA damage, and thus cancer. EMF "sensitivity" is a psychosomatic disorder.

Also, the author derides lower-powered LED devices and says that they are "junk" that will provide "zero benefit." He says that unless you buy a high-powered device, you won't realize any of the benefits of PBM. This is not true. From everything that I've read and listened to elsewhere, including the aforementioned Dr. Glen Jeffrey, you can expect positive benefits from even low-power lights. Dr. Jeffrey talks about using a red LED bicycle light purchased at a Dollar Store.
Dr. Michael Hamblin has also said: "Our findings suggest that NIR light with low-power density (15-30 mW/cm²) is a more effective intervention than that with high-power density (40-90 mW/cm²)" and: "The lower intensity range tended to have better results than the higher intensity range."

********************

The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy was an excellent and comprehensive look into the topic. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the potential benefits of photobiomodulation.
5 stars.

[Dave Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers the important stuff. Information is presented in overview/narrative fashion. I found myself searching and re-reading various areas. the product recommendations were not too helpful due to high cost. I found less expensive led lights on amazon. Still a good resource for red and near infrared therapy. I searched the internet regarding Energy Blueprint and designed my own program with this book.

[Bella (Kiki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really is the ultimate guide to red and NIR light therapy.

Ari Whitten details exactly what red and NIR therapy is and why it's so good for us. He lets us know all the things it's possible to treat, and often cure, with red and NIR light therapy. Things like muscle aches, wound healing, chronic pain, especially arthritic pain, muscle loss, aging, especially of the skin, and so much more.

Red light and NIR light therapy is best if it's not overused. This isn't a case where more is better. More can inflict harm. For example, a few minutes of sunshine a day will give you the vitamin D you need, but lying in the sun for hours will only age your skin and perhaps give you skin cancer. Mr. Whitten tells us how much red and NIR light we need to achieve a specific result. If you're treating memory loss, for example, you're going to need more than if you're treating superficial lines on your face. If you want to eliminate or minimize pain in an arthritic knee, you'll need more than you will to aid in superficial wound healing.

Mr. Whitten also details the best red/NIR light panels from inexpensive knock-offs that really don't do anything at all but deplete your bank account. This is the book's one weak spot. There are several very good brands of red/NIR lights on the market that are not included in Mr. Whitten's book. Still, if you do your research, you can easily learn what really works and what doesn't.

I do own a red/NIR light panel, and I use it daily, following Mr. Whitten's advice and dosing schedule. I use mine to keep my hair thick, to keep my skin unlined, to promote collagen production, and to relieve joint pain after an accident. And, it does work. It has worked pretty quickly for me, but one does have to use it consistently, i.e., daily, preferably in the morning. (Red/NIR light can disrupt the sleep cycle if used at night.) I use my light for three minutes each day for my hair and face, and ten minutes each day for my joints at six inches away for both.

Red/NIR light can even be used on pets, and Mr. Whitten tells us how to do that.

All of this might seem like hype to some people. That's exactly what the pharmaceutical industry wants us to think. Can you imagine their losses if we all would be able to toss our pain meds, our antidepressants, our anti-aging serums, our muscle creams, etc.? As a year-long user of red/NIR light, I can tell you the good effects are not just hype. While every person may not see every good effect, and some pain, memory loss, etc., is beyond the reach of even red/NIR light, almost everyone can benefit, to some degree from red/NIR light therapy. And, best of all, there are no adverse side effects unless you overdo.

If you want to look and feel younger and actually be healthier, read this book with an open mind, then get yourself a red/NIR light panel and try it out. I think you're going to love it. But, you do have to make that daily commitment.

[Xzs · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book provided some basic information about red light therapy, it was exceedingly repetitive. I consider this book to be a lengthy pamphlet rather than an in depth examination of red light therapy and the science behind it. I felt like I was navigating a website rather than reading a book. The examination of specific brands of devices may be helpful to some, but I feel like the info will soon be outdated as brands and models change. This type of information would be appropriate for a website, not a bound, printed book. I did appreciate gaining a bit more knowledge on red and near infrared light therapy, but I would have preferred more science and a whole lot less repetition! Perhaps mainstream society would be more accepting of the benefits of red light therapy if it wasn’t continually presented as a snake oil cure with variable dosage guidelines, backed by vague “scientific” studies.

[Carolyn S. Brunsdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where there is light there is hope!

Red light, a new concept for me and one that offers hope to those of us who are older & losing our strong bodies we've always taken for granted. Ari covers an amazing amount of research in this book while very clearly providing a path for usage/dosing. Unlike several skeptical comments from reviewers I really appreciate & value his recommendations on equipment. I choose to be positive in believing there are still some great folks left in the world who operate aside from ulterior motives. Thank you Ari, I am purchasing the Redrush 360, will update with progress in several months.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. This is something I am curious about. This book answered many questions, but also stirred many more.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RED LIGHT THERAPY REVISED AND UPDATED: HOW TO USE RED AND NEAR--INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY
BY: ARI WHITTEN

I don't know what possessed me to request this ARC about "THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RED LIGHT THERAPY," AND NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY." I think that the Author, ARI WHITTEN, is paid a commission to sell the types of devices which I read the scientific portion by which this Author has had help with the scientific section that this says up front that it has a disclosure that this is not to be mistaken for a medical guide that I thought that I remembered it should be not claiming any responsibility since too much can be harmful if exposure exceeds the guide provided, and the author seemed kind in the beginning admitting that he gets a commission, and he had help from a Harvard doctor making the scientific parts accessible. I'm pretty sure that this should be something to be discussed with your doctor, but I found myself using this the way the Author, ARI WHITTEN recommended which he said that you can skip over the scientific portion, and proceed to the devices and recommendations by him how long exposure of the READ LIGHT THERAPY depending on what your using it for to treat varies.

I liked what the science section that talked about how if the device with the RED LIGHT THERAPY or NEAR INFRARED LIGHT Therapy claimed that it can be used on not just the target area depending on what you were using it for worked to deliver benefits like to heal a wound, would make you see benefits on other parts of the body. The claims are endless but I remembered how it affected Stem Cells to be the most compelling. I read a lot about how it affects your Mitochondria part of the cell which is the part of the cell that is from what I remembered from my Freshman year of Pre-Med Biology is the workhorse of the cell that increases when as a runner I know gives you the energy you gain from endurance. It claims that after a workout at the gym your recovery time is shorter. I read that it helps with joint pain and too many numerous medical conditions that I am skeptical about listing, and I am doing the rest of my review after I do as the author suggested, and after reading how it does claim to be helpful with inflammation that improves your immune system I didn't see footnotes that cite the claims that would be expected that would convince me that I would be expecting to backup the endless claims that I would expect to read from the 3000 studies that the synopsis claims that this was either the Author's lack of including them, I don't mean to sound harsh, but I'm deducted a star, and if he had a Harvard MD assist him then I think I will not be recommending this since I was just realizing that I read so many chapters of scientific explanations claiming how this is like a magic pill, that as I am writing this review I was either too tired because I read the endless medical uses, the fact that it must be because I read this while I was drinking my Green tea I just saw the first footnote after 18% of molecular biology that it appeared after the endless medical claims that I saw it just now for claims of collagen for the superficial Anti-Aging section. It doesn't list the name of the study which might appear at the end of this book. I just saw the second footnote stating it stimulates DNA repair. Again, no name of the study, which I apologize if it appears at the end of this book, but I saw zero before 18%, of everything I had listed above. The proper way of citing information is to insert the study into the text. The skeptic in me wonders if I read 18% of Molecular Biology that wonders if the beginning of this review is valid, and also why this author encouraged me to skip the science of which I was excited to include. I was very disappointed with the way many studies aren't included beside the footnote/s which I was excited about the Stem cell production, which don't have footnotes. This is a revised and Updated and many of the studies don't include more than ten or 20 people, and since this isn't written citing the findings beyond 2003, and 2006, I am disappointed that the studies aren't written up in peer reviewed medical journals that name who did them with using the Scientific Method that should be backed up by more than two doctors that should name other replicated trials that should be backed up by larger groups that should be involve more than two doctors who helped him write unproven medical claims.

I will come back and update this review later after I do some research further to find out the models to buy and the expense. I know with technology a Red Light or some conditions work better for near INFRARED and devices change quickly. I'll rate this a 3.5 star ARC, but it does seem to help with some conditions which I'll list the ones that have more people who are only cited more, not just experimental. I wish the author went in to more detail about what the treatment levels mean from the devices, or maybe I missed it since I have no idea what the strengths he uses how he didn't break it down for the first time user or someone brand new since I saw a lot of different applications that he listed with the strength of red light therapy or infra red light therapy that tells the minutes, to use the device, but most people like me don't know the correct way to understand what he means because he gives the light strength but I would have liked him to explain the light strength more clearly for someone who is brand new just learning how to know more about how to understand what the dosage or light strength he suggests using, and if he did I need to take another look so if I find that I missed that I'll come back and update this review. That needs to be edited and added to this book since he seems to assume we already have seen the different devices and know how to use the correct red or infrared therapy for the first time. I had never heard of it before and the reason for my lower rating is because that should be included since the title states "THE ULTIMATE GUIDE To RED LIGHT THERAPY: HOW TO USE RED LIGHT THERAPY AND NEAR INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY. He does differentiate the difference and which one works better for certain ailments. Does that mean you need to buy two different devices? That needs to be fixed before publication, and is factored in to my rating since most people reading about this technology for the first time need that crucial information. That needs to be fixed or added before this publishes. Please don't assume readers brand new or reading this book out of curious mindsets already know how to understand how the numbers for dosage are hoping that the author assumes we have heard of this before and would like the numb
ers associated to the strength of the light therapy would have expected that introduced about the device before the list of ailments are listed with the amount of minutes for how often which this author does include but the red light or NEAR INFRA RED needs the amount of included by an explanation of the light strength determined those frequencies need that further broken down before that list.

Publication Date: January 13, 2026

Thank you to Net Galley, Ari Whitten, and Convergent--Rodale Books for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always

#TheUltimateGuidetoRedLightTherapy #AriWhitten #Convergent #RodaleBooks #NetGalley

[Lorette Parrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good info about infrared light source all in one place

Good info. Consolidated info to top recommendations on lights - the what and why. Very informative and enlightening book. Recommend reading

[Kelsey Sontag · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly informative. Like how much? For what? How often? Where? How? HOW? HOW?! Jkjk. But seriously those kind of details were pressed into here. It was pretty redundant and could have been 2/3 the size that it was. But it opened my eyes to just ALL that red light could be used for. Worth a read for anyone using red light or looking to begin too. He EXTENSIVELY goes through how to pick a device so ibefore you buy I would read this.

[David Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. It owes a lot to Dr Michael Hamblin's more academic book and also (it seems) some of Hamblin's youtube interviews - it takes that information and boils it down for the lay-person.
It repeats itself many times and again in the FAQ section but thats OK, on a new topic it takes a few passes to sink in and includes references to external sources.
So if you want a primer and practical reference all-in-one-place, this is good.

Of practical importance is quantitative comparisons between commercial models and a discussion of the parameters that are considered important. The author discloses that he does receive income for purchases on his code but its handled well. In this way the comparisons and product summaries is a valuable inclusion.

[Ivan Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to an important therapy

I did my initial read of the book. Very comprehensive. The latter half has the practical application of the research, which I will be principally referring back to. I am looking forward to benefitting even more with the info from this book from the light therapy that has already been beneficial to me. I would recommend it to just about anyone looking for total health benefits.

[robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really liked this book....i had some idea about near infrared light therapy but needed more info...and now i have it...and how to use it..i got the book name and author from the pedram shojai..i have ordered the light therapy light thanks to know which one to order thanks to ari whitten...i have just finished the book and just ordered the light...so looking forward to healing pain....then wrinkles...ha ha

[Mike Lisanke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well sourced science book which sticks well to the title topic! That said the author does a lot of subtle selling of the technique and equipment used to implement this DIY (without mentioning much the very low cost options).

I highly recommend reading this or other books on Red Light and Near IR therapy which I believe have overall merit. Or at minimum, contribute a great placebo effect.

[Tonya von Dyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for shedding the RED light on us Ari!

This book sheds light on one of the missing links to health and well being. Most people would never consider how powerful and vital light is to us as humans, but Ari Whitten has done an amazing job researching and explaining in detail how to use this as a tool for ultimate wellness.

[Eclectic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, comprehensive and actionable

Literally everything you need to know to start using red light therapy immediately and effectively for every imaginable purpose. A must read for anyone concerned with health and wellbeing.

[Heather Kurilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Well written, excellent information. Easy to read and understand. Great for the novice or health care provider who would like to integrate light therapy in their clinic.

[Jim Razinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife has been doing a lot of research into red light/NIR therapy and we bought some devices. I've not yet dived into the boards (the ones she found are current and have fewer testimonials than actual information about the science), but I found a few books to augment. The first had the word "miracle" in the subtitle (which is invariably a warning); and the second one claimed to be a scientific approach (in the title... it wasn't really). And this is the third I selected. "Ultimate" anything is a book selling device, but I admit this is pretty comprehensive. Whitten provides 380 citations and comprehensive coverage of science, the myths, the selection of devices (available in 2018) and their use. As with the miracle book, I find it difficult to believe that the author read all of the papers cited, but he does do a good job of summarizing, without turning to hyperbole. If something sounds too good to be true, he'll tell you. And if something is anecdotal, he'll either back it with other resources or caveat it with a form of "your mileage may vary." Example: "I list these as 'potential mechanisms' because we have some evidence for them, but not enough yet for there to be a consensus within the scientific community that they are 'proven.' Further studies are still needed for widespread acceptance of these physiological mechanisms, but they are incredibly exciting nonetheless!" Important, because consensus or near consensus is needed before making claims. Or,

Note: Some people in the red light business and biohacking communities have made claims around the capacity of red light therapy to increase testosterone levels. While I was initially excited about this, upon exploring the research that was cited, I have concluded that the evidence is simply not strong enough to support these claims.

Yes, testosterone increase is one of the things touted in those other two books I read, and on some of the websites.

On fat reduction by spot exercises (something on the order of Ab Master 3000 for getting rid of belly fat): "Simply put, the scientific consensus about spot reduction through muscle contractions is that it does not work."

And... he isn't trying to sell a product, nor a "miracle" cure. "Please know that it’s perfectly fine, and may even be better, to stick with the lower end of my recommended ranges of doses than to try to push into the upper limits of dose ranges."

With respect to LED vs lasers: "Michael Hamblin, PhD, [in a quote] earlier in this book where he explicitly says that they have basically the same effects. It is also worth noting that he himself uses an LED device, not a laser device. (He uses it on his forehead in the mornings to enhance brain/cognitive function.) " I haven't decided if I need to, or want to, read the Hamblin edited textbook on "Photobiomodulation in the Brain". I am curious, but ...

Bottom line: good source of information, not selling anything except the book (though he does mention a "stubborn fat" program he developed, but he tells you everything here), cautious where he needs to be, lots (lots) of jumping off points with hyperlinks to the studies so you can read them yourself.

[Kat Starwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Works! – Maybe (Haven’t Tried it Yet)

Although there seem to be lots of so-called ‘pain treatments’ out there, there have been few (as far as I’m aware) that have received more praise than this particular method. And the good thing about it is that it doesn’t involve ‘taking’ or swallowing anything. Unless, of course, it’s the salesman’s spiel. Regardless, from everything that’s been written about it based on testimonial from laypeople as well as various professionals who’ve used it – It, in a word (or two) Works!

No, I haven’t used it yet. My brother-in-law, who’s been evaluating his actual use of it at the gym, says so far he’s not really impressed with what he’s heard in relation to his experience of what it can do. However, my understanding is that it’s not likely that you’ll experience much of anything if you don’t have anything to heal. The fact is, though, my brother-in-law DOES have a few things that he would like to see healed. Still, in his several weeks of utilizing it so far, he says he hasn’t noticed much of a difference. Ok, so it’s a ‘few weeks,’ so I’ll have to check back with him on his progress in this area.

However, to give the product AND this author the benefit of the doubt, I would also like to try it to see if it actually WILL alleviate my various issues/pain (and I have a few!). Until then, the jury is still out on how beneficial this product can/will be for me. From what author Whitten states in his book, it could be VERY beneficial for me. So I’d like to at least give it a shot.

As for the book itself, it was well written, fairly comprehensive as far as I can tell, and includes information on the best units to buy – they’re not cheap if bought outright (from cheap-ish to exorbitant), and still a bit pricey if rented by the session.

So, if you’re in the market for a Red Light/Near-Infrared Light device, this is certainly a book to consider perusing.

[Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

• There's nothing special about the red light used in therapy. It's just light, generated from any source, in the red to near infrared range. If you spend hours a day in the sun, you'll get the same exposure. The difference is that red light therapy allows you to control the dosage, while avoiding the harmful ultraviolet end of natural sunlight.

• Red light is beneficial in two ways. First, it stimulates the cell's mitochondria, which causes them to increase energy production. And second, it stresses the cell, which activates its defense systems and leads to greater adaptation over time, much like exercise.

• There's a possible evolutionary reason for this. Blue light is most present throughout the day, and so it's what regulates our circadian rhythm. Similarly, red light is most present at sunset. So it makes sense that those unicellular organisms that were stimulated by red light to repair and grow, just before a prolonged period without any sunlight, would have an evolutionary advantage.

• You can buy an LED device to use at home. These devices cost several hundred dollars, but that's how much you'd pay for just a few sessions at a clinic. The author has a list of recommendations. I'm thinking to go with the BioMax 300, shown here.
https://platinumtherapylights.com/pro...

• Yes, you can overdo it. However, it's no different from too much exercise or sun exposure. You'll feel fatigued, and that's about it. Unlike with ultraviolet light, there's no lasting damage.

[Mike Cheng · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book opens by boldly claiming that red light therapy (RLT) is the long sought after “magic pill” that cures a host of maladies (e.g., arthritis, depression, wounds, inflammation) and also has anti-aging effects (e.g., collagen production, fat loss, hair growth). A good chunk of the book is devoted to a dumbed down hypothesis of how RLT and near infrared light (NIL) affect us on a cellular level. Two mechanisms could be at play: (1) stimulation of mitochondria via Cytochrome C Oxidase (broscience!) and the production of ATP; and (2) a mild stressor i.e., hormesis. A third possible process could involve the effect of RLT and NIL on the viscosity of water, something referred to by Dr. Gerald Pollack as The Fourth Phase of Water (3/5 stars). Before outrightly dismissing light therapy as snake oil or quackery, a point worth recognizing is how it is now axiomatic that sunlight is crucial to the regulation of circadian rhythm, sufficient serotonin levels, and Vitamin D synthesis. In fact, a theory espoused in this book is that the deficiencies caused by the absence of sunlight exposure vis-a-vis the modern indoor work environment / artificial lighting is the very reason RLT and NIL could be effective as the book’s claimed panacea.

[Suzette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I learnt something, but it wasn’t a fun experience and I’m still not convinced. Reads in part like an infomercial (complete with images taken from light manufacturers’ websites and other random model photos without any real context) and a textbook. All while telling you how the writer is trying to dumb things down for you as he repeatedly relays research data and textbook information almost verbatim. Guess having quotes around something and tonnes of footnotes gives you enough filler to make this a book instead of a pamphlet? Found it repetitive and the only possible benefit from reading this book rather than simply googling the concept is the few dollars discount you apparently get from the different manufacturers if he could convince you to buy one. In that aspect it is probably not a bad ROI - if you get the book for about $2...

[Chrissie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many mixed feelings…first, I think red light has potential benefit. However, my biggest disappointment with this book is that there are no inline references. The author claims to be an evidence-based expert in energy and fatigue and he may well be, but there was no proof of it in this book.

There are highly specialized protocols that, without direct references, made me highly skeptical. The list of references is at the end of the book and I’ll admit that I didn’t read through them, as by the time I’d realized they were contained in the book at all, I’d been put off by the lack of them where they needed to be.

Two stars only because this book possibly brings some awareness to potential benefits of red light, and I believe the author to be well-intentioned (no suggestion of him benefiting from recommending these specific protocols, and to my knowledge, he doesn’t sell red lights…

[P · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is not an academic work by any means and although PubMed sources are listed, the citations do not follow any of the well-known citation styles such as Chicago, Harvard, or APA. It is meant to give the readers a brief overview of how NIR and red light is beneficial to the human body. These long frequency, long wavelength-weak energy rays act on the body in 2 ways - hormesis and increased ATP production in mitochondria. Once cytochrome C oxidase is stimulated by NIR light, electron transport is accelerated, leading to increased ATP production. Because it mimics the effects of exercise, too much of it can increase overall stress. Sun and fire are good sources of NIR but with the sun, photoaging is a huge concern. The devices listed at the end of the book are not widely available. For a more serious text, Hambiln's Low-Level Light Therapy: Photobiomodulation is recommended.

[Sasha Shipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book offers a clear and detailed look into the benefits of red and near-infrared light therapy for health and wellness. The book is particularly helpful because it goes beyond just explaining the science; it provides readers with practical advice on how to use red light therapy devices effectively. It covers important factors like dosage, timing, and frequency, ensuring that readers can use the therapy safely and effectively based on the latest research and the equipment they have.

This book is an accessible resource for anyone looking to enhance their health, whether they are healthcare professionals, athletes, or simply someone keen on personal health optimization. Whitten's work is well-researched and straightforward, making it easy for anyone to integrate red light therapy into their health routine.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth your time

It's not perfect and can be a smidge repetitive at times but has got some very cool info. Glad I picked this lil gem up. Not easy to get the real deal when it comes to anything health related but I can trust that this author knows his stuff. I suggest spreading out the read over a week or two. Trying to read it all in one setting may not be the greatest of ideas.

[Jennifer A Colon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master of Energy

Ari is THE master of energy and does not promote hype or trite mainstream advice. His research is thorough and his delivery is for the common person who wants to make sense and use of science. This book delivers a practical and well-researched guide that I’ve put into practice and benefitted from. I’ve healed from 3 major abdominal surgeries as well as improvement in my vision,lowering of my contacts prescription! Bravo for Ari

[Nick Vanderwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate giving this review only three stars. There is information in here which is apparently very useful for all of us. The reason stems from the author's habit of repeating himself so awful much. I don't know where to guess, but maybe 10% of this book content is repeated 10 times. I'm glad I bought it and certainly glad I read it, but WOW!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

detailed and evidence based compilation of research on red light therapy. I did like how comprehensive the review was, but the way it was written still feels like a salesman tactic, lots of words given to some specific product the author vouches for. That said. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's curious about getting started.