Red Light & Photobiomodulation with Sarah Turner

In this episode, Sarah Turner joins Teemu Arina to discuss every aspect of Red Light therapy and Photobiomodulation. They cover the effects of different wavelengths of light and recommended types of devices for different treatments and use cases.

Sarah Turner has a postgraduate degree in Clinical Neuroscience from Roehampton University in London. She also holds BSc degrees in Psychological Sciences and Nutritional Medicine from Westminster University and Thames Valley University, respectively. Currently, she is pursuing a diploma in Photobiomodulation at the University of Montpellier in France. During the initial decade of her career, Sarah worked as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. Her role involved planning and conducting experiments to examine the impact of electrostatics on physiology.

Sarah actively participates in the Biohacker movement and has had the opportunity to interview prominent thought leaders, visionaries, and experts in the field of Biohacking. Through these interactions, she has gained a deep understanding of the crucial role of physics in relation to biology. This has ignited her interest in the areas of quantum biology in health, photomedicine, and consciousness studies. Sarah's primary focus lies in photobiomodulation, which involves utilizing specific light wavelengths and pulsed frequencies to enhance optimal functioning, with a specific emphasis on brain-related issues. As the Co-Founder and CEO of CeraThrive, she spearheads the production of a red light therapy system that specifically targets the gut-brain connection.

Learn more about Sarah and CeraThrive at https://www.cerathrive.com

This conversation was recorded in November 2023.

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Key moments and takeaways:

00:00 Introduction by Teemu Arina

01:00 Sarah's background

02:40 What contributed to the popularity of photobiomodulation?

04:09 Targeted effects of red and near-infrared light

07:14 The method formerly known as LLLT and PPM

08:35 Activation of cytochrome c oxidase

09:31 Increased blood flow

10:31 Collagen production

11:17 Headaches

11:51 Sleep and glymphatic drainage

12:45 Improving one system benefits another

14:33 Stimulating different organs

16:22 The body is always trying to return to homeostasis

20:15 Red light will not produce a tan

22:51 Mitochondria retransmit light

23:56 We are beings of light

25:33 Sarah's favourite applications of photobiomodulation

27:58 Targeting the gut to reach the brain

30:40 Degenerative diseases

32:30 Mental health issues

34:09 The skull: skin and brain

36:47 Mouth bacteria management with Lumoral

37:56 Red light as a non-invasive method of treatment

41:37 Different types of red light devices

43:26 It's difficult to overdose red light

44:13 How to best treat joint pain

45:58 Influencers are misrepresenting the use of devices

46:34 When to choose red vs. near-infrared light

47:31 Be careful with red light on your genitals

49:52 Your body (and common sense) will tell you if you're doing it wrong

50:36 Reproductive health

51:20 Red light therapy for race horses and farm animals

53:07 Wake-up lights vs. red light during the winter

54:43 Where to find out more about Sarah's device