What if light could do more than help us see?
Researchers are studying whether specific wavelengths of near-infrared light can influence how cells produce energy and how the brain functions. This approach is called photobiomodulation. Vielight devices deliver near-infrared light through applicators placed on the head and, in some studies, inside the nose.
The research is still developing, but early studies offer reasons to keep asking questions about memory, attention, creative thinking, and the effects of repeated head impacts.
What are researchers finding?
Memory and thinking. Small studies involving people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment have reported improvements on some cognitive measures. Researchers are now working to determine whether these results hold up in larger studies and how long any benefits may last.
Creative thinking. In a study of 58 healthy adults, participants who received one session of near-infrared light scored higher on certain creative-thinking tasks than those who received sham stimulation. It is an intriguing result for anyone interested in creativity, although a single session and a test score cannot tell us how someone’s creativity might change in daily life.
Brain fog after COVID. In a pilot study of 43 adults, researchers observed encouraging changes in some attention tasks. A subgroup of participants younger than 45 also showed a cognitive benefit that warrants further investigation. The study’s main measure of overall cognitive performance was inconclusive across the full group, so researchers have called for larger trials.
What about concussion and repeated head impacts?
This is another important area of Vielight research. People with a history of concussion or repeated head impacts may experience difficulties involving thinking, reaction time, balance, or other aspects of daily function.
In a study of 43 participants, researchers reported improvements in reaction time, aspects of balance, and grip strength after eight weeks of using a Vielight device. A related study of 44 participants found improvements on some cognitive tests after eight to ten weeks. These findings make brain injury research a meaningful part of the conversation about photobiomodulation.
Both were early studies that measured participants before and after use without a sham-device comparison. Larger controlled studies will help researchers learn how reliably the improvements occur and who may benefit. The findings do not establish the device as a treatment for an acute concussion.
Why study light and the brain?
One proposed explanation involves mitochondria, the structures that help cells produce usable energy. Researchers are exploring whether near-infrared light can influence mitochondrial activity and other processes involved in brain function. Understanding how light may act is part of the work; researchers must also establish what difference it makes in people’s lives.
Why this interests us at Shakti
At Shakti, we are curious about the many ways The Human Instrument responds to its environment. Light is one more area where science invites us to explore the relationship between the body, brain, and lived experience.
Vielight research offers promising questions and some encouraging early findings. As larger studies continue, we can stay open to what emerges while being precise about what has been shown so far.
Book a session today!