Level up your practice.
Adding Vielight technology to your practice will enable you to unlock greater value for your clients and new billable services for your practice.
A win-win scenario. Learn how below.
Income stream
Provide brain photobiomodulation to your clients to generate additional revenue.
Find out more about our business partner programs: Learn more
Grow your client-base
Offering brain photobiomodulation in your practice can attract new people seeking this modality.
Read about brain photobiomodulation: Learn more
Easy-to-use
The Vielight Neuro is easy to learn and pick up – we provide great support as well.
Discover Neuro Pro membership perks. Learn more
PBM technology
Enhance your neurofeedback practice with brain PBM technology.
More info about the Neuro Pro: Learn more
VIELIGHT NEURO 3
The Vielight Neuro is the world’s most-researched brain photobiomodulation device.
It delivers 810 nm near infrared (NIR) energy to the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) via four transcranial LED modules and a nasal applicator.
Vielight Neuro™ transcranial-intranasal technology offers an unparalleled advantage for improving mental acuity and neuromodulation.
The Vielight Neuro provisions for different needs via three versions: the Alpha, the Gamma, and the Duo.
Neuro Alpha
Alpha wave activity correlates with the alpha flow state, mental calmness and stress reduction.
Read a published abstract of a study with our Neuro Alpha device on Alpha brain waves: https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(21)00491-5/
Neuro Gamma
Gamma wave frequency correlates with energization, problem-solving and focus.
Read a published study with our Neuro Gamma device on Gamma brain waves: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42693-x.epdf
| NEURO DUO | NEURO GAMMA | NEURO ALPHA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | Near Infrared 810 nm | Near Infrared 810 nm | Near Infrared 810 nm |
| Pulse rate | 10 Hz and 40 Hz | 40 Hz | 10 Hz |
| Effects | Neuro Gamma and Neuro Alpha effects | Enhanced focus, concentration and mental acuity | Increased creativity(alpha flow state), relaxation and stress management |
THE NEURO PRO
The Neuro Pro is an invaluable addition for neurofeedback practitioners because of its unique features and versatile customization options:
- Adjustable positions for Neuro Pro modules.
- Activate Neuro Pro modules in any combination, including synchronized patterns.
- Fully customizable session length, power intensity, phase asynchrony, duty cycle, and frequency pulse capabilities between 1 and 10,000 Hz.
This enables brain region-specific modulation of beta, theta and delta brain waves – in addition to alpha and gamma. - Create and run programs that vary in frequency and power.
The Neuro Pro holds the potential to impact brain connectivity and networking behaviors – perfect for any neurofeedback practice.
What is Photobiomodulation?
What is Photobiomodulation?
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 is 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 “ATP”. 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.
What is Photobiology?
Photobiology is the study of the effects of non-ionizing radiation on biological systems. The biological effect varies with the wavelength region of the radiation. The radiation is absorbed by molecules in skin such as DNA, protein or certain drugs. The molecules are changed chemically into products that initiate biochemical responses in the cells.
Biological reaction to light is nothing new, there are numerous examples of light induced photochemical reactions in biological systems. Vitamin D synthesis in our skin is an example of a photochemical reaction. The power density of sunlight is only 105 mW/cm2 yet when ultraviolet B (UVB) rays strikes our skin, it converts a universally present form of cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3. We normally experience this through our eyes which are obviously photosensitive. Our vision is based upon light hitting our retinas and creating a chemical reaction that allows us to see. Throughout the course of evolution, photons have played a vital role in photo-chemically energizing certain cells.
What are the Pathways of Photobiomodulation?
- NO (Nitric Oxide)
- ROS (Reactive Oxygen Series) → PKD (gene) → IkB (Inhibitor κB) + NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) → NF-κB (nuclear factor κB stimulates gene transcription)
- ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) → cAMP (catabolite activator protein) → Jun/Fos (oncogenic transcription factors) → AP-1 (activator protein transcription factor stimulates gene transcription)
What are the Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation?
The current and widely accepted proposal is that low level visible red to near infrared light (NIR) energy is absorbed by mitochondria and converted into ATP for cellular use. In addition, the process creates mild oxidants (ROS), which leads to gene transcription and then to cellular repair and healing. The process also unclogs the chain that has been clogged by nitric oxide (NO).[1] The nitric oxide is then released back into the system. Nitric oxide is a molecule that our body produces to help its 50 trillion cells communicate with each other. This communication happens by transmission of signals throughout the entire body. Additionally, nitric oxide helps to dilate the blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Ref: Original: “Basic Photomedicine”, Ying-Ying Huang, Pawel Mroz and Michael R. Hamblin, Harvard Medical School.
Current design: Vielight Inc.
Parameters
The correct wavelength for the target cells or chromophores must be employed (633-810 nm). However, if the wavelength is incorrect, optimum absorption will not occur. Thus, as the first law of photobiology, the Grotthus-Draper law, states — without absorption there can be no reaction.[2]
The photon intensity, i.e., spectral irradiance or power density (W/cm2), must be adequate, or absorption of the photons will not be sufficient to attain the desired result. However, if the intensity is too high, the photon energy will be transformed to excessive heat in the target tissue, and that is undesirable.[3]
Finally, the dose or fluence must also be adequate (J/cm2). Consequently, if the power density is too low, then prolonging the irradiation time to achieve the ideal energy density, or dose, will, most likely, not give an adequate final result. This happens because the Bunsen-Roscoe law of reciprocity, the 2nd law of photobiology, does not hold true for low incident power densities.[4]
Brain Bioenergetics
Near-infrared light (NIR) stimulates mitochondrial respiration in neurons by donating photons that are absorbed by cytochrome oxidase. This is a bioenergetics process called photoneuromodulation in nervous tissue.[5]The absorption of luminous energy by the enzyme results in increased brain cytochrome oxidase enzymatic activity and oxygen consumption. Since the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by cytochrome oxidase is the reduction of oxygen to water, acceleration of cytochrome oxidase catalytic activity directly causes an increase in cellular oxygen consumption.[6] Increased oxygen consumption by nerve cells is coupled to oxidative phosphorylation. Hence, ATP production increases as a consequence of the metabolic action of near-infrared light. This type of luminous energy can enter brain mitochondria transcranially, and — independently of the electrons derived from food substrates — it can directly photostimulate cytochrome oxidase activity.[7]
References
[1] – “Biphasic Dose Response in Low Level Light Therapy”; Sulbha K. Sharma (PhD), Ying-Ying Huang (MD), James Carroll, Michael R. Hamblin (PhD)
[2, 3, 4] – “Is light-emitting diode phototherapy (LED-LLLT) really effective?”; Won-Serk Kim (PhD, MD), R Glen Calderhead (PhD)
[5, 6, 7] – “Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial infrared light”; Francisco Gonzalez-Lima (PhD), Douglas W Barrett (MD)
Brain Photobiomodulation
“Low-energy photon irradiation in the near-IR spectral range with low-energy lasers or LEDs positively modulates various important biological processes in cell culture and animal models. Photobiomodulation is applied clinically in the treatment of soft tissue injuries and accelerated wound healing. The mechanism of brain photobiomodulation by red to near-IR light at the cellular level has been ascribed by research institutions to the activation of cellular mitochondrial respiratory chain components, resulting in a signaling cascade that promotes cellular proliferation and cytoprotection.
Research indicates that cytochrome c oxidase is a key photo-acceptor of irradiation in the far-red to near-IR spectral range. Cytochrome c oxidase is an integral membrane protein that contains multiple redox active metal centers. Additionally, it has a strong absorbency in the far-red to near-IR spectral range detectable in-vivo by near-IR spectroscopy.
Additionally, photobiomodulation increases the rate of electron transfer in purified cytochrome oxidase, increasing mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis in isolated mitochondria, and up-regulating cytochrome oxidase activity in cultured neuronal cells – leading to neuroprotective effects and neuronal function.
In addition to increased oxidative metabolism, red to near-IR light stimulation of mitochondrial electron transfer is known to increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS functions as signaling molecules, providing communication between mitochondria and the nucleus.”[1]
[1] – Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Mar 18; 100(6): 3439–3444.
Brain Bioenergetics
Neurons contain mitochondria.
The process of utilizing the non-ionizing electromagnetic energy (light) to energize neuronal mitochondria triggers a cascade of beneficial cellular events.
Some potential effects are : neuroprotective effects, self-repair mechanisms and enhanced function.[1]
[1] : “Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial LEDs“, Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas
Paolo Cassano, Anh Phong Tran, Husam Katnani, Benjamin S. Bleier, Michael R. Hamblin, Yaoshen Yuan, and Qianqian Fang “Selective photobiomodulation for emotion regulation: model-based dosimetry study,” Neurophotonics 6(1), 015004 (7 February 2019). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.NPh.6.1.015004
Photonic diffusion into a cadaver, detected with NIR sensors.
Photonic Diffusion
Electromagnetic radiation within the NIR range carries the most potent form of photonic diffusion through tissue, blood and brain.
In the entire electromagnetic spectrum, the 810 nm wavelength exhibits the least photonic scattering. Furthermore, it presents good absorption by blood and water.
Clinical studies have shown that NIR light of sufficient power density is capable of diffusing transcranially. Thus, the light can penetrate through the scalp, skull and brain to depths of 4 cm or more. Furthermore, the NIR light can also diffuse intranasally, through the nasal channel.
The human skull bone contains minerals (58%), protein (24.6%), water (12.2%), and carbohydrate (5.2%), and these components are responsible for high optical absorption and scattering of the skull [2]. A study on porcine skull showed lower absorption values for electromagnetic energy at wavelengths between 700 to 850 nm [3].
Brain Photobiomodulation Science References
Penetration
Selective photobiomodulation for emotion regulation: penetration study
Harvard Psychiatry Department, Harvard Medical School : [ Link ]
Red and NIR light dosimetry in the human deep brain
Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Switzerland : [ Link 1 | Link 2 ]
Photon Penetration Depth in Human Brains
The University of Southern California : [ Link ]
Monte Carlo analysis of the enhanced transcranial penetration using distributed near-infrared emitter array.
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science : [ Link ]
Transcranial Red and Near Infrared Light Penetration in Cadavers
State University of New York Downstate Medical Center : [ Link ]
Quantitative analysis of transcranial and intraparenchymal light penetration in human cadaver brain tissue
Oregon Health and Science University : [ Link 1 | Link 2 ]
Cellular Effects
Photobiomodulation Directly Benefits Primary Neurons Functionally Inactivated by Toxins
Medical College of Wisconsin : [ Link ]
Neuroprotective effects of photobiomodulation : Evidence from assembly/disassembly of the Cytoskeleton
University of Sydney : [ Link ]
Photobiomodulation – mitochondrial ROS generation and calcium increase in neuronal synapses.
Lin-Kou Medical Center, Taiwan : [ Link ]
Infrared neural stimulation and functional recruitment of the peripheral Nerve
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University : [ Link ]
Cognition
Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy: a Narrative Review
Department of Medical Physics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences : [ Link ]
Review of brain photobiomodulation : targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital : [ Link ]
Shining light on the head : Photobiomodulation for brain disorders
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital : [ Link ]
Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers
Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas : [ Link ]
Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs
Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas : [ Link ]
Novel Methods
A novel method of applying NIR light intracranially, impact on dopaminergic cell survival
University of Sydney, CEA-Leti : [ Link ]
Systemic Photobiomodulation Science References
General research
Blood contains circulating cell-free respiratory competent mitochondria
Université de Montpellier : [ Link ]
Interplay between up-regulation of cytochrome-c-oxidase and hemoglobin oxygenation induced by near-infrared laser
University of Austin at Texas : [ Link ]
Red/Near Infrared Light Stimulates Release of an Endothelium Dependent Vasodilator and Rescues Vascular Dysfunction
US Veterans Affairs : [ Link ]
Low-Level Light Therapy Protects Red Blood Cells Against Oxidative Stress and Hemolysis During Extracorporeal Circulation
Regional Specialist Hospital, Poland : [ Link ]
How Photons Modulate Wound Healing via the Immune System
King’s College London (KCL), University of London : [ Link ]
Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinic Report of Intranasal Low-Intensity Laser Therapy on Vascular Diseases
Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, China : [ Link ]
Blood Laser Irradiation : current state and future perspectives
ABER Institute, Helsinki, Finland : [ Link ]
Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation
MH Weber : [ Link ]
Applications of Intranasal Low Intensity Laser Therapy In Sports Medicine
Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, World Scientific : [ Link ]
Formation of gigantic mitochondria in human blood lymphocytes under the effect of a low level laser source
Institute on Laser and Informatic Technologies of Russian Acad. : [ Link ]
Irradiation with He-Ne laser increases ATP level in cells cultivated in vitro
National Cancer Research Centre of the Academy of Medicine and Science : [ Link ]