From workouts to wellbeing and managing chronic pain, can red light therapy help Kiwis? With the treatment rising in popularity and increasingly available in New Zealand, Lucy Slight explains how it works and where you can try it for yourself. Red light therapy is rapidly gaining traction as a powerful innovation in the wellbeing and fitness world. From accelerating recovery to rejuvenating skin, it harnesses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into the body, stimulating cellular repair and boosting overall vitality.

Once considered a niche therapy, it’s becoming popular with those looking to elevate their wellness regimen and unlock a new level of performance, with several Auckland-based wellbeing studios now offering red light therapy to enable clients to experience an even more holistic approach to their health and fitness. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular energy production, encouraging repair and rejuvenation at a deep, molecular level. Studies have shown that these wavelengths, typically ranging from 600 nm to 900 nm, can increase the function of mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cell – leading to faster recovery, reduced inflammation, and improved overall health.

According to Sara Higgins , founder of wellness studio Hana , “Red and near-infrared light therapy has numerous benefits. Externally, it improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity, promoting c.