The study titled “Influences of Pinpoint Plantar Long-Wavelength Infrared Light Irradiation (Stress-Free Therapy) on Chorioretinal Hemodynamics, Atherosclerosis Factors, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor” investigates the potential benefits of Stress-Free Therapy (SFT) using long-wavelength infrared light to improve blood flow and reduce atherosclerosis-related factors in patients with dyslipidemia, a condition often associated with diabetes. Conducted by Keisou Ishimaru, Takuma Nakajima, Yoshihisa Namiki, and Kenji Ryotokuji, the study involved four patients who received 15-minute sessions of SFT targeting the plantar region. Researchers used laser speckle flowgraphy to measure changes in chorioretinal blood flow (blood flow to the retina) and analyzed levels of triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a marker involved in blood vessel formation. The results showed that SFT significantly increased chorioretinal blood flow, reduced TG and LDL-C levels, and had a mixed effect on VEGF levels, with improvements seen in patients with abnormal baseline VEGF levels.
This research suggests that infrared therapy, particularly the SFT method, may offer a promising treatment for improving blood circulation and addressing factors related to atherosclerosis in individuals with type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The improvement in chorioretinal circulation is particularly relevant for preventing complications like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, both of which are linked to poor blood flow in the eye. Additionally, by normalizing VEGF levels and reducing atherosclerosis-inducing factors, SFT could play a role in managing the cardiovascular and neurological risks commonly associated with diabetes. Infrared saunas, which use similar long-wavelength infrared light, could therefore be considered as part of a broader strategy to improve vascular health, reduce inflammation, and help manage metabolic conditions like diabetes.
