Chapter 20 of Eileen Durfee’s book, Spinal Fitness, defines photobiomodulation as the way certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light interact with biological tissue and influence cellular function. Spinal Fitness Health and Wellness Center in Kennewick, WA has 2 light sources that deliver those wavelengths: the 7 Wave Full Body Light Panel, with 7 bands from 480 to 1060 nm, and the Sauna Fix tent in the hot exercise room, with a continuous output from 550 to 3000 nm.
Wavelength and depth
The 7 Wave service page states that different wavelengths penetrate to different depths, which is why the panel combines 7 of them in 1 session. The book sets out the 2 bands that matter for the spine:
- Red light, 630 and 660 nm on the panel, is visible and primarily reaches superficial tissue: the skin and surface circulation.
- Near-infrared light, 810, 830, 850 and 1060 nm on the panel, is invisible and penetrates more deeply into muscles, fascia, joints and nerves.
The book’s reason for weighting near-infrared: spinal recovery involves deeper tissue. The seventh band, 480 nm, is visible blue, the shortest wavelength the panel carries.
What the light acts on: cytochrome c oxidase
The book names the primary target as mitochondrial function. Mitochondria produce ATP, the molecule cells use for repair, signaling, contraction, relaxation and regeneration. Near-infrared wavelengths interact with cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain that plays a role in oxygen consumption and ATP production; the book states that scientific reviews describe this enzyme as one of the major intracellular photoacceptors for red and near-infrared wavelengths. Its practical summary: near-infrared light may help the cell produce energy more efficiently, supporting tissue repair, muscle retraining, fascial remodeling and nerve calming.
The panel: 7 separate bands
The 7 Wave panel emits 7 narrow bands from a full-body fixture. You stand or sit in front of it for 10 to 20 minutes with bare skin and eyewear, with about 5 minutes before and after for changing. The service page sets a recommended protocol of a minimum of 3 to 5 sessions a week for 3 to 6 months. A single session is $35, 3 sessions are $95, and 7 Wave Monthly is $300 for up to 31 sessions plus 1 90-minute mild hyperbaric session.
The hot room: a continuous spectrum with heat
The Sauna Fix tent emits a continuous range from 550 to 3000 nm. The book describes the full-spectrum incandescent source as delivering visible red light, near-infrared light, mid-infrared and far-infrared heat from the same bulbs, and separates it from a standard far-infrared sauna, which heats the body primarily through longer infrared wavelengths. The wavelengths past the near-infrared band act as heat: the book states that heat widens blood vessels and increases blood flow to muscles, fascia and joints. A hot room session runs 20 to 40 minutes, standing or sitting, with eyewear, at a maximum of 155°F.
The UVB lamp in the light room
The light room also holds a Sperti vitamin D lamp, a separate UVB device with its own manufacturer protocol and its own screening at orientation. The service page states that red and near-infrared light produces no vitamin D; the UVB exposure from the Sperti lamp is what supports vitamin D.
Eyes and screening
Eye protection is worn at every 7 Wave session, and the book calls for appropriate eye protection with bright incandescent light in the hot room. Because the room includes a UVB device, the 7 Wave page asks people with light-sensitive conditions, those taking photosensitizing medications and anyone who is pregnant to check with their healthcare provider before booking.
Booking in Kennewick
Spinal Fitness Health and Wellness Center is at 214 E. Albany Ave, Building E101, Kennewick, WA 99336, serving Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City and Walla Walla. Call or text 509-670-9713, evenings and weekends included. The Annual Membership, $150 a month on a 12-month agreement, includes 31 7 Wave sessions monthly, and members run their own light sessions once training is complete, with 24/7 door-code access. On Thursday, November 19, from 2 to 6 PM, the free session for new visitors is the 7 Wave light panel, 20 minutes. Eileen Durfee founded the center and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and the inventor of Spinal Fitness.
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This article is for educational purposes only.
