Last Updated on July 23, 2026 by Carrie Korem, FNTP
If you’ve been searching for natural ways to support your thyroid, red light therapy might surprise you. Research shows that targeted red light can help improve thyroid function, reduce inflammation, and even support energy levels. In this post, I’ll walk you through how red light works, the benefits of red light therapy for the thyroid, and simple ways you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also called low level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. LLLT is a low intensity light therapy that triggers biochemical changes within cells and can be compared to the process of photosynthesis in plants, where the photons are absorbed by cellular photoreceptors and trigger chemical changes.
The light used for LLLT is a wavelength in the red to near infrared spectrum (600 – 1000nm) and has the ability to penetrate the skin and soft/hard tissues, and can help with pain, inflammation and tissue repair. It has also been shown to help accelerate the body’s ability to heal itself.
Studies have shown that the skin responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths and can be helpful for issues such as acne scars, wound healing, vitiligo, psoriasis, wrinkles, pain and stiffness, blood circulation, musculoskeletal pain, psychiatric disorders, and fatigue from rheumatoid arthritis.
How Can Red Light Therapy Help Your Thyroid?
Exciting research has shown that red light therapy (aka LLLT) can be helpful for the thyroid.
This placebo-controlled clinical trial showed how LLLT was effective at improving thyroid function (increased production of T4) and helped reduce autoimmunity by lowering thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab).
Another study concluded as well that “the preliminary results indicate that LLLT promotes the improvement of thyroid function, as patients experienced a decreased need for T4, a reduction in TPOAb levels, and an increase in parenchymal echogenicity.”
This study shows how LLLT improves the function of the thyroid tissues.
A long-term follow-up study concluded that LLLT has been deemed safe for the treatment of hypothyroidism that is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis.
Additionally, this study showed how LLLT can create a “significant increase in serum TGF-β1 levels 30 days post-intervention in the PBM group, thus confirming the anti-inflammatory effect.”
Not only can it improve the health of the thyroid, but science has shown near-infrared light therapy to be one of the most effective approaches to aid the body in healing itself from the type of mitochondrial dysfunction caused by EMF.
To sum things up, red light therapy can help increase T4 production, reduce TPO antibodies, reduce inflammation, improve thyroid function, and heal from mitochondrial dysfunction from EMFs. How amazing is that?!
The Red Light I Personally Use and Recommend:
I’ve been using the SaunaSpace faraday sauna for many years and have found it incredibly helpful. Last fall I purchased their red glow light and have been using it at my desk for the last few months and I highly recommend it!
Their handcrafted Theralight infrared bulb delivers 2-4x more red and near-infrared radiance than any bulb currently on the market. While many red light therapy products emit harmful radiation, SaunaSpace has crafted their photon light to ensure there are ZERO magnetic fields and ZERO electric fields that could put stress on your body.
Every photo light that they make is tested with the Geovitals EM filed probe. You can read more about this here.
I also like that the SaunaSpace red photon light is an affordable alternative to a sauna and portable.
How To Use the Red Light for Thyroid Support:
For the thyroid: To use the red photon light specifically for the thyroid, I recommend sitting in front of the light so that it shines on your face and neck for about 15 minutes a day.
While working: One of the easiest options is a desktop red light that you can use at your desk, on your nightstand, or anywhere else in your home. You simply sit in front of the light while doing work, reading, or lying in bed. You can also turn on the red light at the end of the day to help provide a comfortable light that has soothing effects on the nervous system and helps keep melatonin levels balanced for a healthy sleep and wake cycle.
I have the photon light at my desk pointed directly at my face while I work on the computer. The computer (as well as tablets, phones, TVs, etc.) emits blue light which can damage the cells of the body, suppress melatonin production and its flickering effects can cause eyestrain, headaches and fatigue, so having the light on when I work helps counter these effects.
Before using the red light at my desk, I felt very drained after working just a couple of hours on the computer. However, I’m happy to say the photon light helps me feel energized instead of tired.
For any other part of the body:
Point the red light at whatever area of the body that you want to support. Point it on bare skin, about 18-24″ away (or whatever feels comfortable for you) for about 10 minutes.
Another added benefit to the photon red light – improved eyesight!
When I use the red light in the morning, it helps improve my eyesight. I know this sounds crazy, but on days that I use the red light (or their sauna) I don’t need to use my reading glasses. I couldn’t figure out why this was happening, and then I learned that The University College London found that declining eyesight is improved by looking at deep red light for those 40 and over. How amazing is that?! I wasn’t crazy after all!
If you’re looking to add an easy therapy to your daily routine, red light therapy is definitely a great option!
I contacted SaunaSpace and asked them if they could offer a coupon code for you and they agreed! Use the code ORGANIC to save 10% off anything on their site.
How can I learn more about the steps I can take for thyroid disease?
I have four fantastic options for you!
- To download my 50 of my top tips to support the thyroid naturally, tap here. I’ll also send you an educational email every few days to help you learn how to support your body naturally.
- If you’d like to learn from first steps you can take to help support your thyroid, check out my class, “5 Keys to Thyroid Hormone Balance”. It’s just 45 minutes and I promise you’ll learn something new!
- If you’re looking for a step-by-step plan for Hashimoto’s that truly works (no more piecing together info!), check out my 90-Day Thyroid Reset Program.
- Book a consult with me for one-on-one help. Here’s info about what working with me looks like.
Thanks for posting this. What I find confusing are the various terms related to red light therapy—far infrared, near infrared etc.. The gym I belong to has an “infrared sauna “. Is that sufficient or does it have to be a specific kind of infrared? Is it not effective if it’s the wrong kind of infrared?
Looking forward to learning more about this.
Thanks!
Here’s some more info for you:https://deliciouslyorganic.net/5-health-benefits-of-near-infrared-sauna-therapy-plus-a-saunaspace-giveaway/
I have hashimotos & I just ordered two to help with my thyroid & my foot issue of Morton’s neuroma so I can sun bask both areas @ the same time! Hopi g it helps with my T4 cells too….. fingers crossed 🤞
Thanks for the discount code!
Who gave you a discount code?
The discount code is ORGANIC10 to save 10%.
Can I just plug the therma light infared bulb into my clamp on socket and use it that way?
From my understanding, yes.
Information please
What information are you looking for?
Can red light therapy repaire thyroid gland damage cells?
Does the photon light help with seasonal affective disorder?
Thank you for the discount code and for talking about this. I just recently purchased this light, put it on my night stand and cannot wait to eventually, feel some results. I have Hashi and feel so drained most of the time. Just the fact that the light calms me before bed is already a huge plus!
I’m so glad you’re already seeing some benefits! 🙂
Hello Carrie, Would the light therapy be good for overactive thyroid as well ?
Best wishes
Ishil (uk)
I think it would be ok since the light helps shift the body into the parasympathetic state, but it would be a good idea to reach out to Sauna Space before purchasing just to make sure.
Hi Ishil, did you ever find an answer to this question?
Thanks,
H
Hypothyroidism can permanently cure with infrared light therapy. Please tell me I am suffering from hypothyroidism near 13 year.
Can this be used for Hyperthyroidism pls?
Usually, the two root causes of hyperthyroid are stress and toxicity. So, using the red light over the liver and to help reduce stress can be helpful while you work on the root causes. Then, as the thyroid comes out of the hyper state, using red light for 5-10 minutes a day over the thyroid can be helpful.
Thank you for this info! I’ve seen studies that show LLLT reduces TPO antibodies, but I’m curious if you’ve ever seen any studies that show LLLT reduces TG antibodies. Thanks in advance!
I haven’t seen any, but if it helps the immune system enough to reduce TPOab, I don’t see why it also wouldn’t help reduce TgAB. Of course, that’s just my opinion! 🙂
I was really interested in the proton sauna light at 30 percent off but within hours it’s only 20 percent
I tried contacting you but no reply it kept adding up to 4 and I only wanted one
Still not replying
If you use the code ORGANIC10, you can save the additional 10% at checkout for a total of 30%. If their site is having issues, I recommend reaching out to them.
Can I use the red light to treat a suspicious thyroid nodule? Yune
Did you know if the red photon light would eliminate eye floaters?
Eye floaters are often rooted in Vitamin A (aka retinol) deficiency. Vitamin A is found in animal foods such as: pastured meats, eggs, raw or cultured dairy, seafood, etc.
Vit A deficiency also linked to the bumps on the backs of the arms; I find it curious about the ‘eye floaters’ as well. I must have a deficiency as past couple of months dealing with both eye floaters and bumpy arms.
I consume all those foods mentioned so not sure how to increase the Vit A.
Stress and low stomach acid is a common reason for nutrient deficiencies. My article about stomach acid might be helpful!
Thanks Carrie!
Above, in your post, someone mentions their eyesight is improved by using/looking at the red light.
The instructions specifically mention NOT looking at the bulb.
Do you have experience with this? Have you spent time looking at the bulb Carrie?
I will err on the side of caution and refrain from looking directly at bulb in any case.
Thank you for the discount code!
I’ve talked with SaunaSpace specifically about this topic and they said that you can look at the bulb, you just don’t want to stare at the filament. In the study that I linked to, the light was held directly over the eye for 3 minutes.
Thank you for this information! I have been using the sauna for a month now and my acne has completely disappeared! Hoping the scars fade quickly as well. Interestingly enough the hip pain I had been dealing with for a year and a half is gone as well! ❤️
Wow! That’s amazing!
Is red light the same as LLLT. The studies refer to it as low level laser therapy but do not mention red light.
Thank you!
Here’s the first sentence of the article that might clear things up for you: “Red light therapy, also known as low level light therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a wonderful tool to support the body and can be especially helpful for the thyroid.”
It’s good to know that photobiomodulation or red light therapy is an effective way to improve the thyroid and help the body heal itself from dysfunction caused by harmful EMF levels. My dad would benefit from this treatment since he has hypothyroidism. I’ll call my parents later to inform them about photobiomodulation light bed therapy, so I can send money for Dad to try it out. Thanks!
I have used LLLT now for over a year. I have autoimmune. This caused Hashimotos in me, hypothyroidism. I was taking 125mg/day of porcine thyroid. After a year now I am in a weird space. I now take 2.5mg/day, off and on, as the LLLT has all but near eliminated the need for it. Essentially it has cured it, but, I still seem to need it I think. I really wish there was some form of documentation on protocol of treatment. Since now I am in a situation where my T3&T4 are “normal”, but my TSH is always high. (Range 7-20, target normal is 2.5). Technically TSH shouldn’t matter as long as T3&T4 are normal. But I still have hypo symptoms that are also effecting my heart. I do 20 mins on my neck daily. But I’ve been stuck now in this cured/not-cured zone for awhile now and not sure what to do. Did you cure your thyroid with LLLT? If so, how did you conclude? Do you eventually stop the LLLT? Do you need to keep doing it every day to maintain? Did you experience any backlash? Do you know anywhere I can find more detailed information on protocol and follow up with peoples direct experience? Not having a source for this information has caused me so much anxiety as my heart is now a problem. Advice?
I’m glad the light has helped you so much! TSH is very important and tells you if the HPA-axis is out of balance. Oftentimes, one can have either high or low TSH, but still have normal fT4 and fT3 levels. This article might help: https://deliciouslyorganic.net/how-to-reduce-tsh-naturally-hypothyroid/
Hi i wanted to find out how often and how much light should be applied to the thyroid to help with hypothyroidism. my TSH is elevated but i also am deficient in Vit D3 and iodine – so thinking of getting D3 injections and increasing iodine along with phototherapy and will retest in a month or so. thanks
Once a day for 15 minutes or so is a good place to start.
Thanks so much for this article. I am considering buying it, but just wondering, do you use eye protection googles while using it? SaunaSpace doesn’t seem to mention the need to wear googles on their website, but other sites do. Thank you!
So this comment isn’t about red infrared light, but about far infrared. We were using far infrared heaters this winter that hang on the wall and look like posters. One benefit I found from THAT was that my blood pressure practically normalized. Then in spring, when we stopped using the heat, my BP spiked up again, so I’m going to try this for both eyes AND my BP.
Great article! A couple of questions..
What is the difference between the sauna space light and Lumebox (which states NOT to look at without goggles.)
Also, why does red light not help with vitamin D? Wondering what the science is behind that. Thanks!
They are different kinds of red light. For one, Lumebox is LED and SaunaSpace is not. For comparison, I’d look at each of their sites for info.
Do they near infrared LED lights work too?
Please could you get back to me te a price
Hi, Can this also be used to grow collagen under the skin for anti aging. My skin care specialist recommended red light therapy. Not sure its the same thing or not.
Yes, this is the same thing!
Thank you so much for the article, as well as the discount code for the red photon light. One thing I’m still not sure about is the safety of using the light without goggles. I noticed that a few people mentioned the same thing, but I didn’t see a response, unless I missed it. I know from your use of the light, since you use it while on the computer, which is such a great idea, as it gives you something to do instead of just sit there, that you do not use goggles. I’ve done quite a bit of research on red light devices, both for fibromyalgia and Hashimoto’s, and the one thing that almost all companies mention and provide to you with the purchase of lights, is a pair of goggles. I’m thinking it might be because you’re not staring right into the light, rather putting it at an angle, but I truly am not sure. Can you help me understand that part? Thank you! = )
I’ve talked with SaunaSpace specifically about this topic and they said that you can look at the bulb, you just don’t want to stare at the filament. In the study that I linked to, the light was held directly over the eye for 3 minutes.
Hello! I know it’s of course not recommended to use the sauna during pregnancy, but I just ordered the photon light during the Black Friday sale and it should be arriving today, but I just learned that I am pregnant. Is this light safe to use during pregnancy since it’s not heating my body but just shining light? Thank you so much!
I’m so glad you received it! I recommend reaching out to SaunaSpace and asking them what they recommend.
Does this help with vit D as well? Looking for something in the winter months.
It doesn’t help with D
I would love to get the desktop red light device, so I can use it on my desk while working – but $800? Unfortunately, there’s just no way I can afford that. I purchased a LumeBox last month with a half off $600 coupon code. At $300, it was manageable. It also came highly recommended by other health professionals I follow. However, their website was rather misleading showing pictures of people using it without goggles. Once I received it, the directions stated “do NOT use the red light therapy device without wearing the goggles”. I was so disappointed, so returned it. With the SauanSpace desktop version, you have your eyes wide open which helps not only my thyroid, but my eyes as well. If you ever have the ability to get a “half off” coupon code for this device, I’d jump on it! Thanks Carrie!
They do have a great Black Friday sale and you can always use my coupon code to stack on top of that! It’s definitely an investment, but I’ve used it everyday for over 4 years and have found it very much worth it.
Do you use red light panels in addition to the sauna space lights? I see you also promote those as well. I’m hoping I can get all I need from the sauna space firelight sauna. Are there different benefits from the panels? Thank you! You’ve helped so much over the years with your information! Patricia
How does red therapy work if you don’t have a thyroid due to thyroid cancer but are now considered hyperthyroidism?
If you don’t have a thyroid, then I’m assuming you’re on thyroid meds. So, I’d talk to your doctor about your thyroid hormones being too high.