What are the contra-indications that are specific to LED colour therapy treatments?
If red, this also prevents the therapist performing the treatment.
- Photosensitive epilepsy- Some machines have the ability to set the lights to specific Hertz (Hz) and this means that the lights will flash and can trigger an epileptic fit. Programs can also involve changing lights during the treatment again causing flickering. As the practitioner will also be exposed to this light this could also affect them too.
- Migraine sufferer- Migraines can be triggered through exposure to lights and again this would expose the practitioner as well as the client.
- Porphyria- a genetic disorder that affects the blood, light can cause rashes, redness, itching and swelling in the skin.
- Autoimmune disease- Autoimmune disease refers to illness or disorder that occurs when healthy tissue (cells) get destroyed by the body’s own immune system e.g Diabetes (type 1), MS, Addison’s disease. LED light therapies specifically work on the cell’s in the body so if the body is already under attack on a cellular level this treatment can further aggravate conditions.
- Pregnancy- as with most aesthetic and advanced electrical treatments they have not been tested on pregnant subjects for ethical reasons
- Albinism- due to the lack of pigment and protection
- Psychological disorders e.g schizophrenia due to the lights triggering a manic episode
- Using photosensitive herbs or essential oils e.g st Johns wort, bergamont as this can cause unwanted pigmentation and even burns on the skin!
- Eyes that are sensitive to phototoxicity and light to prevent irritation to the skin and headaches can also be triggered.