Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a trending wellness therapy that has gained popularity over the last decade or so. It’s been backed by thousands of studies for it’s ability to treat health ailments. Red Light Therapy used to only be available in certain health practitioner’s offices. More recently, anyone can purchase their own red light therapy device for at home use. Many companies have created red light therapy devices that are easy to use and incredibly effective. It can be confusing to know what company may be the best option. I have scoured the internet to find some of the best red light therapy devices in different markets. This post is highlighting my very favourite Canadian Red light therapy brand. Here is my Kala Red Light Therapy Review and exclusive Kala Red Light Therapy Discount Code (scroll to the bottom) for THV readers.
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* Information in this post is not professional medical advice and should not be relied on or used in place of consultation with healthcare professionals. Should you have any medical questions, please consult your primary healthcare provider. **
What is Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a technique used to speed up healing, reduce inflammation and treat certain health ailments. It uses exposure to red light at low wavelengths which helps promote a variety of healing responses within the body. This is done simply by repeatedly exposing areas of the body to low levels of red and infrared light for small treatment periods. Red light is emitted at wavelengths that do not generate heat or harmful UV rays. Red light is capable of safely penetrating deep below layers of the skin to create healing.
But, HOW exactly does it work? The answer is simple: it has an incredibly positive effect on our Mitochondria.
Red Light Therapy and Mitochondria
The main reason why red light therapy helps to promote healing is because of it’s effect with our mitochondria. Mitochondria are found in every cell of the body except for our red blood cells. Mitochondria is found in our skin, muscles, organs, joints, etc. Their job is to support energy within our cells and are a key component in a process called “apoptosis”.
Apoptosis is a process in the human body that encourages cell death of our unhealthiest cells. It helps move these bad cells out of the body before they can cause harm. This process keeps our bodies at their healthiest and discourages illness and disease from manifesting. Our Mitochondria are responsible for directing which cells need to be eliminated and which cells are healthy enough to stay. If we have low functioning mitochondria, our bodies are unable to turnover bad cells leading to disease and illness. If our mitochondria are functioning at optimal levels, our body will experience optimal health by maintaining only the healthiest cells.
There are many factors associated with modern day living that cause damage to our cells and mitochondria. This impairs their function. Red light therapy penetrates the skin to reach our mitochondria in our skin, organs and joints. Red light therapy helps ignite our mitochondria and provides them energy needed to function at optimal levels. A good analogy for this process is a flash light running on a low battery, it produces a dimmer light and doesn’t work as it should. Think of red light therapy as a charger for your cells. By simply holding red light over a specific area of the body, you will encourage the mitochondria in that area (whether that be an organ, skin, joint, tendon, etc.) to produce more energy, work more efficiently and speed healing to the area.
Red light therapy has become more popular over the years and it’s become a focus of study for many scientists. Just heading over to Pubmed and typing in ‘red light therapy’ into the search bar yields well over 7000 results of experimental studies published on it’s benefits. These studies range in topic and address a number of health conditions that red light therapy has been proven to support. We can certainly conclude that red light therapy is a well studied supportive therapy that can be applied a number of acute and chronic health conditions.
History of Red Light Therapy
The discovery of red light therapy has deep roots. It goes quite far back into our history and was recently re-discovered by NASA. There are now thousands of studies that support red light therapy’s various health benefits thanks to these scientific discoveries. Here is a brief overview of the history of red light therapy to better understand it’s origins and application in health care.
Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy
There are so many health benefits associated with red light therapy. Owning a device at home can be a key to unlocking good health. It is versatile, which means you can use it for many different conditions. I have used mine for ankle sprains, thyroid conditions, ear aches, the flu, sore throats, skin conditions like acne or rashes and so much more. It certainly gets it’s use in our home and has been one of the most used wellness tools we have ever purchased. Our entire family uses it when needed.
As mentioned above, there are many benefits associated with red light therapy. Here are 16 incredible health benefits of red light therapy:
- Increases Collagen Production: Red light therapy boosts the skins production of collagen. As we age, our collagen production decreases drastically which contributes to inflammation, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, loose skin and more.
- Anti-Aging + Wrinkle Reduction: Many use red light therapy for it’s anti-aging properties. This is done mostly by boosting collagen production which helps plump out our skin and fill lines/wrinkles. By supporting collagen production, we can naturally slow down the aging process and appear more youthful.
- Heals Skin Conditions: Red light therapy can help heal common skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.
- Reduction of Inflammation: Red light therapy has been proven to modulate inflammation production in the body. A study observed red light’s ability to reduce the inflammation markers of sunburned skin.
- Healing the Thyroid: Through stimulating mitochondrial production, red light therapy can compliment the use of thyroid treatments. It helps balance thyroid production and reduces inflammation associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- Speeds Healing from Acute Illness (Colds, Flus, Throat/Ear Infection Etc.): Red light therapy has been shown to modulate the immune system. This can help the body fight acute illnesses. It can also be used to help speed healing from ear ache and sore throat.
- Speeds Healing from Acute Injury (Sprains, Muscle Strains, Bumps and Bruises): Red light therapy stimulates energy production in the cells (ATP). An increase in ATP helps speed up natural repair and healing processes. This makes red light therapy beneficial in supporting acute injuries.
- Supporting Chronic Pain Conditions (ie. Arthritis, Chronic Injury, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.): Red light therapy has been shown to help manage chronic pain conditions. Several studies have shown conclusive evidence in it’s ability to reduce pain through reduction of inflammation and cellular support.
- Activation of Lymph and Detox: Many studies have shown red light therapy’s ability to enhance lymphatic function and improve the body’s detoxification process. This is especially true for sluggish lymphatic system, inflammation, circulation, and lymphedema relief.
- Reversing Sun Damage: Sun damage can create both cosmetic issues such as dark spots and uneven skin tone as well as deeper issues such as skin cell damage. Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate mitochondria within the skin which can help reverse signs and symptoms of sun damage on the skin.
- Speeds up Wound Healing: Red light therapy was re-discovered in modern time through NASA. Their scientists noticed their wounds were healing at a rapid rate when experimenting with red light for different purposes. This lead to more studies which confirmed red light’s ability to heal superficial wounds on the skin. This can help speed healing for cuts, scrapes, burns and more.
- Pain Management and Reduction: Just as red light helps to manage chronic pain conditions (As mentioned above), it can also help with acute pain from injury or illness. This is great for acute injury or pain from common conditions like ear pain or more. It helps reduce inflammation and speeds healing.
- Supports Cancer Patients: Studies have shown that red light helps mitigate side effects from cancer treatments and has shown to increase success rates of cancer treatments.
- Improves Athletic Performance: Red light therapy has been shown to speed recovery time from work outs, heal acute injuries, and enhance athletic performance.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Red light therapy can help to promote better quality of sleep and regulate sleep patterns. This is done by supporting mitochondrial energy stores, reducing inflammation, encouraging natural production of sleep inducing melatonin in the body, stimulating production of serotonin and reducing production of cortisol which hinders sleep quality.
- Improves Mood and Overall Energy: Red light influences better mood regulation by boosting serotonin and reducing cortisol. It has also been shown to reduce SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
How to Choose the Best Red Light Therapy Device
Red light therapy has become popular in the last decade. Many companies have begun making devices we can safely and easily use at home to receive the health benefits. This is great news but with so many different red light therapy devices out there, it can be difficult to decide which is the best for you. Here are some criteria I look for when vetting a red light therapy device:
- Power/Irradiance/Wavelengths: this refers to the power of the red light within the device and which types of red light are being used. Typically you want a device that offers the benefits of both red light AND NIR (Near Infrared Light) to receive a full range of health benefits.
- Battery Life/Longevity: This refers to the length of time your device will hold a charge IF it is a portable device. Most consumers are looking for handheld portable devices for convenience and affordability. The larger panel devices that cover larger areas of the body usually plug into a power outlet in a wall.
- EMF Readings/Exposure: Electronic devices have the potential of giving off EMF (Electromagnetic Frequencies). EMF’s are not good for the human body and we try to limit these exposures as much as possible. You should ensure the company you are purchasing from has complete third party testing with their device to provide an EMF exposure reading. The lower the exposure, the better.
- FDA Registrations/Classification: Devices like Red Light should be registered with governing bodies like the FDA and Health Canada (for Canadian products). This is important for any product that is to be used for health purposes as it regulates their safety and keeps track of recalls if needed etc.
- Product Range: Some brands only offer a small selection of device products while others have a larger range of options and price points. I love a company that has invested in delivering more options like portable device options, larger panel devices, and face masks to support skin health.
- Price Range: Red light can be expensive, but there are many companies offering better deals on their devices to make them more accessible to the everyday consumer. Brands often have a portable handheld model that offers the same benefits just over a smaller treatment surface. Red light therapy used to be available in health clinics only. Nowadays, companies have found a way to create products that can be used by anyone at home.
Kala Red Light Therapy Review
Kala Red Light Therapy is one of my favorite RLT device companies. It is the best option for Canadians in my humble opinion. There are many reasons why but I will break down how they fall into the above criteria so you can better understand why I have chosen this brand as a favorite Canadian option.
Kala Therapy is a Toronto based company created by two friends and former athletes. These men had been treated for their own injuries using red light therapy and were amazed at the results. They created Kala to offer high quality red light therapy devices for at home use at an affordable and accessible cost. They now have a full line of red light therapy devices in Canada that offer a range of applications. This includes red light therapy face masks and skincare wands to help combat signs of aging like wrinkles and even acne. I love that they offer a wide range of products and would classify Kala as one of the most affordable Canadian red light therapy companies available. Kala also gives back to the community by providing light therapy lamps to CAMH for those suffering from Seasonal Depression.
Let’s run through the categories I look toward when I was searching for the Best Red Light Therapy Device in Canada as it pertains to Kala Therapy:
Power/Irradiance/Wavelengths
Kala red light therapy devices perform very well thanks to their great irradiance levels. The stronger the red light irradiance, the better and deeper healing benefits you will receive. Their devices offer a wide range of wavelengths from their LED bulbs and they also operate with BOTH Red light and Near Infrared Light (NIR). NIR light penetrates deeper into the body to help with reduction of inflammation, cellular energy, increased collagen production and increased blood flow.
NIR light: addresses issues such as pain relief, muscle healing, recovery as well as cognitive health.
Red light: is most effective at addressing issues closer to the surface such as skin issues, hair growth, wound healing.
As you could imagine, finding a device that offers both red and NIR wavelengths is ideal. Kala offers both!
- Irradiance or Power: 100 mW/cm² at the surface of the LED.
- LED Wavelengths Offered: 630 nm, 660 nm, 830 nm, 850 nm
- Kala uses both Red and Near Infrared light
Battery Life/Longevity
Kala’s Red Light 2.0 Mini model is their portable option. It has a USB charging cable and a 7.4 V lithium battery. It comes with the charging cable needed to charge the device. Many devices only offer a USB connection but this also comes with an adaptable wall plug for those who do not have access to USB ports. This offers simple and effective charging options that keep the battery alive and your device working for treatment periods.
EMF Readings/Exposure
First off, what are EMF’s? EMF stands for Electric and Magnetic Fields, which are produced by natural and human-made sources of radiation. Ideally, your electrical devices produce the lowest amount of EMF’s as possible as they can hinder human health. Scientists have agreed that low levels of EMF are generally safe but that larger exposures to EMF over time can be harmful to health. This is why it is important to know that a company has tested and provided their results for EMF readings.
Kala is tested at 0 EMF Exposure from 6 inches away. This is an incredible reading as it shows that you can receive the benefits of the device and use it as intended while not having to worry about any EMF exposure. This is the type of reading you should hope for when choosing a red light company.
FDA Registration + Certifications
Not all red light therapy devices receive the same level of certifications and registrations as KALA has. KALA is clinical grade quality. It has been registered with the FDA and is Health Canada approved. It is also RoHS certified which is a European Union (EU) standard that restricts the use of 6 of the most hazardous substances found within electronic devices. It is also FC certified which is a US regulation that ensures electronic devices certified emit beyond safe levels. Kala has actually gathered some of the most registrations and safety certifications I have seen in any Red Light therapy company. They certainly have done their due diligence to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their devices.
- Clinical grade quality
- FDA Registered
- Health Canada Approved
- RoHS certified (EU standard)
- FC Certified
Kala Red Light Therapy Product Range
Kala offers one of the widest range of red light therapy devices on the market. You can scroll down to the bottom of this article to see the full range for yourself but here is a bit about the options available:
Most Popular Device: Kala Red Light Mini 2.0
The most popular Kala device is their Kala Red Light Mini 2.0.
This style of portable handheld device is most popular for those looking to have access to red light therapy within their home. Although there are many who opt for the larger lamps as they deliver treatment to the entire body surface rather than a specific treatment area. It depends on budget and preference. Kala offers differing sizes of the larger panel devices as well.
The Kala Red light Mini 2.0 is a great starting place as it is affordable and convenient for all. It has 12 LED red light bulbs. It is portable and convenient to use. It can be held over a wide range of areas of the body to receive a variety of health benefits. This is a great device to have handy for when injury or illness occur. I love having mine in my home for myself, my husband or my kids to use when needed. We love using it for ear aches, wound healing, acute injuries, pain management, sleep support and more. It has been especially helpful to have a red light device available during the winter months in Canada when the suns rays aren’t around quite as often. Having access to red light can offer support for those who experience SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or to eliminate those common winter blues that occur due to lack of light. This device is one I suggest to family members and friends. My own Mother has had success at reducing pain from osteoarthritis in her hands by using red light over the area each day.
Kala Red Light Therapy Anti-Aging and Skincare Devices
Kala also has a range of anti-aging and skincare options for those looking to receive the skin health benefits with red light. Their therapy mask provides red light to your face which helps reduce acne, psoriasis, eczema and wrinkles. It will help produce more collagen which assists with overall appearance and health of the skin as well as anti-aging. They offer a wand which is more affordable but for the benefits I prefer a mask option. Wands are less expensive but they are difficult to get the full benefits of the red light while running the therapy over the skin. Masks allow the red light to penetrate all surfaces of the skin over a period of time.
Kala also has a neck rejuvenator that can compliment the face mask or be used on its own. This delivers anti-aging and skincare healing to the neck and chest.
Kala Red Light Therapy Sauna’s and PEMF
Kala also offers a sauna blanket, full sized sauna and a red light sauna panel that can be used inside their sauna. In addition to this they have a healing PEMF mat. These gadgets take healing one step further and offer some unique health benefits for those who wish to improve their health.
Kala Red Light Therapy Discount Code
Kala Therapy has generously offered 15% off to all THV Readers. No code necessary, just click through the link HERE or through the products linked below and the discount code will apply to cart automatically.
Shop Kala Red Light Therapy

Kala Red Light Mini 2.0

Kala Therapy Wand

Kala Red Light Face Mask

Kala Red Light Pro Panel

Kala Red Light Elite Panel

Kala Red Light Elite Duo Panel

Kala Red Light Quad Panel

Kala Infrared PEMF Mat

Kala Red Light Neck Rejuvinator

Kala Infrared Sauna Blanket

Kala Infrared Sauna

Kala Therapy Lamp for SADS
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- The Best Red Light Therapy Device in Canada
- 16 Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy
- 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum
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