Summary
Ben Greenfield reunites with Dr. Lew Lim of VieLight for an updated discussion on brain photobiomodulation, covering major developments since their first interview over five years prior. Dr. Lim explains the differences between the VieLight device lineup including the Neuro Duo (switching between 10 Hz alpha and 40 Hz gamma at 810nm), the X Plus (633nm for thymus and intranasal use), and the NeuroPro which allows customizable frequencies up to 10,000 Hz. The conversation dives deep into how different pulse frequencies produce distinct neurological effects. Alpha at 10 Hz targets the default mode network for sleep and relaxation, while gamma at 40 Hz improves memory encoding and reduces beta-amyloid plaques based on MIT research. A fascinating discussion emerges around how advanced meditators achieve psilocybin-like altered states at frequencies of 120-400 Hz. Dr. Lim also details VieLight's 290-person COVID clinical trial, explaining how intranasal red light releases nitric oxide that inhibits coronavirus replication, while thymus stimulation boosts T-cell production. The episode also covers photobiomodulation for chronic pain, TBI recovery, and the role of mitochondrial melatonin production.
Key Points
- The VieLight Neuro Duo uses 810nm near-infrared LEDs pulsed at either 10 Hz (alpha) or 40 Hz (gamma) through transcranial and intranasal delivery
- Alpha 10 Hz pulse targets the default mode network and is effective for sleep onset, while gamma 40 Hz improves memory encoding and cognitive performance
- MIT research showed 40 Hz flickering light reduces beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a key Alzheimer's marker
- Advanced meditators report psilocybin-like bliss states at frequencies of 120-400 Hz using the NeuroPro device
- Intranasal photobiomodulation releases nitric oxide which inhibits coronavirus replication regardless of variant
- The X Plus device targets the thymus gland to boost stem cell and T-cell production for immune system enhancement
- Photobiomodulation at 1000 Hz has an inhibitory effect on tissues, reducing chronic pain and inflammation almost immediately
- Combining the 633nm intranasal (circulatory) with 810nm transcranial (brain) provides complementary systemic and neurological benefits
Key Moments
Photobiomodulation reduces chronic pain by inhibiting inflammatory factors
Dr. Lim explains how photobiomodulation at 1000 Hz has an inhibitory effect on tissues, reducing inflammatory factors associated with chronic pain almost immediately, and describes the mechanism by which light stimulates brainwaves and mitochondria in neuronal cells.
"One thing about photobiomodulation is there is enough in the literature to show that it reduces inflammatory factors. When you have chronic pain, it is very often attributable to the presence of the inflammatory factors."
How intranasal red light releases nitric oxide to fight coronaviruses
Dr. Lim explains that photobiomodulation releases trapped nitric oxide from the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and this nitric oxide has the ability to inhibit coronavirus replication regardless of variant, while thymus stimulation boosts T-cell production.
"For the biomodulation, you actually release the trapped nitrioxide, and then the mitochondria functions better. The nitrioxides get released into your body, and nitrioxide has the ability to inhibit the replication of coronavirus."
Mitochondrial melatonin acts as subcellular antioxidant
Dr. Lim describes how mitochondria produce their own melatonin in response to photobiomodulation, distinct from pineal gland melatonin, serving as an intracellular antioxidant that helps maintain cellular health by neutralizing free radicals.
"The mitochondria has the ability to produce melatonin. This melatonin is actually different from the melatonin from the pineal gland, which goes into your circulatory system. This is a subcellular melatonin, which actually helps the cells to stay in a healthy state."
