Abstract: Each electron transport chain complex has different wavelengths at which there is peak absorption of the light. Methods described herein apply light at defined ranges of wavelengths to a patient's skin, targeting each complex of the electron transport chain at its peak absorption, to increase the activity of the respective complex. This results in improved oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function in the area treated. Complexes I and II are treated with violet-blue (400-490 nm) light. Complex I is treated with green (495-570 nm) light. Complex IV is treated with red (620-700 nm) light. To achieve optimal oxidative phosphorylation all three colors are applied to the treatment area, simultaneously or non-simultaneously. The light energy can be applied using a single device that can emit all three wavelengths, or multiple devices that emit a subset of the desired wavelengths.

Abstract: Light energy is applied externally to the ear of a person suffering tinnitus and down the side of the person's neck below that ear. If both ears suffer tinnitus, then the other ear is treated in the same manner. The wavelength of the applied light energy is in the visible violet-blue range of about 400-500 nm. Preferably applied light energy is 405 nm±10 nm. The light energy is preferably laser energy and is supplied by a laser device that emits a line of light energy. The line of light energy is waved manually across a treatment area in a continuous, sweeping manner from about one inch above the person's first ear down the side of the person's neck below the first ear. Preferably the light energy is applied using a hand-held device so that a person can treat him or herself at home.

Abstract: Light energy is applied externally to a patient's head, neck, or both, to treat the brain and nervous system. The light energy stimulates different neurological pathways, reduces inflammation, stimulates mitochondria function in the brain, and increases HRV. The light is applied to the patient on the skull, near the vagus nerve, or a combination thereof. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. The wavelengths of the applied light range from ultraviolet to far infrared, and preferably are visible light from about 400-760 nm. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is in the red range and more preferably about of 635 nm±10 nm. The applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies that mimic healthy brain function of alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves such as 8 Hz, 53 Hz, 73 Hz and 101 Hz. The pulse frequencies can be applied singularly, serially, alternately, or simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for treating autism. Light energy is applied externally to a patient's scalp on the skull near the frontal lobes. Optionally the light is also applied to the temporal lobes and the base of the brain. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is in the red range and more preferably about of 635 nm±10 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies of 8 Hz, 53 Hz, 73 Hz and 101 Hz. The light can be emitted from the same light emitter or from multiple emitters. Preferably the light is laser light and is emitted as a line from a hand-held laser device, and the line is waved manually across a person's skull in the desired area in a continuous, sweeping manner.

Abstract: Methods for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome are disclosed. Light energy is applied externally to a patient at or near targeted areas including the lungs, the vagus nerve, and spinous process to stimulate different neurological pathways and reduce inflammation. The wavelength of the applied light ranges from about 400-700 nm, and in a preferred embodiment uses two wavelengths, 405 nm and 635 nm. The applied light energy can be applied in pulses or as a constant wave. The light energy is applied at dosages that cause no detectable temperature rise of the treated tissue and no macroscopically visible changes in tissue structure. Preferably the power is 500 mW or less. The light can be emitted from the same light emitter or from multiple emitters and is preferably laser light.

Abstract: A hand-held laser treatment device automatically sweeps a line of laser energy across a treatment area of a patient without moving the device. Laser energy sources reside in a scan head housing, which is rotatably connected to a body housing at a housing mount. A motorized scanning mechanism in the body housing drives a pushrod connected that is to the scan head to cause the scan head to reciprocate about the housing mount axis, moving an emitted line of laser energy up and down. The scanning mechanism comprises a rotational motor, a pushrod drive cam, a guide cam and an amplitude adjustor, all coaxially aligned along a motor axis. Interposed between the pushrod drive cam and the guide cam are the pushrod and a guide bearing aligned along an axis parallel to the motor axis. The degree of sweep is adjustable to change the size of the area treated.