Quick answer: NovoTHOR is a whole-body red light therapy bed that bathes you in red and near-infrared light. Your cells’ mitochondria absorb the light and make more energy (ATP), which supports recovery, eases pain and inflammation, and aids tissue repair. Backed by over 500 human trials, it is used for recovery, pain relief, skin, sleep, and performance. A session takes under 20 minutes at Avantir Wellness.
Key takeaways
Red light therapy, often called photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, has drawn growing attention for its natural, non-invasive support of recovery and healthy ageing. This guide covers the science, history, and benefits of red light therapy, and the NovoTHOR Whole-Body Light Bed at Avantir Wellness, the first and only one of its kind in Asia.
Red light therapy, scientifically known as photobiomodulation, uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes that support recovery and tissue regeneration. When the light is delivered at the right wavelength, intensity, and duration, the mitochondria in your cells respond by producing more energy. That energy helps cells function more efficiently, supporting skin repair, new cell growth, reduced inflammation, and skin rejuvenation. It is non-invasive, painless, and uses no heat.
Light therapy is not new. It dates back to 1893, when Danish physician Dr Niels Ryberg Finsen, widely regarded as the founder of phototherapy in dermatology, found that exposing smallpox patients to red light helped prevent the scarring and pockmarks the disease was known for. He went on to develop a concentrated-light treatment for lupus vulgaris, a form of skin tuberculosis, work recognised with the 1903 Nobel Prize in Medicine. A century later, in 1995, red light sources flown on a NASA Spacelab mission for plant-growth experiments led astronauts to notice that minor scratches recovered faster, sparking years of NASA-funded research into light as photomedicine.
The NovoTHOR Whole-Body Light Bed is a red light therapy bed that uses red and near-infrared light to reduce pain, relax muscles and joints, and increase blood circulation. It covers the whole body, from head to toe, all at once in under 20 minutes.
THOR has been at the forefront of photobiomodulation since 1991. Originally designed to enhance athletic performance by addressing pain, inflammation, and tissue repair, the NovoTHOR Whole-Body Light Pod debuted at the 2016 Elite Sports Rehabilitation Expo, where it received the Innovation of the Year award. Unlike older hand-held PBM devices that treated one muscle at a time, NovoTHOR delivers light to the entire body at once, which is part of why sports teams and active people use it.
Every cell contains mitochondria, the powerhouses that produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for cellular energy. ATP drives many functions, including tissue repair and pain relief. When cells are stressed by injury, disease, or ageing, the mitochondria produce nitric oxide (NO), which reduces ATP production and slows recovery.
NovoTHOR delivers PBM at the right wavelength to displace nitric oxide and let oxygen return to the cells, restoring ATP levels and reducing oxidative stress. With mitochondrial function restored, cell metabolism improves and the body’s natural recovery mechanisms are better supported. In a study by Dr Hamblin of Harvard Medical School, red light therapy was associated with reduced inflammation across several tissues, and a study in the journal Laser Therapy found athletes who used it returned to play faster after injury.
Research has explored red light therapy across a range of areas:
| Area | What the research explores |
| Arthritis and joint pain | Reduced pain and better quality of life in knee osteoarthritis |
| Fibromyalgia and chronic pain | Whole-body PBM linked to less pain and better quality of life |
| Hair loss | Improved hair density |
| Skin | Tissue repair, collagen, and skin rejuvenation |
| Mood | Reduced anxiety and improved mood symptoms |
| Sleep | Supports natural melatonin and better sleep |
Evidence continues to grow, but individual responses vary. Before starting any new therapy, especially for a chronic condition, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it suits your needs.
NovoTHOR is non-invasive and painless, but a few safety notes apply. After a session, some people feel localised warmth, tingling, or short-lived changes in symptoms, usually within 24 hours and rarely lasting beyond 48 hours. People with metal implants, plastics, stitches, or a pacemaker can generally have sessions, but should inform the technician beforehand.
Tell the team before a session if any of the following apply:
Several Avantir Wellness clients have shared their own NovoTHOR experiences on video. You can watch a couple of them here and judge for yourself:
You can find more client stories at avantirwellness.com/novothor. Red light therapy is best seen as a complement to a balanced diet and regular exercise, not a standalone fix.
NovoTHOR red light therapy is in growing demand worldwide, with institutions such as Shepherd University in the United States adding the NovoTHOR light bed to their wellness centre. Avantir Wellness is the only destination in Asia offering the NovoTHOR Whole-Body Light Pod. In under 20 minutes, you can support your energy, recovery, performance, and sleep.
Visit our centre at 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #02-13/14 Katong Point, Singapore 427664. Email team@avantirwellness.com or WhatsApp (+65) 8852 0279 to book a NovoTHOR Whole-Body Light Pod session.
NovoTHOR is a full-body light pod that delivers red and near-infrared wavelengths across your whole body at once. The light is absorbed by your cells, where it may support natural processes linked to energy and recovery. It is non-invasive and uses no UV. At Avantir it is offered as part of a wider wellness routine rather than as a medical treatment for any specific condition.
A session is short, and many people fit one around a busy day. For an even experience we suggest minimal clothing, such as underwear or a swimsuit, so more skin is exposed to the light. It also helps to remove jewellery and heavy lotions beforehand, and to stay well hydrated through the day. Your coach will guide you on positioning and what to expect.
People use NovoTHOR to support everyday wellbeing, including recovery after activity, skin health, sleep quality and a general sense of energy. Because the light reaches large areas of the body at a cellular level, it suits goals that are not limited to one spot. Individual responses vary, so it is best understood as something that may support your body rather than a guaranteed outcome.
The red and near-infrared wavelengths and light levels used are considered comfortable for the eyes, so eye protection is not required. If you would prefer it, comfort goggles are available on request. As with the rest of the session, your coach is there to make sure you are comfortable and to answer any questions before you begin.
NovoTHOR is non-invasive and does not use UV light, and sessions at Avantir are supervised. Some people should take extra care or check with their doctor first, including those who are pregnant, have a history of photosensitivity, or take medication that increases light sensitivity. Please share your health history with your coach beforehand so the session can be tailored safely to you.
Avantir offers packages designed to make regular sessions more accessible, and the team can share current pricing when you get in touch by WhatsApp or phone. Like many wellness and cosmetic services, NovoTHOR is not covered by medical insurance. Your coach can talk through the options and help you choose a plan that suits your goals and schedule.
