Nogier Frequencies and LED Photobiomodulation: Clearing Up the Confusion in a Rapidly Growing Industry

As Australia’s trusted leader in medical aesthetic technology, Aesthetic Bureau is committed to evidence-based solutions, transparency, and the highest regulatory standards. Here, we address the confusion surrounding Nogier frequencies in LED photobiomodulation. Our aim is to help you make informed decisions for your clinic and clients.

 

Understanding the Nogier Frequency Hype

The medical aesthetics and wellness sectors have seen a boom in LED photobiomodulation (PBM) devices in recent years. Many of these devices are now marketed using terminology like “Nogier frequencies,” a reference to the work of Dr Paul Nogier, a French neurologist known for his research in auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) during the 1970s.

The idea behind Nogier frequencies is that different tissues may resonate with specific frequencies, originally measured using sound or electromagnetic waves. While this concept may sound impressive, the leap from auriculotherapy to LED-based PBM devices is fraught with misunderstanding—and, at times, deliberate marketing spin.

 

What Are Nogier Frequencies?

Dr Nogier’s frequencies range from 2.28 Hz to 146 Hz, each allegedly corresponding to various physiological systems. They were initially intended for stimulation via sound or electromagnetic fields as part of acupuncture protocols—not for LED light pulsing. The scientific evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of these frequencies remains limited, with most studies conducted in niche acupuncture settings and lacking large-scale, high-quality trials.

Key point: There is currently no robust clinical evidence that simply pulsing an LED at a Nogier frequency delivers the same physiological benefits as the original auriculotherapy method.

 

Frequency Modulation vs. LED Pulsing: What’s Really Happening?

Here’s where the marketing gets muddled. True frequency modulation—think of how analogue radio works—involves continuously varying the frequency of a carrier wave. In contrast, most “Nogier frequency” LED devices on the market are simply pulsing their lights on and off at a certain rate (pulse-width modulation).

While these pulsing rates can be matched numerically to Nogier frequencies, the mechanism is entirely different. No clinical evidence supports the idea that pulsing an LED at these frequencies will reproduce the claimed therapeutic effects.

Aesthetic Bureau’s approach: We focus on evidence-based, peer-reviewed protocols for LED therapy, using wavelengths and dosimetry supported by clinical literature—not buzzwords or pseudoscientific trends.

Frequency Modulation:

• In electronics, frequency modulation (FM) means varying the frequency of a continuous carrier wave (like how FM radio works).
• In therapeutic devices, true frequency modulation would require sophisticated electronics and output that can actually alter the frequency of electromagnetic or sound waves.
• In auriculotherapy (the origin of Nogier frequencies), this was done using electromagnetic fields or sound—not visible light.

LED Pulsing (Pulse-Width Modulation):

• Most LED “Nogier frequency” devices are not truly frequency-modulated.
• Instead, they use pulse-width modulation (PWM): the LEDs are rapidly switched ON and OFF at a chosen rate—say, 10Hz, 40Hz, or another Nogier frequency.
• This pulsing only changes the timing of when light is emitted, not the wavelength or frequency of the photons themselves.

Why does this matter?

• The clinical effects of LED photobiomodulation (PBM) are based on wavelength (e.g., 630nm red, 850nm near-infrared), light dose, and treatment time—not just how quickly you blink the light on and off.
• Claiming that pulsing an LED at a certain frequency delivers the same benefits as Nogier’s original method is misleading. The underlying science just isn’t there yet.

Why Are These Claims a Problem?

Marketing Confusion

Unfortunately, some manufacturers blur the line by using technical language (“frequency modulation”, “healing pulse”, “Nogier frequency”) that doesn’t reflect what’s actually happening inside the device. For a clinic owner or practitioner, this makes it unnecessarily difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Regulatory Gaps

While Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides a robust framework for medical device regulation, some products slip through by presenting themselves as “wellness” devices or by exploiting regulatory gaps. The result is a marketplace where not all LED devices meet the same standards of efficacy, safety, or even legal complianceAesthetic Bureau Device….

 

The Broader Issue: Misinformation in Light Therapy

At Aesthetic Bureau, we’re passionate about elevating industry standards. Here’s what to look out for:

• Unrealistic Claims: Be cautious of devices promising to treat a laundry list of unrelated health or skin conditions.
• Scientific Jargon: If the marketing materials are heavy on impressive-sounding terms but light on published, peer-reviewed research, approach with caution.
• Regulatory Status: Always check that your supplier and devices are TGA-listed and CE Marked. You can verify AB’s listings on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

 

AB’s Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice

Aesthetic Bureau is Australia’s only ISO 13485:2016 certified manufacturer of energy-based aesthetic devices, ensuring rigorous quality control and ongoing regulatory complianceAesthetic Bureau Device…. Our LED photobiomodulation systems are TGA-listed and supported by the latest clinical research, not just marketing trends.

We offer:

• Transparent product specifications, including true irradiance and clinical parameters
• Training, ongoing support, and client education to help you confidently discuss PBM with your clients
• A proven track record of safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance in Australia and New Zealand

 

Red Flags and How to Protect Your Clinic

If you’re considering a new LED PBM device, ask:

1. Is the device TGA-listed and compliant with Australian regulations?
2. Does the manufacturer provide transparent technical specifications?
3. Is there evidence of robust quality control, such as ISO 13485:2016 accreditation?

If the answer to any of these is “no,” think twice before investing.

 

The Bottom Line

The use of Nogier frequencies in LED photobiomodulation device marketing is, at best, a misunderstanding—and at worst, a deliberate attempt to trade on the reputation of legitimate scientific research for commercial gain. For clinics, practitioners, and consumers alike, the safest path is to demand evidence, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Choose evidence over hype. Choose transparency over ambiguity. Choose Aesthetic Bureau.

 

Ready to discuss LED photobiomodulation or need advice on device selection?

Contact our team of local experts for honest, evidence-based guidance.