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A health trend -

Infrared heat is gaining attention as a revolutionary wellness method, offering subtle, penetrating warmth unlike traditional heating systems. It uses electromagnetic waves to heat objects, including the human body, and is increasingly popular in saunas and exercise classes.

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Unique science -

Infrared light consists of three wavelengths (far, mid, and near), each of which offer unique applications. Far infrared, widely used in saunas and yoga, penetrates deeper into the skin and possibly stimulates immune cells to promote body-wide benefits.

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Traditional saunas -

Unlike traditional saunas that use heating elements to raise the air temperature inside, infrared saunas heat a person’s body while keeping the air unchanged.

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Chronic pain relief -

Studies suggest that infrared therapy may alleviate chronic pain and enhance mobility by deeply penetrating tissues. While more research is needed, its potential for improving conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis is promising.

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Mental clarity -

Experts have reported that introducing infrared heat to a person’s workout routines enhances their sleep, sharpens their mental focus, and improves their energy levels.

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Therapy and exercise -

Infrared therapy is also being increasingly paired with physical activities like Pilates or yoga. The synergy between movement and heat may amplify the benefits for mobility, mental clarity, and even pain relief.

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Growing interest -

Infrared light isn’t just a wellness trend. Indeed, it has been used for many years in medical treatments for skin conditions, wound healing, and even hair regrowth. There are various applications that have been approved by medical physicians around the world.

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Heating deeper -

Far infrared heat penetrates up to 1.5 inches (38 millimeters) into the skin, which may stimulate deeper immune cells and other tissues. Experts believe that the benefits go beyond surface-level warmth, possibly improving systemic health.

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Enhanced circulation -

Heat from infrared light also increases blood flow, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This physiological response can help muscles relax and recover more effectively.

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Immune boost -

According to experts involved in the research of thermal medicine, raising body temperature by a degree or two through infrared therapy mimics the effects of a fever, which boosts immune function.

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Mental health support -

Infrared saunas may also reduce depression symptoms when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. Sweating helps the body regulate elevated temperatures often linked with depression, contributing to relief of symptoms.

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Cognition and therapy -

Researchers have been looking into using near-infrared light as a source of treatment for more extreme cognitive conditions, like Alzheimer's disease. Since such therapy assists in cerebral blood flow, experts believe that it could aid in maintaining the health of the brain.

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Dermatological treatments -

Near-infrared light is used in skin care to promote healing and rejuvenation. It stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, which makes it an increasingly popular choice in both cosmetic and medical dermatology.

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Cardiovascular health -

Infrared heat has been linked to improved cardiovascular function, potentially lowering blood pressure and improving heart health. Though the evidence thus far is preliminary, researchers believe that the results show promise.

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Congestive heart failure -

Recently, a study conducted on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) found that infrared therapy had caused significant improvements in shortness of breath, and also a decrease in a specific blood marker that is commonly elevated in patients with CHF.

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Lung health -

Some studies of infrared therapy have seen an improvement in asthma symptoms for stricken patients. People who have used infrared saunas have also had a lower risk of contracting pneumonia.

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Tumor treatments -

In thermal medicine, infrared heat (alongside ultrasound and radiofrequency waves) is used to treat tumors. Clinical cancer studies report improved survival rates when heat-based therapies are used in tandem with traditional treatments.

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Allergy-free -

When traditional heating devices are switched on, the rising hot air captures dust and allergens and pulls them upward. Infrared heaters don’t work on the same principles. In fact, since they don’t heat up the air, the dust, oxygen, and humidity of a room remains intact.

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Detox myths -

While infrared therapy induces sweating, the belief that it significantly detoxifies the body is exaggerated. Sweat contains trace amounts of toxins, but the quantity is far too negligible to meaningfully impact detoxification.

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Weight loss -

Studies have shown that infrared therapy has little-to-no impact on weight loss, and people who regularly use saunas oftentimes lose weight through other means rather than through saunas themselves.

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Safety -

Experts have made it clear that the infrared heating methods used in modern heating devices are perfectly safe to use. However, further studies are still being conducted to understand their long-term effects.

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Materials -

The materials used to create infrared heating devices also almost always utilize natural materials that do not emit harmful substances or ultraviolet light.

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Risks -

As is the case with any medical therapy, infrared treatments have some risks attached. Humans are constantly exposed to infrared radiation from the sun, and so using infrared lights could prove detrimental to one’s long-term health.

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Injuries -

Thermal or heat injuries can happen through infrared therapy, and can occur even without pain. As such, experts have warned against extensive exposure to such light, especially as research continues to uncover its effects.

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Vulnerability -

Researchers have issued a warning to pregnant women, cautioning them not to undergo infrared therapy. The results for this treatment, along with its side effects, are still being investigated further.

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Products -

Home products for infrared therapy have been around for some time. Devices like infrared blankets, lamps, and even handheld devices have made waves in various markets, although their effects may be lessened compared to a proper sauna.

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Global warming -

Interestingly, infrared radiation has also been used as an application to cool buildings by using a certain wavelength to counteract the heat that enters from the sun. This application has been considered on a global scale to offset the effects of global warming and climate change.

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The future -

As research continues, infrared light therapy may emerge as a powerful tool for medical and wellness applications. So far, its versatility and minimal side effects means that it could be a promising area for innovation.

Sources: (National Geographic) (News-Medical) (WebMD)

See also: UV lights kill viruses, so why aren’t they everywhere?

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