Infrared therapy has been gaining in popularity as it can treat pain and inflammation with infrared light. The wavelengths emitted have been shown to enhance cell regeneration and help repair cells at the site of injury and inflammation. Because it can penetrate deep into the skin, and not just on the surface, it is a natural, non-evasive way to promote pain relief. This is according to News-Medical.net.
How Did Infrared Therapy Get Its Start?
According to some experts, as early as 1896, light therapy was being used to treat those who were ill. It was first put into use by Dr. Neils Ryberg Finsen. The first use was for lupus vulgaris. Initially, the treatments could treat areas of the skin that were 2cm in diameter; each treatment would last at least two hours each day. However, physicians saw that light therapy helped to clear the skin from lesions. In 1903, Dr. Finsen received a Nobel Prize in Physiology for discovering these successful light treatments.
One of the many new uses for infrared therapy is infrared saunas, which offer additional health benefits.
Infrared Saunas Showing Positive Health Benefits:
Those who have tried infrared saunas have been pleased with the results. If you have never had an infrared sauna, most find that they can stay in the sauna longer as it creates a deep sweat at a lower temperature. While the high temperatures of most traditional saunas are very high, people can now gain all the benefits of a sauna without the extreme heat, according to Healthline.com. Instead of heating the air around your body, infrared lamps warm your body with electromagnetic radiation. So it provides benefits to your body, without the hazards or extreme heat, which can be detrimental to many that have high blood pressure or other ailments.
Some of the health benefits of an infrared sauna include:
- Provides enhanced relaxation and better sleep.
- Offers detoxification benefits.
- Many see a decrease in weight and improved circulation.
- Helps reduce sore muscles and joint pain related to arthritis.
- Many feel that they have clearer and more taught skin.
- It can have positive effects for those with chronic fatigue syndrome.
New Treatments Met with Success:
There are new and improved uses for infrared light therapy.
Because the treatments are non-invasive, they require no downtime, so it is the perfect solution for those who have busy schedules and are unable to make time for other more invasive treatment modalities.
Today, more and more medical practitioners are finding new ways to use infrared therapy effectively. It is currently used in medicine, dentistry, and even by veterinarians. It is often being offered as an alternative to other more invasive treatments to help those suffering from joint and muscle pain and arthritis. It has also been shown to have a detoxication effect on the body, as well as providing increased circulation, body purification, and the lowering of side effects associated with diabetes and other diseases.
It is often used to help:
- Cardiovascular health
- Pain and inflammation
- Muscle pain and injury
- Detoxification of the body
- Treatment for the side-effects of various cancer treatments
What are the Risks?
Some segments of the population should not undergo infrared treatments, they include pregnant women, those with heart disease, and those who are already ill. Also, it cannot help those with chronic illnesses.
As with all treatments, those considering infrared therapy should consult their physician to ensure this is the proper treatment for their particular maladies.