Last week we shared what infrared light is. Now we’ll review some of the benefits.
Detoxification. It can strengthen the immune system by increasing blood flow, decreasing oxidative stress and encourages biochemical processes to function properly, even improving digestion.
Pain relief. Because it can penetrate so deep, infrared can reach painful, achey muscles, tendons and ligaments. By improving circulation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to stressed areas of the body, removing inflammation and promoting cell regeneration pain is eased at all levels.
Decreases muscle tension by surging nutrients and oxygen to tight, painful muscles. This helps to release spasms and prevent future ones by restoring oxidative balance. Thus way, even re- stressing the muscles can help prevent them from causing new spasms when wretched and mobilized.
Improve circulation by increasing the levels of nitrous oxide. This opens up arteries, prevents clots and improves blood flow to every tissue in the body. This improves every bodily function on a cellular level.
Boost immunity. Infrared light heats the body which in turn stimulated DNA synthesis, increased immunoglobulins and white cells in the blood. This enhances our bodies ability to fight infections, produce antibodies and regenerate at the cellular level. This even decreases pain levels.
Reset the immune system. Injury or illness can trigger an immune response that doesn’t know when to stop. NIR. Light therapy has been shown to reset the mitochondria in cells of a tendon or muscle that’s inflamed so they can function normally.
*Restore skin. The correct intensity and duration of infrared light has been shown to help skin conditions like psoriasis by increasing the cell renewal process and stimulating anti- inflammatory cytokines. It may also stimulate collagen and tighten skin.
Lower blood pressure. By increasing circulating levels of nitric oxide which caused blood vessels to relax. It helps to open up arteries, keep platelets from clumping and clogging arteries which can all lead to lower blood pressure.
Help digestion. By improving circulation, detoxifying and boosting immunity, digestion and gut balance is aided as well.
Improve brain health. Studies are showing NIR light can travel deep into the brain causing red blood cells to release nitric oxide. As stated before, this relaxes and opens blood vessels and improves blood flow. It also appears to stimulate the production of new capillaries and neurons. The potential is incredible.
This all sounds wonderful. But research into infrared therapy is still in its infancy with few real studies documenting all its claims. The FDA has only approved it to, “provide topical heating for the purpose of elevating tissue temperature temporarily for the temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and stiffness or muscle spasm by temporarily increasing local blood circulation.”
It has also been approved for the treatment of psoriasis by a healthcare provider.
Long term use is not approved.
It should be cleared with your provider if:
* You have a photosensitive condition.
* Open wounds.
* Use photosensitive medications ie tetracycline, hydrochlorothiazide, even NSAIDs.
* You choose to add heat such as a sauna to it as well. This can lead to dehydration and be a dangerous combination in those with cardiovascular and renal issues.
Infrared therapy may soon have a lot of wonderful applications. But for now, when used properly, has been shown to be a great addition to treating pain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8946909/
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2539004/
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699878/
-https://www.news-medical.net/health/Infrared-Therapy-Health-Benefits-and-Risks.aspx
-https://www.prevention.com/health/a20505854/light-therapy-for-chronic-pain/
-https://science.nasa.gov/ems/07_infraredwaves/
-https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf10/K102149.pdf
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745411/