Infrared Light for Healing

Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation which is produced above the visible range of the spectrum. Infrared light has wavelengths between 0.7 micrometers and one millimeter. Though scientists agree that flashes of infrared light can have a number of health benefits, it is not readily understood how these healing effects happen.

What is Infrared Heat?

Infrared rays are able to heat our body through a process called conversion. During conversion, heat from an infrared lamp can penetrate the body without heating the air between the lamp and the body. This nontraditional way of heating the body has been used for decades to allow heat to penetrate into the organs to alleviate pain and promote natural healing processes.

Infrared Light and Healing

Infrared therapy is a popular means for treating aching muscles and joints; for this reason, it may also be beneficial for disorders such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Because it increases the circulation, infrared light may be beneficial for boosting the metabolism and improving digestive functions, detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system.

Types of Infrared Lamps

Infrared lamps come in a range of sizes, wattage and voltage. They are long lasting and usually will provide up to 10,000 hours of heat. Many of them can be positioned either horizontally or vertically for convenient use. They have built in timers with a range between 60 and 90 minutes for your personal safety.

Infrared Saunas

An infrared sauna differs from a traditional sauna in that it contains infrared heaters that emit radiant energy similar to that of the sun but without the harmful ultraviolet rays. Such saunas are believed to be beneficial for alleviating the symptoms in a number of disorders including arthritis, diabetes and fibromyalgia. Some alternative practitioners promote infrared saunas as a means of detoxifying the body by means of speeding up sweating and metabolism.

Precautions

Do not allow anything to touch the infrared lamp while it is on as this may cause a fire. If the radiation plates accumulate dust, use a soft brush to clean them before turning the lamp on. If the lamp should become wet, do not use it until it has dried out. Do not use an infrared lamp unsupervised if you have reduced skin sensitivity. If you are using an infrared lamp to treat your face, be sure to use appropriate protection for your eyes.

Contraindications

You should not use infrared therapy if you suffer from high blood pressure, tuberculosis, high fever, hemophilia, arterial sclerosis or are pregnant. You should also not use infrared light therapy if you have a pacemaker.

References

• Infrared Light Therapy