Studies show that far-infrared heat treatment has positive health effects. What is infrared heat and why is an infrared sauna good for our bodies?
Infrared waves, or infrared light, are part of the electromagnetic spectrum (a type of electromagnetic radiation). We encounter infrared waves every single day. We cannot see them, but we perceive them as heat. Infrared heat is the same heat radiation we feel from the sun and the same heat radiation our own bodies emit.
Did you know that it is your own infrared radiation that allows a thermal imaging camera to find you if you are lost in the woods?
For a naked person sitting in a room at normal room temperature, approximately 60% of heat loss occurs through radiation. Heat loss through radiation happens in the form of infrared heat rays. If you lie next to someone who is warmer than you, it is their infrared heat rays that help you increase your body temperature.
Infrared heat is a natural heat
The unique technology of using infrared heat in treatment is copied from nature's own laws and principles. The discovery of infrared heat in the 1800s and later its various wavelengths – often categorized as near (NIR)-, medium (MIR)-, and far (FIR) infrared – propelled the sauna to its next evolutionary state. The far-infrared sauna was invented by a Japanese doctor in 1965. Since then, the technology has been continuously improved.
Unlike its wood-fired predecessors, an infrared sauna directly increases body temperature instead of heating the surrounding air.
Today, the technology is widely used, both for home use and in various therapeutic and treatment forms by everyone from physiotherapists to specialized healthcare, for example in incubators for premature babies.
When infrared heat is used in treatment, it is also referred to as infrared heat therapy, energy medicine use of heat, Waon therapy, infrared light therapy, and infrared thermotherapy.
When using a far-infrared sauna, body temperature and blood circulation increase. Blood vessels dilate, leading to increased blood and oxygen supply to the brain, muscles, and tissues.
Safe and effective treatment method
Studies show that far-infrared sauna is a safe and effective treatment method, with a range of health benefits, primarily aimed at stimulating the body's positive processes that can contribute to improved health, and increased well-being and quality of life.
How individuals experience the health benefits can vary from person to person. While some, for example, use infrared sauna for pain relief, elimination of waste products, improved metabolism, or deeper sleep, others swear by infrared sauna for faster recovery, softer skin, or more energy in everyday life. Often it is a combination or it can be solely for self-care in daily life. Infrared heat has a healing function.
For people who are inactive for various reasons, an infrared sauna can be very helpful, precisely to "get the body going". The warming causes the small blood vessels in the skin to dilate. The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the skin, which in turn leads to energy consumption equivalent to a brisk walk.
Infrared wavelengths determine the area of application
In treatment, it is the wavelength that determines the area of application for the products.
All of Radiant Health's products today belong to the far (FIR) infrared group with a wavelength between 5-15 microns. FIR is a more holistic treatment with longer and more deeply penetrating wavelengths than NIR.
It has taken several decades for infrared sauna to gain a foothold in the sauna industry. Its popularity in recent decades is due to its health benefits.
When taking an infrared sauna, it is important to drink enough fluids, possibly with electrolyte supplements if you sweat a lot. You should not take a sauna if you are pregnant. Also not if you have a fever or certain illnesses. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
The article is intended as inspiration and interesting reading. Not medical advice.
Text: Trine Dahlman
