If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to improve your overall health and well-being, then you may want to consider the benefits of infrared light therapy.
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic energy that has been used for centuries to help people heal and stay healthy.
There is evidence that it is beneficial in treating several conditions, from muscle and joint pain to skin issues, among many others.
In this blog post, we are exploring 10 surprising benefits of infrared light therapy, so you can determine whether this type of treatment is right for you.
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What is Infrared Light Therapy?
Infrared light therapy is one of the most innovative treatments available to manage chronic or acute pain. Infrared light penetrates beneath the skin layers, promoting the regeneration or repair of cells and increasing oxygen-rich blood circulation.
This type of therapy penetrates about two to seven centimeters into the skin’s inner layers, providing a much deeper depth than conventional treatments.
As a result, infrared light therapy can not only relieve pain but also reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
The safety and effectiveness of infrared therapy have been well documented, with no harmful side effects.
In addition to its analgesic effects, studies have also found that nitric oxide, a gas essential to artery health, may play a key role in infrared light therapy’s efficacy.
Through infrared technology, people are protected from harmful ultraviolet rays while receiving the benefits of the sun.
Watch this video breakdown on exactly how infrared therapy work by: Catalyst University
Infrared light therapy has numerous health benefits, including:
- Relieving pain
- Reducing inflammation
- Increasing circulation
- Boosting collagen production
- Healing wounds
- Improving brain function
- Reducing stress
- Detoxifying the body
- Improving sleep quality
It can even help treat hair loss. With so many potential advantages, it’s easy to see why so many people turn to infrared light therapy to improve their overall health and well-being.
The therapy utilizes three different types of infrared radiation—Near Infrared Therapy (NIR), Mid Infrared Therapy (MIR), and Far Infrared Therapy (FIR).
Near Infrared Therapy
Near-infrared light, or NIR, is a type of light that lies just beyond the visible spectrum. It belongs to the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Near-infrared light is located in between the visible spectrum and microwaves, with wavelengths of 810, 850, or 980 nm.
When applied directly to the body, near-infrared light affects the mitochondria of human cells. The mitochondria are responsible for converting energy within cells and are essential for proper cellular functioning.
When exposed to near-infrared light, the mitochondria of human cells respond by increasing their energy output. This increased energy production can help improve overall health and wellness on many levels.
Benefits of Near Infrared Therapy
One of the most significant benefits of near-infrared light therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system responds to injury or infection.
By exposing the body to near-infrared light, inflammation can be reduced as the tissue cells are energized and encouraged to repair themselves.
This can lead to an overall reduction in pain and discomfort.
Near-infrared light can also increase circulation and boost collagen production. Circulation increases when more oxygen is brought to cells in the body. Boosting collagen production can help keep skin looking healthy and youthful.
Additionally, NIR light can heal wounds, improve brain function, reduce stress, detoxify the body, and even improve sleep quality.
Mid Infrared Therapy
Mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths are more easily absorbed by soft tissue than near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. This allows MIR to penetrate deeper into the body, allowing it to reach injured areas and provide relief from inflammation and pain.
The increased circulation provided by mid-infrared therapy also helps shorten the healing process.
Benefits of Mid-Infrared Therapy
Aside from expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation, MIR wavelengths also allow more oxygen to reach injured tissues. Additionally, when combined with far infrared waves, MIR can increase body temperature and stimulate the cardiovascular system.
This in turn can help to support weight loss as the body works to cool itself through increased heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate during exercise.
In summary, the benefits of infrared light therapy, specifically mid-infrared therapy, are numerous and include relief from inflammatory conditions and pain, improved circulation and oxygenation, stimulation of the cardiovascular system, and promotion of weight loss.
These benefits are all part of what makes infrared light therapy a valuable treatment option for multiple medical conditions.
Far Infrared Therapy
Unlike visible light, far infrared therapy (FIR) is invisible and uses electromagnetic energy.
There are three types of infrared energy based on wavelength: near, mid, and far. Amongst them, far infrared radiation penetrates the deepest and detoxifies your body.
FIR therapy is non-invasive and has no known side effects.
Benefits of Far Infrared Therapy
Previous investigations have found numerous benefits of infrared light therapy with FIR radiation being used to treat a wide range of conditions from hair loss and skin disorders to chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
According to these studies, FIR therapy can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Increase circulation
- Boost collagen production
- Reduce pain
- Heal wounds
- Improve brain function
- Reduce stress
- Detoxify the body
- Improve sleep quality
Top 10 Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy
The benefits of infrared light therapy are vast, from promoting blood circulation to aiding in pain relief and detoxifying the body.
Here’s an in-depth list of the top 10 benefits of infrared light therapy and how it can help improve your overall health.
1. Treats Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common problem affecting men and women, but infrared light therapy is a great tool to grow thick-luscious hair! By using infrared light therapy, you can promote the growth of healthy hair and reduce the occurrence of hair loss.
Infrared light stimulates the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) within cells, which helps to increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and follicles.
This increased flow helps to strengthen hair strands and prevent them from breaking and falling out. Additionally, infrared light helps reduce swelling and irritation on the scalp, which can further contribute to hair loss.
Overall, infrared light therapy can be a beneficial treatment for those who suffer from hair loss and help promote healthy hair growth.
[Read: Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth – How It Works and What to Expect]
2. Reduces the Inflammatory Response
Inflammation is the immune system’s natural response to injury or infection and is a significant contributor to many chronic health conditions.
Fortunately, one of the most impressive benefits of infrared light therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation. Near-infrared therapy has been found to significantly reduce inflammation in muscle tissue after exercise, while far-infrared therapy has been used to reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissue.
This anti-inflammatory effect can be attributed to the increased circulation and oxygenation stimulated by infrared light. This improved circulation can soothe inflammation, allowing the body to heal more quickly.
Additionally, far infrared therapy has been found to reduce the production of inflammatory proteins and cytokines, further relieving symptoms of inflammatory diseases.
The anti-inflammatory effects of infrared light therapy make it an excellent treatment for conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and tendonitis.
3. Increases Circulation
One of the major benefits of infrared light therapy is increased circulation. Exposure to infrared light helps stimulate the release of nitric oxide, a gas that helps widen blood vessels and increase blood flow.
This helps improve circulation throughout the body and can help oxygenate tissues that may be lacking due to poor circulation.
Infrared therapy also improves lymphatic drainage, detoxifying the body of toxic matter.
Improved circulation also helps to speed up the healing process, allowing vital nutrients and oxygen to reach areas of the body that would otherwise be deprived.
Additionally, better circulation helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, and wrinkles. By improving the overall health of the skin, infrared light therapy can help people look and feel their best.
4. Boosts Collagen Production
Another advantage of infrared light therapy is its ability to stimulate collagen production in your body. Collagen is a vital protein that helps to keep your skin and other tissues healthy and firm.
The amount of collagen in our bodies decreases with age, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Exposure to infrared light helps to boost collagen levels, keeping your skin youthful and plump.
Furthermore, increased collagen levels can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint problems like arthritis.
[Read: 6 Anti-Aging Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy for Wrinkles]
5. Provides Pain Relief
The ability of infrared light therapy to reduce pain is one of its most sought-after benefits. This can range from short-term aches and pains to chronic pain.
Studies have shown that near and far infrared light helps with nerve pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. The therapy works by increasing circulation, which helps to inhibit inflammation in the affected area and reduces pain.
In addition, it has been found to reduce sensitivity to pain, improve joint flexibility and reduce muscle tension. This makes it an effective treatment for those suffering from chronic pain.
[Read: Why You Should Consider a Red Light Therapy Device for Pain Relief]
6. Heals Wounds
An often overlooked benefit of infrared light therapy is its ability to heal wounds. When used correctly, infrared light can accelerate wound healing by stimulating tissue regeneration.
This is because infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin, allowing it to reach injured tissues that are often difficult to access.
Studies have found that using infrared light therapy on patients with chronic wounds leads to faster healing and improved wound closure rates. This makes infrared light therapy an invaluable tool for anyone suffering from a wound or slow-healing injury.
7. Improves Brain Function
Infrared light therapy has a positive effect on brain health. Research has shown that exposing your brain to infrared light can increase cognitive performance and alertness.
Additionally, infrared light therapy can reduce anxiety and depression, improve memory, and increase focus and concentration.
In fact, a study published in the Front Public Health found that exposure to near-infrared light increased the production of an essential chemical in the brain called norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine helps regulate mood, stress response, and other aspects of cognition. Therefore, infrared light therapy can enhance brain function in multiple ways.
8. Reduces Stress
One of the most well-known benefits of infrared light therapy is its ability to reduce stress and tension.
Stress has been linked to several negative health effects, including digestive problems, heart disease, and even weight gain. With infrared light therapy, you can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall physical and mental well-being.
There is evidence that near-infrared wavelengths can help to reduce cortisol levels in the body. As a bonus, mid-infrared wavelengths can help increase the production of endorphins – hormones associated with happiness and relaxation.
Ultimately, infrared light therapy is an easy and natural way to reduce stress levels and promote an overall sense of well-being.
[Read: Red Light Therapy for Depression: The Newest Treatment Option]
9. Detoxifies the Body
Infrared light therapy can detoxify the body. Far infrared therapy has been found to activate sweat glands, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body.
Additionally, the increased circulation due to the light therapy stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping the body remove waste products.
This process can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost overall health. Overall, infrared light therapy can help keep your body healthy and toxins-free.
10. Improves Sleep Quality
The most satisfying benefit of infrared light therapy is its ability to improve sleep quality.
Infrared light positively affects the body’s circadian rhythm or natural sleep/wake cycle. It helps regulate the body’s internal clock, so you can fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.
Research also suggests that infrared light can regulate melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is a hormone that helps stabilize sleep patterns. By increasing melatonin production, infrared light allows you to relax and get a better night’s rest.
Finally, infrared light therapy can reduce anxiety, common causes of restless nights. Reducing these triggers can help people experiencing sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome sleep more soundly.
Side Effects of Infrared Light Therapy
While the health benefits of infrared light therapy are well-known, it is vital to be aware of the potential side effects of this treatment.
Fortunately, there are no harmful side effects of infrared light therapy.
However, some people have experienced mild discomfort during or after the treatment such as redness, swelling, headaches, or eye irritation.
These side effects usually go away quickly and can easily be avoided by consulting a trained professional before starting any infrared light therapy treatment.
Additionally, pregnant women and those recovering from skin conditions should consult their doctor before beginning any infrared light therapy regimen.
Overall, infrared light therapy has a range of amazing benefits, with few potential side effects. When done properly, this therapy can provide long-lasting relief from numerous conditions.
Best Infrared Light Therapy Device: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is a remarkable product that allows people to enjoy the benefits of infrared light therapy in the comfort of their own homes.
It utilizes far infrared heat, layered with charcoal, clay, and magnets to give you a luxurious sauna experience.
The newest model also comes with crystal therapy layers containing tourmaline and amethyst, which generate negative ions to help fight free radicals.
The newer model has a side zipper and is snugger, plus it heats up quickly. The temperature range is adjustable with levels on the controller and goes from 68 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is easy to use, well-made, and very relaxing.
It takes around 15-20 minutes before you start to sweat so you can fully reap the benefits of infrared light therapy without jeopardizing your time.
Bottom Line
Infrared light therapy has many benefits, from healing wounds and reducing inflammation to improving sleep quality and boosting collagen production.
It can help treat hair loss, reduce pain, detoxify the body, improve brain function, and reduce stress.
Consider infrared light therapy if you’re looking for a holistic and non-invasive way to improve your overall health.
With its proven health benefits, it’s no surprise that infrared light therapy is becoming popular among those seeking a holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle.