What Are the Benefits of Infra Red Heating Pads?

Heating pads have been around for ages to alleviate muscle aches, arthritis pain, muscular strains and spasms, stomach discomfort and a plethora of other ailments. Traditional heating pads cause their own discomfort when used for long periods and therefore can only offer short-term relief. Far infrared radiation is different. It is a safe, naturally occurring radiation just below the visible wavelength of light. We feel it as heat on our skin everyday from the sun. Our own bodies generate infrared energy that we radiate away; this is the reason a room full of people becomes warm. Heating pads using far infrared energy are more effective than traditional pads, having benefits the old pads can't match.

Radiant Heat

• Infrared heat is a form of radiant energy, meaning it passes from one object to another without heating the air between the two objects. Pads using radiant heat are cool to the touch and can stay in contact with the body longer with no discomfort. This allows for better heat absorption and is therapeutically more effective. Since the pad can stay on longer, the user benefits from extended relief from pain and discomfort.

Deep Penetration

• Infrared radiant energy penetrates deeper into the body than traditional heat pads, up to 1 1/2 inches into the hypodermic layer. This allows infrared heat to stimulate tissue by warming the body from the inside for penetrating relief from arthritis, hypertension, skin conditions and ear, nose and throat pain. Infrared heating is the only way to achieve this deep body therapy because the ambient air temperature does not penetrate our bodies internally; core body heat remains at a constant 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit whether the air temperature is 50 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Increased Circulation

• The warmth generated by infrared energy inside the body causes capillaries to expand, thus allowing increased circulation. Restricted blood flow results from many disorders, or it can even cause disease if not treated. This is because the body's ability to heal itself in the affected area is limited if blood cannot reach it. Furthermore, infrared heat improves surface blood flow by dilating blood vessels without increasing blood pressure, according to Life Extension magazine. Since infrared heat penetrates less than 2 inches into the body, there is no dramatic elevation in heart rate.