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Infrared Heat Benefits

Infrared heat is energy that is able to heat objects without having to heat the air in between the source of the heat and the recipient. One example of infrared heat is the light of the sun. On a warm, sunny day you immediately notice that it feels cooler when a cloud passes in front of the sun. The air temperature hasn't changed, but the amount of heat you feel has drastically changed. This type of heat is used in a variety of alternative and mainstream health care settings and has several benefits.

  1. Immunity

    • Infrared light promotes healing, according to the Earthtym website. The energy from infrared light increases the amount of white blood cells in the body. These white blood cells are a vital part of the immune system. Higher white blood cell counts can equal better immunity against various illnesses, which ultimately leads to better overall health.

    Infrared Coagulation

    • Infrared coagulation is a method of infrared heat therapy used in mainstream medical facilities. This type of procedure is commonly used to treat hemorrhoids. During the process the beam of infrared light is used to form scar tissue, which stops blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to die and form a scar on the anus.

    Mobility and Pain

    • An alternative form of treatment known as far infrared therapy is used to increase mobility and decrease pain in the joints of patients with arthritis. A ray of infrared light is used to penetrate up to 3.5 inches below the skin's surface and heat the area in the joints that are the source of pain.

      Therapists who use the technique claim infrared heat is helpful in relaxing muscles, increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissue areas and removing toxins from the system. All of these factors are believed to relieve pain, according to the FIR Heals website.

      According to the Thermo Medic website, there have been indications through research that the reason for the reduction in pain when infrared therapy is applied is an analgesic effect caused by a possible spike in endorphins.

    Improved Circulation

    • Far infrared therapy is also believed to improve blood circulation throughout the body, according to Thermo Medic.

      Circulation is increased when the skin vessels dilate. This typically only happens when the body heats up naturally, which may also raise blood pressure in some people. However, when infrared heat manages to dilate the skin vessels, it does so without significantly raising the body's core temperature and without raising blood pressure.

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