On sunny days, we often feel a pleasant warmth radiating from the sun’s rays, even though we can’t see them with the naked eye. These invisible infrared waves, known as Far Infrared Rays (FIR), are essential for both plants and humans. While plants rely on FIR for photosynthesis and growth, humans can harness its power to improve overall well-being and experience a comforting warmth throughout the body.Researchers have made numerous discoveries on how to effectively utilize FIR to benefit human health.
As society moves away from over-reliance on medication and towards more natural remedies, FIR therapy has emerged as a promising solution with a wide range of advantages. Let’s explore some of the key benefits that make FIR therapy worth considering.
Advantages of Far-Infrared (FIR) Technology
For decades, scientific research has demonstrated that heat can enhance human wellness. Researchers have explored various methods to create more effective thermal heat therapies that target specific areas and allow for deep heat penetration.
Traditional heat therapies often pose risks and discomfort. Conventional saunas expose users to extreme temperatures that can lead to heat stress, particularly harmful for individuals with heart conditions or blood pressure issues. Additionally, thermal wraps can be uncomfortable and lose heat quickly, making them inconvenient.
In the 1960s, significant advancements in FIR thermal technology emerged primarily in Japan and Germany. This innovation transformed thermal treatment into a safe, natural, hygienic, and efficient method. Today, medical professionals worldwide utilize heat therapy for sports injury relief, detoxification, and even in neonatal care to keep newborns warm.
Benefits of Far-Infrared Therapy
Although more extensive research is needed to fully validate the benefits of Far-Infrared Therapy, existing studies and patient feedback suggest several advantages:
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Enhanced Blood Circulation
FIR helps expand capillaries, promoting increased blood flow and oxygen delivery. Good circulation is vital for healthy organ and tissue function [1]. -
Strengthened Cardiovascular Health
FIR can improve cardiovascular function by increasing heart rate and cardiac output while reducing diastolic blood pressure. Research from NASA in the early 1980s suggested that FIR could effectively maintain cardiovascular health in astronauts during extended space missions.
Additionally, the warming properties of FIR have been demonstrated to enhance the health of the cells that line our blood vessels [2]. If these cells are not adequately cared for, it could elevate the risk of developing heart disorders [3]. -
Improve Detoxification
Far Infrared Rays (FIR) are highly effective for detoxification and support lymphatic drainage [4]. According to scientists in Japan, when clogged capillary vessels are treated with FIR, the heat expands the capillaries and initiates a process to dissolve hidden toxins [4].
FIR promotes the elimination of various harmful substances from the bloodstream, including poisons, heavy metals – carcinogenic substances from food processing – lactic acid, free fatty acids and subcutaneous fat associated with aging and fatigue – excess sodium associated with blood pressure – and uric acid [5]. -
Accelerated Wound Healing
Recent high-quality experimental and clinical studies from Japan conducted in 2003 have demonstrated that Far Infrared (FIR) therapy can significantly accelerate wound healing, independent of changes in blood flow or skin temperature. FIR promotes this healing by stimulating fibroblasts, a type of cell responsible for collagen production, which is essential for effective wound repair and tissue regeneration [6].
Additionally, FIR supports critical processes such as cell growth, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis, all vital for tissue repair. As a result, FIR therapy is particularly effective for healing burns, scar tissue, and skin issues like acne and breakouts. Its antioxidant properties also contribute to anti-aging effects by enhancing collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles [6]. -
Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation
Far Infrared (FIR) therapy helps relax auto-neuro muscles, enabling the body to optimize its natural healing capabilities. By warming muscle fibers, FIR alleviates soreness in nerve endings and reduces muscle spasms. This leads to a swift decrease in swelling, inflammation, and pain, providing relief for muscle tension in the back, shoulders, and neck [7].
Additionally, FIR therapy promotes relaxation and alleviates stress in both the body and mind [7]. -
Immune System Support
Far Infrared (FIR) enhances and bolsters the immune system by promoting the increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the bone marrow and killer T-cells in the thymus [8]. -
Cancer Treatment Support
Far-Infrared Thermal Therapy, commonly referred to as Hyperthermia, aids in the destruction of malignant cells that are believed to be unable to survive when the cell temperature reaches 107.6°F (42°C) or higher [9].
FIR therapy is widely utilized in Asia and Europe, particularly in countries like Japan and Germany, but it has only recently begun to gain traction and research support in the United States. The American Cancer Association and the National Cancer Institute have recognized and endorsed its efficacy on their respective platforms.
In summary, Far-Infrared Therapy offers a range of potential health benefits backed by both historical practices and modern scientific research.
References :
[1] https://koreascience.kr/article/CFKO200333239337477.page
[2] https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/full/10.1024/0301-1526/a000752
[3]https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.4015/S1016237221500034
[4] https://thermomedica.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FAR_INFRARED_THERAPY.pdf
[5] https://www.therasauna.com/docs/Healing%20Power%20of%20Infrared%20Saunas.pdf
[6] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/153537020322800612
[7] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5
[8] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/thermalmedicine1985/20/4/20_4_257/_article/-char/ja/
[9] https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1097-0142(197706)39:6%3C2637::AID-CNCR2820390650%3E3.0.CO;2-S