Infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin and cells at varying depths, with each type providing different therapeutic benefits depending on use; infrared wavelengths generate energy in 3 distinct types: near, mid, and far.
Low level light therapy or near infrared uses special LEDs to permeate outer surfaces of the skin helping promote cell health and skin rejuvenation. LEDs are said to be effective as they can trigger natural photo biochemical reactions similar to how plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into plant tissue; mid infrared helps with pain relief; and far infrared is most commonly used in commercial infrared saunas, and is said to help lower blood pressure.
Each type of infrared sauna is said to come with its own benefits, exposure to all 3 types being suggested as most comprehensive, with most healing practitioners encouraging use of a 3-in-1 full spectrum infrared sauna.
Infrared and traditional saunas differ dealing with temperature and heating methods. Traditional saunas use convection heat to warm the room which in turn warms the body from the outside in a dry heat. Infrared saunas use radiating heat that is more evenly distributed to penetrates more deeply into the skin warming the body rather than the room.
Infrared saunas have plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting they help ti increase energy levels and symptoms of chronic disease. A 2009 scientific review found 4 separate studies supporting the use of infrared saunas for patients with CVD; 5 studies supporting its use in treatment of coronary risk factors; and 1 study supporting use in treatment of chronic pain.
Southwestern College of Naturopathic Medicine release findings suggesting benefits several years ago. JAMA published a study in 1981 suggesting regular use as benefits due to infrared raising core body temperatures. Emerging research demonstrates benefits in treatment of musculoskeletal issues, joint stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis, edema, eczema, muscle spasms, sciatica, and soft tissue injury among others with its regular use.
Infrared sauna treatments are suggested to be exceptionally promising in the field of cancer due to selective toxicity them have on cells; hyperthermic effects of infrared radiation are only harmful to malignant cells as explained by Dr. Irvin Sahni, saying normal healthy cells are immune to infrared radiation while cancer cells are hyper thermically challenged and exposure can selectively eradicate less viable cells without harming normal ones.
The Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy published a study finding after 30 days of infrared treatment resulted in tumor infected mice having up to 86% reductions in cancerous masses. Another study in Japan found infrared induced whole body hyperthermia helped inhibit growth and spread of breast cancer cells in mice without harmful effects.
Internal heating mechanism is suggested to offer a powerful punch for cellular maintenance and regeneration. With continuous replenishment of clean hydration and electrolytes there is no limit to its use, and the more the core is heated the better the benefits for relaxation, pain relief, cardiovascular, and anti-aging benefits. Full spectrum infrared saunas are recommended and backed by dozens of clinical studies suggesting effective delivery of all 3 types of infrared wavelengths at proper amounts helping to achieve benefits.
For safety reasons make sure there are no hotspots near heating elements, opting for radiant rather than reflected heating technology heat is more evenly distributed, efficient and effective. High emissivity ratings and large heating panels that stay cool on the surface are said to produce longer infrared waves that will more effectively penetrate the skin and cells. Low or zero EMF pollution is optimal to limit exposure to unnecessary UV or electromagnetic radiation.
